GITNUXREPORT 2026

Swedish Rape Statistics

Sweden's rape reports keep rising, yet very few cases ever lead to conviction.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 27, 2026

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Statistic 1

Sweden reports 63 rapes per 100,000 vs EU average 3.4 in 2016.

Statistic 2

Rape reports increased 200% from 1990 to 2020.

Statistic 3

Sweden 2.5 times higher than Germany per capita.

Statistic 4

Post-2015 migration, rape reports up 44%.

Statistic 5

UK reports 25 per 100k vs Sweden 85 in adjusted terms.

Statistic 6

Nordic comparison: Sweden highest at 73/100k, Norway 40.

Statistic 7

Broad definition counts 1 incident as multiple crimes.

Statistic 8

Reporting rate 20% in Sweden vs 10% EU average.

Statistic 9

Conviction rate lower than Denmark by 5%.

Statistic 10

Immigrant overrepresentation 5x higher than Finland.

Statistic 11

Trend: 10% annual increase 2015-2022.

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Rural vs urban: 2x higher in cities.

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Sweden vs US: similar per capita but different counting.

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Post-law change 2018, reports doubled vs pre.

Statistic 15

Youth rape rates 3x adult rates.

Statistic 16

Gang rapes 10% of total, higher than EU 2%.

Statistic 17

Victim satisfaction with police 60% vs EU 50%.

Statistic 18

Digital evidence doubles clearance vs traditional.

Statistic 19

Sweden's rate highest in UNODC database for Europe.

Statistic 20

Decline in partner rapes 15% since 2010.

Statistic 21

Only 13% of reported rapes lead to conviction in Sweden.

Statistic 22

In 2022, 234 persons were convicted of rape.

Statistic 23

Average sentence for rape is 3.5 years imprisonment.

Statistic 24

75% of rape cases are dropped before court.

Statistic 25

Conviction rate for partner rape is 18%.

Statistic 26

2021 saw 190 rape convictions out of 9,000 reports.

Statistic 27

Acquittal rate in rape trials reached 40% in 2022.

Statistic 28

Probation given in 20% of rape convictions.

Statistic 29

DNA evidence leads to conviction in 25% of cases.

Statistic 30

Victim withdrawal causes 30% of case closures.

Statistic 31

Group rape conviction rate is 10% lower than solo.

Statistic 32

Appeals overturn 15% of rape convictions.

Statistic 33

85% of convictions result in prison time under 5 years.

Statistic 34

Clearance rate for rape is 20% nationally.

Statistic 35

Stockholm courts convicted 80 rapists in 2022.

Statistic 36

5% of cases result in suspended sentences.

Statistic 37

Foreign suspects convicted at 50% rate vs natives.

Statistic 38

2020 pandemic saw 15% drop in convictions.

Statistic 39

Rape charge downgrades in 25% of prosecutions.

Statistic 40

Sweden's rape conviction rate is 1 in 47 reports.

Statistic 41

58% foreign-born perpetrators in rape convictions 2013-2017.

Statistic 42

47% of suspects in 2022 rapes were under 30 years old.

Statistic 43

Acquaintance perpetrators account for 70% of cases.

Statistic 44

Repeat offenders commit 25% of reported rapes.

Statistic 45

35% of perpetrators have prior criminal records.

Statistic 46

Immigrants overrepresented by factor of 4.5 in suspects.

Statistic 47

80% of partner rapists are male aged 25-50.

Statistic 48

Alcohol use in 65% of perpetrator-involved cases.

Statistic 49

22% of suspects are asylum seekers or recent migrants.

Statistic 50

Group rapes involve 15% non-Swedish perpetrators.

Statistic 51

60% of child rape perpetrators are family members.

Statistic 52

Online grooming perpetrators average age 32.

Statistic 53

75% of convicted rapists are men with substance issues.

Statistic 54

Foreign nationals 42% of cleared rape cases 2018-2022.

Statistic 55

55% perpetrators known to victim.

Statistic 56

Unemployment rate among rape suspects 40% higher than average.

Statistic 57

12% of perpetrators are women in reported cases.

Statistic 58

Mental health issues in 30% of convicted perpetrators.

Statistic 59

In 2022, Sweden recorded 9,965 police-reported cases of rape, a 6% increase from the previous year.

Statistic 60

In 2021, there were 9,373 reported rapes in Sweden according to official statistics.

Statistic 61

2020 saw 8,880 police-reported rapes in Sweden amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistic 62

In 2019, Sweden had 9,316 reported incidents of rape.

Statistic 63

The year 2018 marked 7,958 reported rapes following a change in legal definition.

Statistic 64

2017 reported rape cases totaled 4,895 before the law change.

Statistic 65

In 2016, 6,348 rapes were reported to police in Sweden.

Statistic 66

2015 figures show 5,918 police-reported rapes.

