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Homicide statistics

Over the past 17 years, the rate of homicide has fluctuated by 0.7 per 100,000 persons, ranging from a low of 1.3 to a high of 2.0. In the most recent review year (2005-06), Australia experienced a homicide victimisation rate of 1.5 per 100,000 population. Since 2001-02, there has been a declining trend in the incidence of homicide in Australia, but this downward trend has not continued for the 2005-06 year.

The majority of homicide incidents in Australia result from murder (84%), followed by acts deemed as manslaughter (11%) and infanticide (5%). In Australia, males represent 85 percent of offenders and 67 percent of victims of homicide. The mean age of offenders is 34 years with young adult males featuring predominantly. Victims have a mean age of 36 years.

Note: The majority of homicide data presented below is derived from two main sources with different data collection cycles. The charts and tables derived from the Institute's National Homicide Monitoring Program data set is collected on a financial year cycle. The other charts and tables are based on ABS data which is collected on a calendar year cycle.

Murder and manslaughter, rate per 100,000 persons, 1993-2006

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2007. Recorded crime, victims, Australia [various issues]. ABS cat. no. 4510.0. Canberra: ABS

Homicide incidents in Australia, 1989-90 to 2005-06 (number)

Chart: Trends in homicide incidents

There has been a statistically significant downward trend in the incidence of homicide in Australia over the 17 year period, 1990-2006 (Kendall's tau = -0.42; p=.02).

Source: AIC National Homicide Monitoring Program 1989-90 to 2005-06 [computer file]

Homicides involving firearms as a percentage of total homicides, 1915-2003

Source: Adapted from ABS causes of death 1915-2003 data

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