The definition of a serial killer can also vary, just as the FBI's does from Aadmodt's. These women, as 'quiet killers' who often target family, simply aren't as easy to detect, Hickey explained to the publication.

Contrary to Aamodt's research, about one in six serial killers are women, The New Yorker reported. Criminologist Eric Hickey has done considerable research on what constitutes a serial killing and how to identify those responsible, especially women. Thus, it doesn't make sense that the US murder rate is average yet its serial killer rate is by far the top.'Īileen Wuornos, a serial killer and subject of the film 'Monster,' starring Charlize Theron.Īamodt, however, isn't the only one trying to find more accurate information about serial killers. 'The murder rate for the US falls about in the middle of the rate for other countries. 'It would be more accurate to say that more serial killers have been identified in the US than in the rest of the world combined,' Aamodt said. That could lead someone to believe that the US has more serial killers than the rest of the world combined, but that's not necessarily correct. The database has identified 2,624 serial killers in the US, while other countries only claim 1,249.

40.5% kill for enjoyment, such as lust, thrill, or power, according to Aamodt.

While 70% reported no abuse as children, many wet the bed, tortured animals, and started fires.

85.6% come from homes with at least one biological parent, though their family life was likely unstable.

The Army is the branch most likely to include serial killers, while the Coast Guard is the least likely.

Overwhelmingly, serial killers haven't served in the military - only 23.9% did.

For male serial killers, the average age they first killed at is 27.5, while for females it's a bit older at 31.

Serial killers who have used bombs show, on average, higher IQs, while those who used poison exhibited the lowest. A serial killer with average IQ is also the most likely to strangle or shoot their victims.

Although various tests measure IQ, a score of 90 to 110 is usually considered ' average' intelligence. The average serial killer has an IQ 94.7.Some other interesting statistics that Aamodt determined:

Top 10 serial killers in america