[Sherman Logan]

Obviously the United States isn't the only place that got rid of leaded gasoline, which means the United States isn't the only place that should have seen declines in violent crime.

The murder rate declined through most of the 20th to the mid-fifties, where it hit an all-time low. It was actually highest from 1846 to 1887.

Then it began to climb again, and by around 1980 was almost double the 50's rate.

We are now just about back to the 50's rate and may possibly go lower.

Part of the decline is related to much better emergency medicine. As with military casualties, fewer of those who get shot now die.

[PghBaldy]

Less young men too - birthrate way down. When I was in 1st grade or so (late 60s early 70s), it was the highest population ever for that cohort. Young men commit a disproportionate rate of violent crime. Less young men, less violent crime.