Violent Crime, Homicides Drop in San Antonio in 2024

Good news on the safety front: San Antonio saw a significant decline in violent crime throughout 2024, following the troubling uptick during the pandemic years. Here's what you need to know:

By the Numbers: Year-End Trends

According to data reported by Axios, the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) shows that homicides dropped nearly 23%, from 164 in 2023 to 127 in 2024. In addition, robberies fell 10.5%, aggravated assaults dropped nearly 16%, and reported rapes declined by almost 20%. 

City-wide, total Group A offenses—which include serious violent and property crimes—declined 5.9%, from 162,022 incidents in 2023 to 152,475 in 2024, based on SAPD reporting. Violent crimes alone decreased by 2.4%, compared to 2023 figures. 

Quarter-to-Quarter Momentum

The good news didn't stop at year-end. In the first quarter of 2025, San Antonio recorded a 19.3% reduction in overall violent crime when compared to Q1 of 2024. Homicides in that period plummeted 37.5%, and vehicle thefts dropped 43.2%—a signal that the downward trend is holding strong.

Where Challenges Remain

Not all crime categories followed the trend. Notable upticks in 2024 included:

• Prostitution-related crimes, up nearly 42%

• Animal cruelty incidents, up about 10%

• Drug-related offenses, increased by roughly 6%

• Vandalism — bucking the property crime decline, with a sharp 26% increase, from 18,607 cases in 2023 to 23,446 in 2024.

Local Impact and Strategy

SAPD Chief William McManus emphasized that the positive trends reflect the success of the 2022–25 Violent Crime Reduction Plan, developed with UTSA. This targeted approach—combining hot-spot policing, focused deterrence, and place-based strategies—has made a measurable impact.

Context & Comparisons

San Antonio’s progress aligns with national improvements. MCCA data reveals a nationwide 16% decline in homicides across major U.S. cities in 2024. Cities like Boston and New Orleans saw 35% drops, Philadelphia saw 34%, and Washington D.C. experienced a 32% decrease.

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