Global AveragesGlobal Averages

    Global Average Crime Rate

    Last updated: March 1, 2026

    5.8

    per 100,000

    The global average intentional homicide rate is approximately 5.8 per 100,000 people, totaling about 458,000 murders annually. Latin America and the Caribbean have the highest rates (~20), while East Asia has the lowest (~0.6).

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    Historical Trend

    Source: UNODC

    Why This Average Exists

    Homicide rates are the most reliable cross-country crime comparison metric and reflect social stability, inequality, and rule of law effectiveness.

    Factors That Affect Global Average Crime Rate

    • Income inequality
    • Drug trafficking
    • Gun availability
    • Police effectiveness
    • Youth unemployment
    • Urbanization

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Methodology & Data Sources

    The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

    Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

    All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.

    Further Reading