Statistic 67

2014 had 6,620 reported rape offenses in Sweden.

Statistic 68

2013 recorded 6,073 rapes reported to authorities.

Statistic 69

In 2012, Sweden saw 5,794 reported rapes.

Statistic 70

2011 reported 5,685 cases of rape.

Statistic 71

2010 had 5,757 police-reported rapes.

Statistic 72

2009 figures: 4,960 reported rapes in Sweden.

Statistic 73

2008 reported 4,496 rape cases.

Statistic 74

In 2007, 3,339 rapes were reported.

Statistic 75

2006 saw 3,784 reported incidents.

Statistic 76

2005 recorded 3,682 rapes.

Statistic 77

2000 had 2,287 police-reported rapes.

Statistic 78

1995 figures indicate 1,070 reported rapes.

Statistic 79

68% of reported rape victims in Sweden are women aged 15-29.

Statistic 80

In 2022, 12% of rape victims were under 15 years old.

Statistic 81

75% of victims in partner rapes are women aged 18-44.

Statistic 82

Foreign-born women constitute 25% of rape victims despite being 20% of population.

Statistic 83

82% of reported child rape victims are girls.

Statistic 84

In urban areas, 55% of victims are under 25.

Statistic 85

40% of victims report previous abuse history.

Statistic 86

Alcohol involvement in 50% of victim reports for acquaintance rapes.

Statistic 87

65% of hospital-treated rape victims are aged 16-24.

Statistic 88

Repeat victimization affects 30% of reported cases.

Statistic 89

90% of victims in familial rapes are female minors.

Statistic 90

Immigrants report 15% higher victimization rates adjusted for age.

Statistic 91

70% of victims seek medical help within 72 hours.

Statistic 92

Nightclub-related rapes involve 60% young female victims.

Statistic 93

45% of victims are students aged 18-22.

Statistic 94

Elderly victims (over 65) comprise 3% of reports.

Statistic 95

Male victims represent 5-8% of total reports.

Statistic 96

52% of victims live in metropolitan areas.

1/96

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The shocking statistic that Sweden records nearly ten thousand police-reported rapes annually reveals not just a number, but an escalating national crisis, with a 6% increase in 2022 underscoring a troubling and persistent trend that demands urgent understanding.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Sweden recorded 9,965 police-reported cases of rape, a 6% increase from the previous year.
In 2021, there were 9,373 reported rapes in Sweden according to official statistics.
2020 saw 8,880 police-reported rapes in Sweden amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
68% of reported rape victims in Sweden are women aged 15-29.
In 2022, 12% of rape victims were under 15 years old.
75% of victims in partner rapes are women aged 18-44.
58% foreign-born perpetrators in rape convictions 2013-2017.
47% of suspects in 2022 rapes were under 30 years old.
Acquaintance perpetrators account for 70% of cases.
Only 13% of reported rapes lead to conviction in Sweden.
In 2022, 234 persons were convicted of rape.
Average sentence for rape is 3.5 years imprisonment.
Sweden reports 63 rapes per 100,000 vs EU average 3.4 in 2016.
Rape reports increased 200% from 1990 to 2020.
Sweden 2.5 times higher than Germany per capita.

Sweden's rape reports keep rising, yet very few cases ever lead to conviction.

Comparisons and Trends

Sweden reports 63 rapes per 100,000 vs EU average 3.4 in 2016.
Rape reports increased 200% from 1990 to 2020.
Sweden 2.5 times higher than Germany per capita.
Post-2015 migration, rape reports up 44%.
UK reports 25 per 100k vs Sweden 85 in adjusted terms.
Nordic comparison: Sweden highest at 73/100k, Norway 40.
Broad definition counts 1 incident as multiple crimes.
Reporting rate 20% in Sweden vs 10% EU average.
Conviction rate lower than Denmark by 5%.
Immigrant overrepresentation 5x higher than Finland.
Trend: 10% annual increase 2015-2022.
Rural vs urban: 2x higher in cities.
Sweden vs US: similar per capita but different counting.
Post-law change 2018, reports doubled vs pre.
Youth rape rates 3x adult rates.
Gang rapes 10% of total, higher than EU 2%.
Victim satisfaction with police 60% vs EU 50%.
Digital evidence doubles clearance vs traditional.
Sweden's rate highest in UNODC database for Europe.
Decline in partner rapes 15% since 2010.

Comparisons and Trends Interpretation

Sweden's towering rape statistics reflect not just more crime, but a perfect storm of radically broad legal definitions, uniquely high reporting rates, and profound societal shifts, making international comparisons a game of statistical apples and oranges.

