Crime & Law
Chicago on Pace for Fewer Homicides Than Last Year’s Historic Low: Police
(Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
Through the first three quarters of 2026, Chicago is on pace for fewer homicides than it recorded in 2025, a year that closed with the city’s fewest recorded killings in 60 years.
According to new data from the Chicago Police Department, there have been 321 homicides throughout the city through the end of September, a 3% decline over the same time last year and a 29% decline over that period in 2024.
That comes after Chicago saw 31 homicides during the month of September — 14 fewer than the same month last year. That’s also the fewest homicides in any September dating back to 2010, according to CPD records.
The total number of shootings (136) and shooting victims (165) last month were also down compared to September 2025, police said.
Through the end of September, Chicago has recorded a 4% decline in total shootings and a 2% drop in the number of shooting victims compared to 2025, a year that marked a historic low for violence in the city.
According to the CPD, carjackings are down 26% this year, while robberies (down 21%) and burglaries (down 10%) have also seen declines.
Violent crime on the CTA’s train and bus lines is down 32% this year, while property crime has decreased by 26%, according to CPD data.
WTTW News coverage of policing and police reform is supported by The Joyce Foundation.
