Fewer Lives Lost: Pittsburgh's Crime Rates Drop in 2025
In 2025, Pittsburgh experienced a notable decline in homicides, with only 35 killings recorded—the lowest number in decades. This trend was not isolated to Pittsburgh; other major cities like New York and Los Angeles also reported fewer murders. Experts attribute this positive shift to better community programs and an overall reduction in violence.
Suburban Areas Follow the Trend
The suburbs surrounding Pittsburgh also saw a decrease in homicides. Allegheny County reported 36 killings, the lowest since 2011. Some towns, including McKees Rocks and Stowe, had zero homicides, a stark contrast to previous years. In 2024, McKees Rocks was labeled the most dangerous city in Pennsylvania.
Not Everywhere Saw Improvement
However, Westmoreland County saw an increase, with 10 homicides—more than the previous two years. Officials noted that most of these killings involved individuals who knew each other, rather than random acts of violence.
Other Forms of Violent Crime Decline
Beyond homicides, other violent crimes also decreased. There were fewer shootings, assaults, and burglaries. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato celebrated this progress, crediting the county’s efforts to combat crime through health programs and violence prevention initiatives.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey also highlighted his administration’s role in the decline, particularly by increasing funding for the Stop The Violence Fund, which supports programs addressing the root causes of violence. However, some experts caution that it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for the drop in crime rates, emphasizing the need for more data before assigning credit to any single factor.
Behind the Numbers: Tragic Stories Remain
Despite the positive trends, tragic cases persisted. Many victims were Black men and women, and most homicides involved shootings. Some cases were particularly devastating, such as a man killing his family before taking his own life.
McKees Rocks Sees Positive Change
In McKees Rocks, where crime was once rampant, 2025 saw no homicides. Residents credit increased police patrols and community programs for the improvement and hope this progress continues.
Technology and Community Efforts Play a Role
Pittsburgh police attribute part of the success to technology and gun confiscation efforts. Tools like gunshot detection systems and surveillance cameras have helped solve crimes faster. However, they acknowledge that zero homicides remains a challenging goal.