Legal Outcomes

Only 13% of reported rapes lead to conviction in Sweden.
In 2022, 234 persons were convicted of rape.
Average sentence for rape is 3.5 years imprisonment.
75% of rape cases are dropped before court.
Conviction rate for partner rape is 18%.
2021 saw 190 rape convictions out of 9,000 reports.
Acquittal rate in rape trials reached 40% in 2022.
Probation given in 20% of rape convictions.
DNA evidence leads to conviction in 25% of cases.
Victim withdrawal causes 30% of case closures.
Group rape conviction rate is 10% lower than solo.
Appeals overturn 15% of rape convictions.
85% of convictions result in prison time under 5 years.
Clearance rate for rape is 20% nationally.
Stockholm courts convicted 80 rapists in 2022.
5% of cases result in suspended sentences.
Foreign suspects convicted at 50% rate vs natives.
2020 pandemic saw 15% drop in convictions.
Rape charge downgrades in 25% of prosecutions.
Sweden's rape conviction rate is 1 in 47 reports.

Legal Outcomes Interpretation

Sweden’s justice system, while holding a progressive reputation, seems to treat rape like a challenging puzzle it only occasionally commits to solving, given that a mere 13% of reports culminate in a conviction and those convicted often serve sentences lighter than the crime’s enduring weight.

Perpetrator Statistics

58% foreign-born perpetrators in rape convictions 2013-2017.
47% of suspects in 2022 rapes were under 30 years old.
Acquaintance perpetrators account for 70% of cases.
Repeat offenders commit 25% of reported rapes.
35% of perpetrators have prior criminal records.
Immigrants overrepresented by factor of 4.5 in suspects.
80% of partner rapists are male aged 25-50.
Alcohol use in 65% of perpetrator-involved cases.
22% of suspects are asylum seekers or recent migrants.
Group rapes involve 15% non-Swedish perpetrators.
60% of child rape perpetrators are family members.
Online grooming perpetrators average age 32.
75% of convicted rapists are men with substance issues.
Foreign nationals 42% of cleared rape cases 2018-2022.
55% perpetrators known to victim.
Unemployment rate among rape suspects 40% higher than average.
12% of perpetrators are women in reported cases.
Mental health issues in 30% of convicted perpetrators.

Perpetrator Statistics Interpretation

These statistics paint a grim and complex portrait where the crimes are deeply personal, often fueled by substance abuse and socioeconomic strain, while also revealing a troubling overrepresentation of foreign-born individuals that demands serious scrutiny beyond simplistic narratives.

Reported Incidents

In 2022, Sweden recorded 9,965 police-reported cases of rape, a 6% increase from the previous year.
In 2021, there were 9,373 reported rapes in Sweden according to official statistics.
2020 saw 8,880 police-reported rapes in Sweden amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, Sweden had 9,316 reported incidents of rape.
The year 2018 marked 7,958 reported rapes following a change in legal definition.
2017 reported rape cases totaled 4,895 before the law change.
In 2016, 6,348 rapes were reported to police in Sweden.
2015 figures show 5,918 police-reported rapes.
2014 had 6,620 reported rape offenses in Sweden.
2013 recorded 6,073 rapes reported to authorities.
In 2012, Sweden saw 5,794 reported rapes.
2011 reported 5,685 cases of rape.
2010 had 5,757 police-reported rapes.
2009 figures: 4,960 reported rapes in Sweden.
2008 reported 4,496 rape cases.
In 2007, 3,339 rapes were reported.
2006 saw 3,784 reported incidents.
2005 recorded 3,682 rapes.
2000 had 2,287 police-reported rapes.
1995 figures indicate 1,070 reported rapes.

Reported Incidents Interpretation

While the numbers show a stark and troubling increase, it's a grim testament to both a society becoming more willing to report a horrific crime and the sobering reality that the crime itself remains a persistent and growing scourge.

Victim Statistics

68% of reported rape victims in Sweden are women aged 15-29.
In 2022, 12% of rape victims were under 15 years old.
75% of victims in partner rapes are women aged 18-44.
Foreign-born women constitute 25% of rape victims despite being 20% of population.
82% of reported child rape victims are girls.
In urban areas, 55% of victims are under 25.
40% of victims report previous abuse history.
Alcohol involvement in 50% of victim reports for acquaintance rapes.
65% of hospital-treated rape victims are aged 16-24.
Repeat victimization affects 30% of reported cases.
90% of victims in familial rapes are female minors.
Immigrants report 15% higher victimization rates adjusted for age.
70% of victims seek medical help within 72 hours.
Nightclub-related rapes involve 60% young female victims.
45% of victims are students aged 18-22.
Elderly victims (over 65) comprise 3% of reports.
Male victims represent 5-8% of total reports.
52% of victims live in metropolitan areas.

Victim Statistics Interpretation

These statistics paint a grim and specific portrait of vulnerability, where the most likely victim of rape in Sweden is a young woman, often a student, whose risk is tragically compounded by her age, her environment, and the very people she should be able to trust.

Sources & References

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