Home Burglary Statistics in the US

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, burglary is a subset of property crime, which also includes theft and motor vehicle offenses. While property crime rates have declined nationally, burglary remains a serious concern for homeowners.

In 2023, residential properties accounted for most burglaries, 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 the majority of offenses. These break-ins resulted in higher insurance premiums and stricter coverage limits for many homeowners.

Burglary data from 2023 shows where break-ins occur most frequently and how they impact insurance costs and property security.

Burglaries in the U.S. have declined steadily over the years. Authorities recorded over 2.1 million cases in 2004, dropping to 839,563 in 2023. The burglary rate per 100,000 people fell from 743.6 to 250.7 during the same period. Cases rose briefly to 908,900 in 2022 but declined again the following year.

This downward trend aligns with broader property crime patterns. The U.S. logged more than 10.5 million property crimes in 2004, dropping below 6.5 million by 2023. The largest declines occurred between 2016 and 2021.

Burglary risks vary by state based on local crime rates, urban density and economic conditions. Some places experience more frequent break-ins than others, even when accounting for population size.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

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

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

California led the most populous states with 135,369 reported burglaries, followed by Texas (92,693) and North Carolina (38,500). Arkansas (408.1) and Colorado (358.6) had higher rates per capita than some larger states, showing that total incidents and population size affect crime analysis.

Residences and homes accounted for more than half of all burglaries in 2023, making them the most frequently targeted locations. Commercial properties also saw a significant share, with offices and storage facilities ranking among the top three.

The table below shows the 10 locations with the highest burglary rates. Homeowners and business owners can use this data to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

Burglary timing reveals patterns as important as location data. Incidents split almost evenly between A.M. (48.64%) and P.M. (49.76%) hours, with 1.6% occurring at an unspecified time. Midnight recorded the highest number of break-ins (59,975 cases), while 6 a.m. saw the fewest (18,293 cases).

Afternoons and early evenings pose high risk, with 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. accounting for over 68,504 combined cases. Nearly 50,000 incidents occurred between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars. The front door accounts for 34% of break-ins, often through forced entry or unlocked access. First-floor windows and back doors represent significant vulnerabilities in home security.

Garages and basements provide access when left unsecured. Burglars occasionally use second-story windows.

Men accounted for most burglary offenders in 2023, with over 429,000 arrests. Victims split more evenly by gender, with over 570,000 reporting losses. Most offenders were adults aged 21 to 40, while victims ranged across all age groups.

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) are rare, 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 alone accounting for nearly $1.47 trillion. Cash losses 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 impact your home's risk assessment. Protect your home and policy by securing valuables, enhancing security and filing claims wisely.

Burglary affects home security and insurance costs. Understanding these impacts helps homeowners prepare and protect their property.