Sacramento County Sees Fewest Homicides in 55 Years

Sheriff credits dedicated gang enforcement unit for dramatic crime drop

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Sacramento County recorded just 18 homicides in 2025, the lowest number in more than half a century, according to the county sheriff's office. The last time the homicide rate was this low was in 1970 when the county had far fewer residents. Sheriff Jim Cooper credited the drop to the office's Gang Unit, which seized 382 firearms in 2025 alone.

Why it matters

The dramatic decline in homicides in Sacramento County is a significant public safety achievement, especially given the county's growing population over the past 55 years. The sheriff's office credits targeted gang enforcement as a key factor, highlighting the potential impact of dedicated resources to address violent crime.

The details

Sacramento County recorded just 18 homicides in 2025, the lowest number since 1970 when the county had about 631,000 residents compared to over 1.6 million today. Sheriff Jim Cooper said "Progress like this does not happen by accident" and credited the office's Gang Unit, which seized 382 firearms in 2025, for the drop in violent crime.

  • Sacramento County recorded 18 homicides in 2025.
  • The last time the homicide rate was this low was in 1970.

The players

Jim Cooper

The sheriff of Sacramento County who credited the office's Gang Unit for the dramatic drop in homicides.

Sacramento Police

Reported 42 homicides within the city limits of Sacramento in 2025, down from 45 in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Progress like this does not happen by accident. It happens because of deliberate, disciplined, proactive police work, carried out day after day by Deputies and Detectives who understand the mission.”

— Jim Cooper, Sheriff

“Dedicated gang enforcement allows us to focus on the small number of individuals responsible for a disproportionate share of violent crime, using intelligence, experience, and precision.”

— Jim Cooper, Sheriff

What’s next

The sheriff's office plans to continue its focused gang enforcement efforts to maintain the low homicide rate in Sacramento County.

The takeaway

Sacramento County's dramatic reduction in homicides, reaching a 55-year low, demonstrates the potential impact of dedicated law enforcement resources and strategies targeting the root causes of violent crime in a growing urban area.