After two consecutive years of increases, the estimated number of violent crimes in the United States decreased 0.2% in 2017 when compared with 2016 data, according to FBI figures released on Monday. Property crimes dropped 3.0%—the 15th consecutive year the collective estimates for these offenses declined, the FBI said.
FBI Says Violent Crime Down Slightly in 2017
After two consecutive years of increases, the estimated number of violent crimes in the United States decreased 0.2% in 2017 when compared with 2016 data, according to FBI figures released on Monday. Property crimes dropped 3.0%.

"The 2017 statistics show the estimated rate of violent crime was 382.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants, and the estimated rate of property crime was 2,362.2 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants," the FBI said in a statement . "The violent crime rate fell 0.9 percent when compared with the 2016 rate; the property crime rate declined 3.6%."
A high-level summary of the statistics submitted, as well as estimates for those agencies that did not report, follows:
In 2017, there were an estimated 1,247,321 violent crimes. The estimated number of robbery offenses decreased 4.0 %, and the estimated number of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter offenses decreased 0.7 % when compared with estimates from 2016. The estimated volume of aggravated assault and rape (revised definition) offenses increased 1.0 % and 2.5 %, respectively.
Nationwide, there were an estimated 7,694,086 property crimes. The estimated numbers for two of the three property crimes showed declines when compared with the previous year’s estimates. Burglaries dropped 7.6 %, larceny-thefts decreased 2.2 %, but motor vehicle thefts rose 0.8 %.
Collectively, victims of property crimes (excluding arson) suffered losses estimated at $15.3 billion in 2017.
The FBI estimated law enforcement agencies nationwide made 10.6 million arrests, (excluding those for traffic violations) in 2017.
The arrest rate for violent crime was 160.7 per 100,000 inhabitants; the arrest rate for property crime was 388.7 per 100,000 inhabitants.
By violent crime offense, the arrest rate for murder and nonnegligent manslaughter was 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants; rape (aggregate total using the revised and legacy definition), 7.2; robbery, 29.3; and aggravated assault, 120.4 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Of the property crime offenses, the arrest rate for burglary was 61.7 per 100,000 inhabitants; larceny-theft, 296.0; and motor vehicle theft, 28.2. The arrest rate for arson was 2.8 per 100,000 inhabitants.
In 2017, 13,128 law enforcement agencies reported their staffing levels to the FBI. These agencies reported that, as of October 31, 2017, they collectively employed 670,279 sworn officers and 286,662 civilians—a rate of 3.4 employees per 1,000 inhabitants.
More Patrol
From the Show Floor: Traka
Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.
Read More →
Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium
Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.
Read More →
2026 US Police and Fire Championships to Unite First Responders in San Diego for 59th Annual Event
The 2026 US Police and Fire Championships, featuring more than 35 Olympic-style events and new competitions, will return to San Diego, California.
Read More →
FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends to Host Live Audience for National First Responders Day
In honor of National First Responders Day, FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends will host a live audience made up of first responders and their families. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel have been invited to attend the live program.
Read More →How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management
Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.
Read More →
Axon Ecosystem Advancements Connect Critical Moments of Public Safety Response
Last week, during IACP 2025, Axon unveiled what it called the next evolution of its connected public safety ecosystem. Key launches included Prepared by Axon, new Axon Assistant and Axon Air Drone as First Responder (DFR) capabilities, and Community Shield and Community Link.
Read More →When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →
Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?
The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.
Read More →
Streamlight Releases the Ultra-Thin Wedge SL
Streamlight has launched the Wedge SL, an ultra-thin, USB-C rechargeable light designed for users who want pocketable power.
Read More →More IACP 2025 From the Show Floor
Watch expanded coverage of IACP 2025 as the POLICE Magazine team walks the aisles at the expo and shares what we found interesting on display for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.
Read More →
