Homicide Rate in Switzerland: 1800 to Today (and Tomorrow)

The statistics of life in Switzerland represent more than dry figures; they trace the evolution of personal safety across two centuries. When we track the intentional homicide rate, we are essentially mapping the fading frequency of the most profound rupture in the social fabric. Behind every decimal point lies a trajectory of human security, shifting from the volatility of the 1800s estimate 4.78 toward the quiet stability of our current era. This measured descent reflects the changing nature of the communities where people live, grow, and depart.

The historical arc reveals a remarkably consistent decline. In the 1800s estimate 4.78, the environment was significantly different than in 1900, when it was 1.8. This long-term cooling of interpersonal violence continued steadily through the 1950s at 0.97 and into the modern age. In the 2020s, homicide rate in Switzerland stands at 0.5 per 100,000 — ranking #8 of 157 countries. As industrialization and social cohesion evolved, the statistical likelihood of such an event occurring within the borders of the nation has become increasingly rare.

If you consider the future, the trend remains one of incremental progress. Projections suggest a slow journey toward the 2100s projection 0.33, indicating that the baseline of safety will likely persist or improve. Whether one looks back to the 1840s estimate 3.59 or ahead to the 2050s projection 0.43, the data provides a clear window into the gradual refinement of human existence. These numbers describe the background hum of daily life for generations past and those yet to come. Explore the interactive tools below to calculate how your own life aligns with these long-term trends.