Brazil's homicide rate reached its lowest level in 11 years during 2024, according to new data released this week [1].
The decline suggests a potential shift in public security trends across the nation, though the volume of violent deaths remains a significant challenge for the government.
Reports from G1 indicate that 42,600 murders were recorded in 2024 [1]. This figure marks the lowest homicide rate since 2013 [1]. However, other reporting cites a higher total of 47,503 homicides for the same period [2]. This discrepancy highlights a range between 42,600 and 47,503 deaths for the year.
Data from the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety (FBSP) suggests the country averaged 130 murders per day in 2024 [2]. Despite the national downward trend, specific regions showed varying results. In Amazonas, the homicide rate fell by 14.7% [3], with 1,326 murders recorded [3]. Officials said that while the rate in Amazonas decreased, it remains above the national average [3].
Gender-based violence continues to be a critical issue. In 2024, Brazil recorded more than 3,600 homicides of women [4]. Reports indicate that sexual abuse, and negligence were leading factors in these occurrences [4].
The Atlas da Violência, which provided the primary data for these findings, noted that the figures may be affected by the sub-notification of violent deaths [1]. "Com 42,6 mil assassinatos, a taxa de homicídios no Brasil é a menor desde 2013," a G1 report said [1].
The decrease in overall homicides comes amid ongoing efforts to curb organized crime and improve police intelligence across the states. While the 11-year low is a statistical milestone, the daily average of 130 deaths underscores the persistence of systemic violence in urban centers [2].
“Brazil's homicide rate reached its lowest level in 11 years during 2024.”
The divergence in homicide totals between the Atlas da Violência and the FBSP suggests gaps in how violent deaths are reported and categorized in Brazil. While the overall downward trend indicates a decade-long improvement in public safety, the high daily death toll and the specific vulnerability of women show that the reduction in homicides has not yet translated into a comprehensive end to systemic violence.
