Home Burglary Statistics in the US

The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program classifies burglary as a property crime, alongside theft and motor vehicle offenses. Property crime rates have declined nationally, but burglary continues affecting homeowners.

Residential properties accounted for most burglaries in 2023, with the highest number of break-ins occurring late at night. The South reported 41% of all cases, followed by the West at 31.6%. Men aged 21 to 40 committed most offenses. Break-ins drove higher insurance premiums and stricter coverage limits for many homeowners.

The 2023 burglary data reveals geographic patterns, timing trends and insurance implications for property owners.

U.S. burglaries dropped 61% from 2004 to 2023. Authorities recorded 2.1 million cases in 2004 and 839,563 in 2023. The burglary rate per 100,000 people fell from 743.6 to 250.7. Cases rose briefly to 908,900 in 2022 before declining the following year.

Property crime overall followed the same trajectory. The U.S. logged 10.5 million property crimes in 2004 and fewer than 6.5 million by 2023, with the steepest declines between 2016 and 2021.

State-level burglary rates vary widely based on crime rates, urban density and economic conditions.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

New Mexico reported the highest burglary rate in 2023 at 517.9 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Washington (481), Oklahoma (458.5) and Louisiana (447). New Hampshire recorded the lowest rate at 55.6.

The South accounted for 41% of all burglaries while representing 38.9% of the U.S. population. The West accounted for 31.6%, the Midwest for 17.8% and the Northeast for 9.6%.

California logged 135,369 burglaries in 2023, followed by Texas (92,693) and North Carolina (38,500). Arkansas (408.1) and Colorado (358.6) had higher per capita rates than these larger states.

Residences accounted for more than half of all burglaries in 2023. Commercial properties ranked second, followed by offices and storage facilities.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

Burglaries split nearly evenly between A.M. (48.64%) and P.M. (49.76%) hours, with 1.6% occurring at an unspecified time. Midnight recorded the most break-ins (59,975 cases), while 6 a.m. saw the fewest (18,293 cases).

The 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. period accounted for 68,504 cases, the highest afternoon total. Nearly 50,000 incidents occurred between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Doors and windows were the most common entry points for burglars. The front door accounts for 34% of break-ins through forced entry or unlocked access. First-floor windows and back doors create major security vulnerabilities.
Unsecured garages and basements offer additional access points. Burglars occasionally target second-story windows.

Men accounted for most burglary offenders in 2023, with 429,865 arrests. Victims were more evenly distributed by gender, with 574,861 total cases. Most offenders were adults aged 21 to 40, while victims included all age groups, with the highest concentration among adults aged 31 to 40.

Burglary impacts both men and women, but most offenders are male. Men accounted for 63% of burglary arrests, while women made up 14%. Among victims, the distribution was more even, with 54% (309,618) being male and 46% (261,509) female.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

Most burglary offenders are aged 21 to 40, accounting for 38% of arrests. Juveniles (under 16) account for 4% of arrests, and offenders over 60 make up just 2%. Victims are more evenly distributed across age groups, with adults aged 31 to 40 comprising 11% and older individuals (66+) accounting for 14%.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

Burglaries resulted in over $2.8 trillion in stolen property, with miscellaneous items like small electronics and collectibles accounting for $1.47 trillion. Cash thefts exceeded $351 billion, but only 5% was recovered. Vehicles had a better recovery rate, with $45 billion retrieved from the $194 billion stolen. Only 4% of household goods and 5% of office equipment were recovered.

Burglary claims raise your risk profile with insurers. Homeowners should secure valuables, upgrade security systems and weigh claim costs against deductibles before filing.