Boston has recorded seven homicides so far this year, roughly half the city’s five-year average, according to police figures released this week. The drop includes far fewer fatal shootings and a noticeable decline in overall shooting victims across the city, even as property crimes such as auto theft and certain larcenies keep officers busy. City public-safety officials say they are watching the numbers closely as summer events and warmer weather roll in.
Police numbers at a glance
As reported by the Boston Herald, Boston Police Department data show seven homicides through the reporting period, compared with a five-year average of about 13.8. Fatal shootings stand at three so far this year, below the five-year average of 10. The Herald notes that the department’s incident log and weekly overview were the basis for the summary released this week.
Shootings and other violent crime trends
According to data from the Boston Police Department, non-fatal shootings are at 37 through the period, versus a five-year average of about 48. Taken together, fatal and non-fatal shooting victims are down roughly 30% from the five-year average. Robbery and attempted robbery total 310 this year, compared with a five-year average near 330, and non-domestic aggravated assault is slightly under its five-year norm at 669 incidents.
How officials read the trend
Officials caution that year-to-date totals can change quickly when seasonal shifts and a small cluster of incidents hit at once. As Axios observed, summers often bring upticks in violent incidents, and last year’s totals climbed after an unusually quiet 2024. That kind of volatility is why city leaders say they are sticking with a mix of targeted enforcement and community-based violence-prevention work.
City response and resources
City officials point to investments in prevention programs and policing tactics as part of a multi-pronged approach, while still urging residents to stay alert and share information with investigators. Those plans were laid out in a year-end public safety update from the mayor’s office and city agencies, according to Boston.gov.
What to watch
Police note that the department’s incident log for the 24-hour period used in the briefing included a wide range of calls, from burglaries to vehicle thefts, a reminder that lower homicide totals do not erase other neighborhood harms. Residents with tips, photos or video that could help investigations are asked to contact CrimeStoppers or use the Boston Police tip tools, according to the Boston Police Department.
