Countries With The Most Serial Killers

Global
5,485# of Serial KillersGlobal Total
Homicide RateGlobal Average
Crime IndexGlobal Average
Number of Serial Killers 2023Question Mark
Map visualization
93,690
Compared to 2016
1
United StatesUnited States
3,690+486 (+15%)
2
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
196
36
RussiaRussia
164+91 (+125%)
41
JapanJapan
138+42 (+44%)
53
IndiaIndia
130+50 (+63%)
64
South AfricaSouth Africa
129+12 (+10%)
74
CanadaCanada
125+19 (+18%)
82
GermanyGermany
99+14 (+16%)
95
ItalyItaly
95-2 (-2.1%)
103
AustraliaAustralia
92+11 (+14%)
111
FranceFrance
89+18 (+25%)
121
ChinaChina
68+11 (+19%)
131
MexicoMexico
64+27 (+73%)
141
BrazilBrazil
42+15 (+56%)
151
SpainSpain
28+11 (+65%)
152
PolandPoland
28+13 (+87%)
15
HungaryHungary
28+8 (+40%)
184
AustriaAustria
24+2 (+9.1%)
18
ColombiaColombia
24
202
NetherlandsNetherlands
20+8 (+67%)
21
BelgiumBelgium
17
22
Czech RepublicCzech Republic
16
23
TurkeyTurkey
15
246
SwedenSweden
14+2 (+17%)
24
ArgentinaArgentina
14
26
NigeriaNigeria
13
26
ThailandThailand
13
26
KenyaKenya
13
26
IranIran
13
30
UkraineUkraine
12
31
PakistanPakistan
11
31
South KoreaSouth Korea
11
31
GreeceGreece
11
34
SwitzerlandSwitzerland
10
34
New ZealandNew Zealand
10
34
FinlandFinland
10
37
IrelandIreland
9
Countries With The Most Serial Killers
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Last updated February 28, 2026

Global Concern: Serial Killers

Serial killers, individuals who commit multiple murders over an extended period, are a chilling factor of criminal behavior that has fascinated criminologists and sparked public concern worldwide. Research into the incidences of serial killings globally throws light on some ominous patterns and brings the inherent cultural, social, and legal differences between countries to the fore. Interestingly, available data indicates a disproportionate concentration of serial killers in the United States. With a staggering figure of over 3,200, the US tops the list of nations with the most serial killers. While media portrayal and cultural factors play a role, this reality also bespeaks the sophisticated criminal investigation and record-keeping standards prevalent in the country. Key findings:

  • The United States leads the global tally, accounting for almost 67% of the world's recorded serial killers, with a count of 3,204.
  • With 117 recorded cases, South Africa holds second place. Interestingly, it is the only African country on the list, highlighting the potential under-reporting of cases in other African nations due to infrastructural constraints.
  • Canada, with 106 cases, stands third. Despite its low population compared to many other nations, Canada's heightened rate may be linked to its rigorous record-keeping and investigative procedures.
  • Ranging between 57 and 97 reported cases, Asian and European countries like Italy, Japan, Germany, India, Russia, China, and France are also significantly represented on the list.
  • The prevalence of serial killers appears relatively low in Latin American and Caribbean countries, with Mexico and Brazil reporting 37 and 27 cases, respectively. This disparity could stem from under-reporting or differences in criminal investigation methods and definitions.

10 Countries with the Most Serial Killers

Leading the list with an astonishing total of 3,204 recorded cases is the United States. This figure includes historical data and very well may be connected to the advanced crime detection systems and thorough record-keeping methodologies in use by U.S. law enforcement agencies. Second on the list is South Africa, with a total of 117 recorded serial killers. As the only African nation on the list, South Africa's data suggests potential under-reporting in other African countries, possibly due to infrastructural or procedural limitations. Canada, ranking third, has recorded 106 serial killers. Despite its smaller population compared to other nations on the list, Canada's relatively high count may reflect its strict law enforcement and impeccably maintained criminal records. Italy and Japan rank fourth and fifth with 97 and 96 recorded serial killers respectively. The presence of these European and Asian countries on the list underscores the global nature of this issue and signifies the need for cross-border collaboration in combating such heinous crimes. Germany ranks sixth with 85, closely followed by Australia, India, Russia, and France with totals ranging from 71 to 81. Countries with the most recorded serial killers:

  1. United States - 3,204
  2. South Africa - 117
  3. Canada - 106
  4. Italy - 97
  5. Japan - 96
  6. Germany - 85
  7. Australia - 81
  8. India - 80
  9. Russia - 73
  10. France - 71

Sources & Notes

# of Serial Killers

Total number of identified serial killers.

Homicide Rate

Rate per 100,000 people.

Editorial Note: Due to variations in international reporting infrastructure, this dataset reflects the most recent reporting year available for each respective country provided by the UNODC.

Crime Index

Reflects perceived levels of crime, based on types and frequency of crimes.

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