For years, the study of homicide has held a long-standing interest among academics, policymakers, and concerned citizens, especially in the United States where homicide rates exceed those in other industrialized nations. One important contributor to this trend is the demographic change with shifts in age, race, and gender mix of the population. To assess the extent to which demographic change accounted for the massive drop in homicide rates occurring in the 1990's, this study uses data from the Supplementary Homicide Reports from 1976 through 1999. The study began by setting out to highlight the importance of studying the role that demographics play in relation to crime trends in general. Then, it provided information on how changes in demographic characteristics related to changes in homicide rates. Lastly, estimates were presented on the changing demographics of the United States population and a preliminary forecast of homicide-offending rates through the first part of the 21st century. The analysis arrived at three key conclusions: (1) about 10 percent of the 1990's decline in crime was due to demographics; (2) it appears that the age-specific downturns have plateaued, meaning that the crime drop may soon be over; and (3) although the homicide rate may continue to decline, there is a youth crime issue that is hidden in the overall aggregate trend. These types of forecasting exercises serve a useful purpose for scholars, policymakers, and citizens thinking about the future of homicide in the United States. Figures and references