Nevada Crime Rate Drops 12.6% Beating National Average
Nevada's overall crime rate dropped by 12.6%, a steeper decline than the 8.4% decrease across all U.S. states. In 2024, the state reported 2,599 total crimes per 100,000 residents. This equates to 402 violent crimes (assault, robbery, rape, and murder) and 2,197 property crimes (larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary) per 100,000 Nevadans.
Nationally, violent crime declined 5.4% to 359 offenses per 100,000 residents, and property crime fell 9% to 1,760 per 100,000. Just two states bucked the trend: New Hampshire (up 0.1%) and Maine (up 0.78%). Washington, D.C., topped the list with 1,006 violent crimes and 3,693 property crimes per 100,000 residents, followed closely by Alaska at 724 violent crimes per 100,000.
In Nevada, violent crime declined by 7.3%—a steeper proportional drop than the national average—but the rate remains 11.9% above the U.S. figure, ranking the state 16th highest among all states.
Aggravated assaults—attacks on people—accounted for nearly 70% of all violent crimes in Nevada. Year-over-year changes in violent crimes from 2023 to 2024 include:
Assaults: 281 per 100,000 (down 5.8%)
Robberies: 63 per 100,000 (down 16.3%)
Rapes: 52 per 100,000 (down 1.5%)
Murders: 6 per 100,000 (down 16.4%)
Similarly, Nevada's property crime rate decreased 13.5%, yet remains 24.8% above the national average and ranking sixth highest among states. New Mexico reported the highest rate at 2,751 per 100,000, while Idaho had the lowest at 736 per 100,000.
Larceny-thefts—unlawfully taking something from people—accounted for nearly 62% of all property crimes in Nevada. Year-over-year changes in property crimes from 2023 to 2024 include:
Larceny-thefts: 1,357 per 100,000 (down 6.5%)
Motor vehicle thefts: 475 per 100,000 (down 30.2%)
Burglaries: 364 per 100,000 (down 10.5%)
Nevada's crime rate decline outpaced the national 8.4% drop, but plenty of challenges lie ahead. Key drivers included bolstered policing efforts by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which reduced murders by 20%—the lowest in years. Community collaboration and inter-agency partnerships enhanced investigations and public reporting, while targeted initiatives addressed drug-related violence, such as fentanyl education campaigns that contributed to a 50% drop in overdose deaths. Motor vehicle thefts fell 35% due to improved anti-theft technologies from automakers.
For a comprehensive report on Nevada's reported crime rates, visit: https://usafacts.org/answers/what-is-the-crime-rate-in-the-us/state/nevada/.
