Report on 2024 U.S. Crime Statistics and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report analyzes the 2024 Unified Crime Report data released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The findings indicate a significant nationwide decrease in both violent and property crime, marking progress toward key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). However, persistent challenges related to hate crimes and unreported incidents highlight areas requiring continued focus to fully achieve SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Crime Reduction Trends and Progress Toward SDG 16

The 2024 data, compiled from 16,675 law enforcement agencies covering 95.6% of the U.S. population, shows a comprehensive decline in reported crime. This trend directly supports the objectives of SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Key Findings on Violent Crime (SDG 16.1)

The reduction in violence is a primary indicator of progress toward SDG Target 16.1: “Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.”

• Overall violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) decreased by an estimated 4.5% compared to 2023.
• The murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate fell by 14.9%, dropping to 5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This is the second consecutive year of decline.
• Robbery incidents decreased by 8.9%.
• Aggravated assaults, while still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, were down by 3%.

Despite these positive trends, the report notes that a violent crime still occurred every 25.9 seconds in 2024, and 258 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed between 2021 and 2024, underscoring the ongoing risks to institutional stability and public safety.

Analysis of Specific Crime Categories and SDG Linkages

Property Crime and Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)

A significant 8.1% decrease in property crime contributes to SDG 11, which seeks to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Safer communities are fundamental to sustainable urban development.

1. Motor Vehicle Theft: This category saw a record one-year drop of 18.6%, though rates remain higher than in 2019.
2. Burglary: Incidents decreased by 8.6%.
3. Larceny-Theft: This category saw a 5.5% reduction.

The overall property crime rate in 2024 reached its lowest point since 1961, a critical achievement for community stability and well-being.

Gender-Based Violence (SDG 5)

The report found an estimated 5.2% decrease in reported instances of rape. This aligns with SDG Target 5.2: “Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.” However, it is critical to acknowledge the limitations of this data, as victim advocacy groups consistently note that sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes, meaning the official statistics do not capture the full scale of the issue.

Hate Crimes and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10 & SDG 16)

Hate crimes represent a direct challenge to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and the goal of fostering inclusive societies under SDG 16. In 2024, law enforcement agencies reported 11,679 criminal incidents motivated by bias.

• The incidents were based on race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or gender identity.
• While the overall number of incidents saw a slight decrease from 2023, specific biases remain a concern. Reports indicate a rise in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes following geopolitical events in late 2023.
• Analysis from the Secure Community Network suggests that approximately 69% of religiously motivated hate incidents in 2024 were antisemitic.

Contributing Factors, Outlook, and Data Limitations

Drivers of Crime Reduction

While the FBI did not specify causes for the decline, contributing factors cited by experts align with sustainable development strategies.

• Community and Violence Intervention Programs: Officials in Los Angeles credited investments in community-based programs for the local drop in crime, a strategy that supports both SDG 11 and SDG 16 by building safer communities and strengthening local institutions.
• Shift to Cybercrime: Law enforcement experts suggest a potential shift by criminals toward online offenses like identity theft, presenting new challenges for justice systems.

Future Outlook and Conclusion

Preliminary data for the first half of 2025 indicates that the downward trend in crime is continuing, particularly for homicides, which have fallen to a ten-year low. This sustained progress is promising for achieving long-term SDG targets. However, the data’s reliance on reported crimes remains a significant limitation. The true volume of crime is higher than official statistics represent, highlighting the need for comprehensive victim surveys and continued investment in programs that build trust and encourage reporting, thereby ensuring justice and support for all individuals in line with the core principles of the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on crime statistics in the United States directly and indirectly relates to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that focus on peace, justice, equality, and safe communities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the most relevant SDG, as the entire article revolves around crime rates, violence, and the role of law enforcement agencies. It discusses the efforts to reduce violence and build a more just and peaceful society by tracking and reporting on crime.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article’s specific section on hate crimes connects directly to this goal. It highlights that certain groups are targeted by crime based on their “race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender or gender identity,” which is a clear manifestation of inequality in safety and security.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The article’s discussion of falling violent and property crime rates, as well as the success of “community and violence intervention programs,” directly contributes to the objective of creating safer communities for all residents.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   The article is centered on this target. It provides extensive data on the reduction of violent crimes, stating that “All violent crime decreased last year” and that the “murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate decreased 14.9% year over year.” It also covers specific forms of violence like rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, as well as violence against law enforcement, noting that “258 law enforcement officers feloniously killed in the line of duty” between 2021 and 2024.

2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   The article touches upon this target by discussing the limitations of the official crime data. The statement that “most crimes are not reported to police,” with a specific mention that “many rapes go unreported,” highlights a significant gap in access to justice for victims who do not or cannot engage with the formal justice system.

3. Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

   The section on hate crimes directly relates to this target. The article details the reporting of “11,679 criminal incidents and 13,683 related offenses motivated by bias.” This data on crimes driven by discrimination is essential for understanding and enforcing non-discriminatory policies.

4. Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

   The hate crime data also applies here. Crimes targeting individuals based on their identity (race, religion, etc.) represent a severe inequality of outcome in terms of personal safety and security. The article notes that “roughly 69% of the reported religiously motivated incidents in 2024 were antisemitic,” pointing to a specific inequality faced by the Jewish community.

5. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.

   The overall reduction in crime contributes to this target. Lower rates of violent crime (down 4.5%) and property crime (down 8.1%) make communities and their public spaces inherently safer and more accessible for everyone. The article notes that the “overall property crime rate in 2024 was the lowest recorded since 1961,” which is a significant milestone for community safety.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article is rich with quantitative data that can serve as direct indicators for measuring progress.

• Intentional Homicide Rate: The article explicitly states the murder rate, which is a primary indicator for Target 16.1. It reports the rate dropped “to 5 murders per 100,000 inhabitants” in 2024.

• Rates of Violence: The article provides percentage changes for various forms of violence, which serve as indicators. These include a 4.5% decrease in violent crime, a 5.2% decrease in rape, an 8.9% decrease in robbery, and a 3% decrease in aggravated assault.

• Property Crime Rates: As an indicator of community safety (Target 11.7), the article notes an 8.1% decrease in property crime, an 18.6% decrease in motor vehicle thefts, and an 8.6% decrease in burglary.

• Number of Hate Crime Incidents: This serves as a direct indicator for Targets 16.b and 10.3. The article reports “11,679 criminal incidents… motivated by bias” in 2024.

• Proportion of Unreported Crime (Implied): While not a number, the statement that “most crimes are not reported to police” is a crucial qualitative indicator for Target 16.3. It suggests that the official data, while important, does not fully capture the extent of crime and that access to justice remains a challenge.

• Violence against Public Officials: The statistic of “258 law enforcement officers feloniously killed in the line of duty” between 2021 and 2024 is a specific indicator of violence against state institutions, relevant to Target 16.1.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbsnews.com