Murders by Weapon Type: September 2024 Statistics

Homicides in the U.S. have risen to levels similar to those seen in the 1980s. The most commonly used weapons are firearms, unspecified weapons, and sharp objects.

Murders in the U.S. by Weapon Type

In 2023, the United States recorded 22,830 homicides. Firearms were involved in 79 percent of the cases, sharp objects in 7 percent, and unspecified injuries accounted for 5.7 percent. Suffocation was attributed to 2.6 percent of homicides, while 2 percent involved blunt force injuries from being struck by or against an object. ²

In 2022, there were 7,936 homicides involving a handgun, 5,704 involving an unspecified firearm, and 1,630 involving a knife or sharp object. Additionally, 665 homicides were committed using personal weapons, such as hands or fists, and 541 involved a rifle. ⁵

Since 1979, firearms have been used in more than half of all homicides. However, the rate of firearm use in homicides has increased significantly since 2021. Before 2021, other weapons accounted for 30% to 40% of all homicides. In 2021, firearms were used in over 80% of homicides for the first time in U.S. history.^{1, 2, 3}

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Murders by Weapon Type by State

As of 2023, Mississippi has the highest rate of firearm-related homicides, with firearms involved in 91% of cases, while South Dakota has the highest rate of homicides involving other objects, at 74%. ²

Southern states such as Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee also have high rates of firearm-related homicides, with 88%, 89%, and 86%, respectively. In Washington, D.C., and Missouri, firearms are involved in 85% of homicides, followed by 84% in Virginia and Kentucky, and 83% in Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.

Homicides involving other objects occur at higher rates in New York (44%), Hawaii (46%), New Hampshire (43%), and Nebraska (42%).

On average, firearms are used more frequently than any other weapon type in every state except South Dakota, where eleven out of forty-two homicides in 2023 involved firearms.

Texas, California, Florida, Illinois, and Georgia contributed the most homicides to the nation’s total. Firearms were used in 72% of homicides in California, 78% in Florida, 79% in Texas, and 83% in both Illinois and Georgia.

Wyoming, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and North Dakota had the fewest homicides in 2023. Weapon data for Wyoming is unavailable, but firearms were used in 72% of homicides in Vermont, 64% in Rhode Island, 72% in New Hampshire, and 61% in North Dakota.

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What is the Weapon That is Most Commonly Used for Homicides

Despite a similar number of homicides, firearms are used more frequently today than in the 1980s. In 1979, firearms were involved in 65% of homicides. By 2000, this figure had dropped to less than 64%. ³

In 2012, firearms were used in more than 70% of homicides for the first time. By 2021, firearms were involved in over 80% of murders, marking a historic high in the U.S. As of 2023, firearms are used in nearly 80% of all homicides nationwide. ^{2, 3}

Homicide rates declined between 1999 and 2014, reaching levels similar to those seen in the 1960s. Between 2013 and 2018, the U.S. averaged 15,000 homicides annually. Of these, handguns were used in an average of 6,615 homicides per year. Knives and cutting instruments accounted for an average of 1,544 homicides annually, while personal weapons (hands, fists, feet, etc.) were involved in an average of 669 homicides per year. ⁴

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Homicide in America: Weapons & Trends

Firearms have been the most commonly used weapon in homicides for decades, but their usage has increased by 33% over the past five years.

Despite decreased access to firearms and the implementation of stricter gun control laws, more offenders are using firearms in homicides than ever before. In contrast, during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, knives and personal weapons were more commonly used. Unspecified weaponry, knives, and firearms continue to be the most frequently used weapons in homicides compared to other weapon types.

Sources

1. CDC Wonder Database 2018-2022
2. CDC Provisional Wonder Database 2018-2023
3. CDC Compressed Mortality Database 1979-1998
4. FBI Expanded Homicides 2013-2019
5. Number of Murder Victims by Weapon Used 2022