Is "índice de homicidio" correct?

Question

If I wanted to say "homicide rate," referring to the number of homicides, would I say "índice de homicidio?"

And what verb would I use to talk about an increase? Do I say "el índice de homicidio crecó." Or would I say "el índice de homicidio aumentó." I know the verbs mean two different things (grow and increase, respectively) but which is more commonly used in this case?

Thanks!

I hope you didn't mind Missy, I edited your title. I learn so much from your questions and answers! Muchas gracias! - bandit51jd, Apr 17, 2012

Got it. Thanks. And glad to be of help! - missy8888, Apr 18, 2012

Answer 1

I have used/read/ and heard both: "el índice de homicidios" y "la tasa de homicidios". To indicate an increase I would use either "aumentar" or "incrementarse", but I'm sure there are other possibilities.

ok, so plural then. - missy8888, Apr 18, 2012

Answer 2

"El índice de homicidios registró un incremento...", "... creció...", "... subió hasta...", etc.