The homicide rate in Iceland varied between 2010 and 2022, from roughly 0.3 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019, to 1.37 in 2020. In real figures, the total number of homicides reached five in 2020, an unusually high number for Iceland; since 1994 there were six years where no intentional homicides were committed in Iceland, although the last of these was in 2008. Iceland generally has one of the lowest homicide rates in Europe.
The most dangerous countries in Europe and worldwide
In Europe, Latvia had the highest murder rate in 2021 with 5.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. Malta had the lowest with 0.39. Worldwide, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the world's most dangerous country to live in in terms of murder rate. The Caribbean island country had a homicide rate of 65 per 100,000 inhabitants. Nine of the 10 countries with the highest murder rates worldwide are located in Latin America and the Caribbean. Celaya in Mexico was the city with the highest homicide rate worldwide.
Victims of homicides
In most of the European countries, a higher share of the victims of homicides are men. France was the country with the highest number of homicides on the continent, whereas Malta and Iceland had the lowest. France both had the highest number of female and male victims.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ can support your business.
Eurostat. (April 23, 2024). Rate of intentional homicides in Iceland from 2010 to 2022 (per 100,000 inhabitants) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 22, 2026, from /statistics/1268647/homicide-rate-iceland/
Eurostat. "Rate of intentional homicides in Iceland from 2010 to 2022 (per 100,000 inhabitants)." Chart. April 23, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 22, 2026. /statistics/1268647/homicide-rate-iceland/
Eurostat. (2024). Rate of intentional homicides in Iceland from 2010 to 2022 (per 100,000 inhabitants). ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2026. /statistics/1268647/homicide-rate-iceland/
Eurostat. "Rate of Intentional Homicides in Iceland from 2010 to 2022 (per 100,000 Inhabitants)." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 23 Apr 2024, /statistics/1268647/homicide-rate-iceland/
Eurostat, Rate of intentional homicides in Iceland from 2010 to 2022 (per 100,000 inhabitants) ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1268647/homicide-rate-iceland/ (last visited July 22, 2026)
Rate of intentional homicides in Iceland from 2010 to 2022 (per 100,000 inhabitants) [Graph], Eurostat, April 23, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1268647/homicide-rate-iceland/