Iceland: crime and justice

What is the crime rate in Iceland?

Police in Iceland recorded about 12,500 offences under the General Penal Code in 2025, about 34 a day and 3% fewer than the 2022 to 2024 average, according to the National Commissioner of Police's preliminary statistics for 2025, published 31 December 2025. About 75% were recorded in the capital area.

These figures are preliminary and cover crimes reported to police. Thefts numbered nearly 3,400 and burglaries nearly 1,100, down 2%. Fraud rose 37% compared with the three previous years, while robberies fell 11%.

Official sources: Icelandic Police: preliminary crime statistics 2025 (in Icelandic)

How much drugs were seized in Iceland?

Police and customs in Iceland seized about 468 kg of marijuana and 106 kg of cocaine in 2025, more than in any earlier year, according to the National Commissioner of Police's preliminary statistics for 2025. They also seized 66 kg of hashish.

Seizures measure police and customs activity as well as the drug trade, so a record can reflect more checks. Large-scale import cases numbered just under 140, a 79% rise on the average of the previous three years.

Official sources: Icelandic Police: preliminary crime statistics 2025 (in Icelandic)

What is the homicide rate in Iceland?

1.3 per 100,000: that is the intentional homicide rate in Iceland for 2023, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 1.4 per 100,000; its low point was 2006, at 0.0 per 100,000. It is 12th highest of 35 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.0 per 100,000. Of 79 countries with 2023 data, 47th highest.

How many women are murdered in Iceland?

In 2023, the homicide rate for women in Iceland was 0.5 per 100,000, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2011. It is 27th highest of 36 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.7 per 100,000. Worldwide: 63rd of 78.

How many men are murdered in Iceland?

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the homicide rate for men in Iceland was 2.0 per 100,000 in 2023. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.3 per 100,000, and Iceland placed 11th highest of 36. World rank, highest first: 44th of 78.