American Cities on Track to Report Huge Drop in Homicides

Average reduction of 15.9 percent in eight of America's 10 largest cities

Heading into the final weeks of 2013, America's largest cities are on track to report dramatic drops in homicides -- the lowest in decades.

Eight of the nation's 10 largest cities have lower murder numbers for 2013 than the previous year, with an average reduction in homicides for those cities of 15.9 percent according to the most recent available data compiled by ABC News.

In New York City, murders are down 20 percent for the year, with less than one murder per day, a rate not seen since the 1950s. Chicago is also posting a steep decline, with a 20 percent drop in murders, approaching levels last seen in 1965.