San Francisco has experienced a significant increase in homicides in the first half of 2026, a trend that stands in stark contrast to a nationwide historic decline in murder rates. The city was one of only eight major U.S. cities to report a rise in homicides during this period, according to a report from the Council on Criminal Justice.
According to the report, San Francisco's murder rate increased by 55% in the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This figure trails only Norfolk, Virginia, which saw a 64% increase. This stands against a national backdrop where homicides dropped by 20% in 2025, potentially reaching their lowest levels since 1900. Across 30 major cities surveyed, the homicide rate fell by an average of 18% in the first half of 2026.
However, San Francisco police have disputed the report's figures. A spokesperson told CBS News that there have been 16 homicides so far this year, compared to 12 during the same period last year. The majority of these killings involved firearms. Police data also indicated that the city concluded the previous year with its lowest homicide rate in 70 years. "We recognize that homicides have increased slightly this year compared to last year. Even one homicide is one too many, and the SFPD will continue to make these crimes our top priority," the spokesperson stated.
Data from the San Francisco Police Department shows that all other crime categories, including property crimes and vehicle thefts, have decreased this year. Homicides, however, have remained higher, with most occurring in the first quarter of 2026. The increase has been particularly noted in the SFPD's Southern District, an area that encompasses the Embarcadero, Mission Bay, and Treasure Island. This district has recorded six homicides this year, compared to none in the same period last year.
Police Chief Derrick Lew commented at a recent meeting that new homicides are proving more challenging to address as they are often "one-off in nature," differing from incidents like gang-related killings. Despite the reported uptick in homicides, police data indicates a broader decline in other crime categories within the city for 2026.