In 2025, Philadelphia recorded its lowest number of homicides in six decades.
Experts credit this trend to the city’s investment in prevention and crime-fighting strategies, writes Isaac Avilucea for AXIOS Philadelphia.
These strategies — which include implementing anti-violence initiatives in neighborhoods and police targeting groups responsible for much of the city’s violence — has helped Philadelphia reverse its historically high 561 homicides in 2021 to 222 last year.
As of March 10, 2026, Philadelphia has recorded 19 homicides. This is a 51 percent decline from the same time frame last year.
Upon being elected, Mayor Cherelle Parker and her administration has implemented a “PIE” strategy, which stands for prevention, intervention, and enforcement.
In regards to the enforcement piece, District Attorney Larry Krasner has made it a point of emphasis to conduct large-scale investigations, which has impacted some of the city’s warring neighborhood factions and led to many prosecutions.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s anti-violence groups have been supported by $60 million in grants since 2021.
While University of Pennsylvania criminologist John MacDonald praises the progress being made, he stresses the importance of maintaining the commitment to the strategy.
“Stay vigilant about going after groups involved in shootings. Keep people gainfully employed, busy in the summer, doing productive things, so they don’t get drawn into that kind of life,” he said.
Read more about Philly’s homicide decline at AXIOS Philadelphia.
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