Regional Study

Twin Cities Homicides

With funding from the Joyce Foundation, we are studying the changing nature of homicide in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. This project involves analysis of local crime data, police ride-alongs, and interviews with homicide offenders and key stakeholders.

3,793

Total Murders

1960-2023

2

Cities Tracked

Minneapolis & St. Paul

63

Years of Data

FBI UCR & NIBRS

824

Homicide Deaths

2015-2020 (MNVDRS)

Data Visualizations

Interactive visualizations showing homicide trends, firearm deaths, and demographic patterns in Minnesota and the Twin Cities region.

Minnesota Twin Cities Murders, 1960-2023

N=3,793

Source: FBI UCR and NIBRS Data

Minnesota Firearm Deaths by Type, 2015-2020

N=2,678

Minnesota Homicide Deaths by Weapon, 2015-2020

N=824

Minnesota Homicide Deaths by Gender, 2015-2020

N=824

Minnesota Homicide Death Rate by Race, 2015-2020

Deaths per 100,000 Population

About This Project

The Twin Cities Homicides project represents a focused regional study examining violence patterns in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. This research complements our national databases by providing deep, local analysis.

Our research team is working with local law enforcement, community organizations, and public health officials to compile comprehensive case data that will help inform local prevention strategies.

Data sources include the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), and the Minnesota Violent Death Reporting System (MNVDRS).

Trend Analysis

Tracking year-over-year changes in homicide rates, locations, and circumstances across the metro area.

Geographic Mapping

Identifying hotspots and understanding neighborhood-level factors that contribute to violence.

Community Factors

Examining social determinants and community-level risk factors associated with violence.

Prevention Strategies

Developing evidence-based recommendations for local violence intervention programs.

Data Sources

FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)

National crime statistics collected from law enforcement agencies since 1930.

National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)

Detailed incident-level data on crimes reported to law enforcement.

Minnesota Violent Death Reporting System (MNVDRS)

State-level surveillance combining death certificates, medical examiner reports, and law enforcement data.

Use Our Data for Your Research

This database is available for researchers, journalists, and policymakers working to understand and prevent violence. Request access to the complete dataset.