In 2022, Chicago experienced its lowest rate of homicides since before the pandemic outbreak.
Chicago Police Department data indicates that 695 homicides occurred in the city between January 1 and December 31, 2022. This is a double-digit decrease since the previous two years, but would still be among the four highest homicide numbers since 1999.
And while combatting violence in Chicago is still an ongoing process, the Chicago Police Department’s data demonstrates that increased law enforcement presence and community-driven initiatives have had a positive effect.
Chicago Shootings, Year-By-Year 1999 – 2022
However, the Windy City ended the year on a sour note as 55 homicides were recorded in December 2022 – the highest number seen there in a calendar month since 2016 and the second deadliest over the course of two decades.
“Over the course of this year, the Chicago Police Department has made great strides in our communities by talking and working with residents to grow trust, build relationships, and enhance public safety,” Police Superintendent David Brown said in a statement via WTTW.
“The consistent patterns of reductions in gun violence shows that we’re making a difference but it also serves as a reminder that we can’t let up.”
According to city data for 2022, an overwhelming majority of homicide victims were Black – approximately three out of every four. Almost 87% were male, with one-third in their twenties.
Also, the 2,832 shootings that occurred in Chicago in 2022 reflected a 20% reduction from the previous year. Despite this, general violent crime still rose by 1.5%. This was mainly driven by robberies which spiked 23% from 2021 to 2022.
