Americans Wrongly Believe Crime is Rising

Despite the perception of most Americans, criminological data confirm that most types of major crime have declined in 2023. 

An incessant right-wing refrain, particularly since President Biden was inaugurated, declares that crime is skyrocketing and that Democrats are presiding over a country near ruin. 

As is the case with conservative economic commentary, the right’s take on crime is contradicted by the most credible authorities and the relevant data. 

Raw data released by the FBI and analysis from celebrated criminologist Jeff Asher found that violent crime and property crime dropped 8% and 6.3% year-to-date. 

Asher also found murder plummeted in 2023 at one of the fastest rates ever recorded.

Yet popular perception runs contrary to the facts. A recent Gallup poll found that 77% of Americans believe crime is rising—92% of Republicans, 78% of independents, and even 58% of Democrats. 

The reason for the dissonance, Asher told NBC News is “just an overwhelming number of news media stories and viral videos. I have to believe that social media is playing a role.”