Recent figures reveal that Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands, holds the highest murder rate per capita in England. Over the past five years, the city recorded 31 murders. When considered against its smaller population compared to larger cities such as Birmingham or Manchester, Wolverhampton’s murder rate stands at 11.02 offences per 100,000 residents-the highest in the country.
In contrast, Birmingham experienced a greater total number of killings-86 over the same period-but, with a population roughly four times larger than Wolverhampton, its per capita murder rate is comparatively lower.
Wolverhampton has seen a number of tragic killings in recent years, including the 2024 case where two 12-year-old boys were convicted of murder after the brutal killing of Shawn Seesahai in a local park. Additionally, the mistaken identity murder of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda in 2022 garnered national attention.
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National police data indicates that the number of killings across England and Wales has decreased to its lowest level in over a decade. The year ending March 2026 recorded 431 murders, a 4% reduction from the previous year and the lowest total since at least 2012.
Statistics show that approximately three-quarters of homicide victims are male. However, circumstances vary by gender: in the year ending March 2025-the latest period for which detailed data is available-40% of female homicide victims were suspected to have been killed by a current or former partner. Among identified suspects in such cases, intimate partners represented the vast majority.
In contrast, only 4% of male victims were suspected to have been killed by a partner or ex-partner; men were more likely to have been killed by friends or acquaintances (20%) or by strangers (18%).
The leading motivations cited for homicides were disputes, revenge, or sudden loss of temper.