Homicide rates are low in most OECD countries, with an average value of 2.2 homicides per 100,000 people. They are, however, more than twice higher in the United States (5.2) and higher in Chile and Mexico. Over the past ten years, homicide rates have declined in all OECD countries, with such decline being especially large in countries with high homicides in the early 2000s. Homicide rates are generally higher in emerging countries, particularly in Brazil and South Africa.
In 2010, only a small minority of people in OECD countries reported that they had been victim of an assault over the preceding 12 months. Rates for Canada, United States, Japan and the United Kingdom are below 2%. Rates are significantly higher (i.e. assaults have been more common) in Chile and especially in Mexico. Reported victimisation is higher in emerging countries, especially in Brazil, South Africa and India.