Freshness note: This analysis was last updated 29 days ago. Fast-moving policy claims can change quickly, so check for newer official updates before relying on this verdict.
“Crime rate now is the lowest it's been since 1900, representing 125 years”
Summary
The claim that the crime rate is at its lowest point in 125 years contains partial truth but requires important context. While violent crime rates, particularly murder rates, have declined significantly and are near historic lows in recent data, the claim oversimplifies a complex picture involving different crime categories, reporting changes, and data collection methods that have evolved substantially since 1900.
Primary Sources
PolitiFact fact-check rating the claim as 'Half True,' noting that while murder rates have declined significantly, the overall crime picture is more nuanced
Evidence Supporting the Claim
- Murder rates have declined significantly according to recent FBI data
- Violent crime statistics show substantial decreases from historic peaks in the 1990s
- Long-term trend analysis indicates violent crime is near multi-decade lows
Evidence Against / Context
- Crime data collection methods have changed dramatically since 1900, making direct comparisons problematic
- The claim does not account for different crime categories which show varying trends
- Reporting practices and what constitutes reported crime has evolved significantly over 125 years
- Not all crime types are at historic lows; the claim oversimplifies by treating 'crime rate' as a single metric
Timeline
Baseline year referenced in the claim for crime rate comparison
Approximate period when violent crime rates reached modern historic peaks in the United States
PolitiFact published fact-check rating the claim as Half True
What This Means
Structured interpretation — not opinion
Key takeaway 1
Crime statistics show genuine improvement in certain categories, particularly violent crime and murder, compared to peaks from previous decades
Key takeaway 2
The 125-year comparison is problematic because crime measurement, reporting systems, and legal definitions have changed substantially over that period
Key takeaway 3
Different crime categories follow different trajectories, so referring to a singular 'crime rate' obscures important distinctions between violent crime, property crime, and other offenses
Key takeaway 4
While the direction of recent crime trends is generally positive for violent offenses, the specific claim of being at the lowest point in 125 years lacks the nuance needed for accurate historical comparison
Related Claims in public_safety
“TSA workers are receiving $0 paychecks during the current government shutdown”
TSA workers are classified as essential personnel and continue working during government shutdowns without receiving paychecks until appropriations are restored. While they may receive pay stubs showing $0 for the current pay period, they are guaranteed back pay once the shutdown ends, making the characterization of '$0 paychecks' technically accurate for the shutdown period but incomplete without the context of guaranteed retroactive compensation.
“Two Pennsylvania teens from wealthy suburbs are suspects in an attempted ISIS-inspired attack outside NYC Mayor Zohran Mamadani's residence”
No evidence supports the existence of this claim. Zohran Mamdani is a New York State Assembly member, not NYC Mayor. No credible reports exist of an ISIS-inspired attack attempt involving Pennsylvania teens Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi at his residence. The claim appears to conflate or misrepresent actual events and positions.
“The Department of Homeland Security has been shut down, causing long lines at airports”
The Department of Homeland Security has experienced a shutdown or significant operational disruption in March 2026, leading to increased wait times at airports. However, the characterization of DHS being completely 'shut down' may oversimplify the situation, as essential security functions typically continue during federal agency funding lapses, though with reduced capacity.