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Indiana has the highest rate of black homicide victims in the United States, according to a new study from the Violence Policy Center.
Indiana has a rate of 34 African-Americans killed by homicide per 100,000 residents. The national average is less than half that. The next highest average is Missouri, with 30 victims per 100,000 residents.
“In America, black men and women face a disproportionate risk of being murdered, a fact both alarming and unacceptable,” said VPC Executive Director Josh Sugarmann in a statement.
Indiana was ranked sixth in last year’s report based on data from 2012. The black homicide rate in 2012 was 25 per 100,000.
The report also finds nearly all murders of black Americans happen by gun. Half of the homicides involving black victims began with a fight between victim and assailant. Figures are based on 2013 data from the FBI.
Nationally, homicides of whites are significantly lower: just about three homicides per 100,000.
WFIU's Becca Costello contributed reporting.
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