Violent crime is on the decline in Washington state and nationwide Amy Radil December 04, 2025 / 5:02 pm

Preliminary data suggest that rates for violent and property crimes in Washington state fell in 2025, continuing the decline that began two years ago. That was the big takeaway in a briefing for state lawmakers Thursday.

Jeff Asher with AH Datalytics said the U.S. has seen unprecedented year-over-year drops in its murder rate, to the lowest levels ever recorded.

“We have murder down 19.8% so far this year nationally, which previously the FBI’s 14.9% last year was the largest one-year decrease ever reported,” Asher said. “Maybe in the first year or two of World War II is the only comparable period in terms of seeing such a strong drop in murder,” he said. “We’re sort of in un

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