Pace of Decline Slows in Past Decade
Gun Homicide Rate Down 49% Since 1993 Peak; Public Unaware

The national rate of gun homicide is down by 49% from its peak in the mid-1990s, paralleling a general decline in violent crime, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of government data. Most of the decline took place in the 1990s; progress has slowed since then. According to a new Pew Research survey, most Americans think the firearm crime rate has gone up, not down, over the past two decades.
Long-Term Trend Accelerates Since Recession
Record Share of New Mothers are College Educated
A record 66% of U.S. mothers of infants in 2011 had at least some college education, while only 14% had not finished high school, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data. These benchmarks reflect a long-term rise in educational levels among all women, as well as a recent steep decline in births to less educated women.
Series
The Middle Class
Since 2000, the middle class has shrunk in size, fallen backward in income and wealth, and shed some—but by no means all—of its characteristic faith in the future.
The Millennial Generation

The Millennial Generation—American teens and twentysomethings—is confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change. The Pew Research Center examines America’s newest generation in a yearlong series of original reports.
The Decline of Marriage
The transformative trends of the past 50 years that have led to a sharp decline in marriage and a rise of new family forms have been shaped by attitudes and behaviors that differ by class, age and race. Using survey and Census data the Pew Research Center examines the major changes in marriage and family life.
The Military-Civilian Gap
America’s post-9/11 wars mark the longest period of sustained combat in the nation’s history – and never before has America waged war with so small a share of its population carrying the fight. Using Pew Research Center surveys of veterans and the general public, this series examines the rewards and burdens of military service and explores the gaps in understanding between those have who served in the armed forces and those who have not.
- Current
Date & Time (EST) 5/24/2013 7:34:33 - Current U.S. Population 316,025,054
- Today: Births 3,409
- Deaths 1,948
- Net Immigration 620
Love and Marriage
Americans believe that love is the main foundation of marriage. Most who never have been married say they would like to be at some point in their lives. However, statistics show Americans aren’t rushing to the altar, and the U.S. marriage rate is at an all-time low—only 51% of adults were married in 2011, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics. Read more
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