At a Glance
- Austin reports its first homicide of 2026 on Jan 1.
- 2025 recorded 55 homicides, a 25 % decline from 2024’s 72.
- Highest count since 2021, when 90 killings were reported.
- Why it matters: The trend shows a significant shift in Austin’s crime pattern, affecting community safety and policing strategies.
The city of Austin has documented its first homicide of 2026 on January 1, marking a new chapter in the city’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. The latest count continues a downward trend that began in 2024, after a spike in 2021.
2026 Homicide Snapshot
Only one homicide has been confirmed for 2026 as of January 1, occurring at a strip mall on West Anderson Lane. Police are investigating the incident.
Historical Trend
Homicide numbers have fluctuated over the past decade. In 2021, a record 90 homicides were reported, followed by 72 in 2024, 55 in 2025, and now just 1 in 2026.
- 2021: 90 homicides
- 2024: 72 homicides
- 2025: 55 homicides
- 2026: 1 homicide
| Year | Homicides |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 90 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 1 |
These figures illustrate a clear downward trend, with a 25 % drop from 2024 to 2025 and an unprecedented decline to 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Austin’s homicide count for 2026 remains at 1, a stark contrast to the 90 killings of 2021.
- The city has seen a 25 % decline in homicides from 2024 to 2025.
- The trend underscores a shifting crime landscape in Austin.
Austin’s homicide count for 2026 remains at 1, a stark contrast to the 90 killings of 2021, underscoring the city’s shifting crime landscape.
By Gavin U. Stonebridge for News Of Austin
