Chicago homicide count reaches 356 through October 31
City data shows a slight decline from last year, with Austin district recording the highest number of killings.
By Alina Campbell ·
The City of Chicago reported 356 homicides through October 31, 2026. This figure is six lower than the total for the same period in 2025. The department releases victim names with a two-week delay to allow police to notify families. The current statistics exclude killings deemed self-defense and do not include incidents handled by the Illinois State Police on city expressways.
Violence in the city followed a distinct pattern over the last four years. After a sharp increase during the pandemic years, the homicide rate began to drop in 2022. That downward trend continued in 2023, a year marked by organized robbery and carjacking crews. The decline persisted in 2024 and again in 2025, marking the fourth straight year of fewer killings.
The Austin district recorded the highest number of homicides in 2026 so far, with 28 victims. Demographic data indicates that the majority of victims are young Black men. Gunshot wounds remain the primary cause of death for these individuals.
The city updates its homicide data on a weekly basis. The current count reflects all incidents recorded up to the end of October. Officials continue to track the figures as they approach the end of the calendar year.
