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, most burglaries occurred in residential properties, primarily late at night. The South reported the highest share at 41%, followed by the West at 31.6%. Offenders were mostly men aged 21 to 40. Beyond stolen goods, these incidents often led to higher insurance premiums and limited coverage options.

Recent data highlights notable shifts in burglary trends, revealing where break-ins are most common and how they affect personal safety and property protection.

Burglaries in the U.S. have seen a steady decline over the years. In 2004, authorities recorded over 2.1 million cases, which has since dropped to 839,563 in 2023. The burglary rate per 100,000 people has also shrunk considerably, falling from 743.6 to 250.7 during the same period. Although there was a brief uptick in 2022, with cases rising to 908,900, the numbers declined again the following year.

This downward trend aligns with broader shifts in property crime, where burglary is categorized. In 2004, the U.S. logged more than 10.5 million property crimes, but by 2023, that number had dipped below 6.5 million. The largest drops occurred between 2016 and 2021, reflecting long-term changes in reported crime patterns.

Burglary risks vary greatly by state, shaped by factors like local crime rates, urban density and economic conditions. Some places see far more frequent break-ins than others, even when population size is considered. Exploring these differences offers a clearer view of how burglary affects communities nationwide.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

In 2023, New Mexico reported the highest burglary rate, with 517.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Washington (481), Oklahoma (458.5) and Louisiana (447). New Hampshire had the lowest burglary rate at 55.6, making it one of the safest states in terms of break-ins.

When examining regional trends, the South accounted for the largest share of reported burglaries, making up 41% of all cases despite housing only 38.9% of the U.S. population. The West followed with 31.6%, while the Midwest and Northeast reported lower shares at 17.8% and 9.6%, respectively.

Among the most populous states, California led with 135,369 reported burglaries, with Texas (92,693) and North Carolina (38,500) also seeing high case numbers. However, burglary rates tell a different story — states like Arkansas (408.1) and Colorado (358.6) had significantly higher rates per capita than some larger states. These numbers underscore the importance of considering total incidents and population size when analyzing crime trends.

More than half of all burglaries occur in residences and homes, making them the most frequently targeted locations by a wide margin in 2023. Commercial properties also see a significant share, with businesses such as offices and storage facilities ranking among the top three.

The table below highlights the 10 locations with the highest burglary rates. Whether you’re a homeowner securing your property or a business owner protecting assets, understanding these high-risk areas can help you take preventive measures and lower your risk.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer

The timing of a burglary can be just as telling as its location. Data shows that incidents are almost evenly split between A.M. (48.64%) and P.M. (49.76%) hours, with the remaining 1.6% occurring at an unspecified time. Among the most targeted hours, 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 are also high-risk periods, particularly between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., which saw over 68,504 combined cases. Overnight burglaries remained significant, with nearly 50,000 incidents occurring between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. alone.

Doors and windows are the most common access points for burglars. The front door is the primary target, where 34% of break-ins occur, often through forced entry or an unlocked door. First-floor windows and back doors also account for a significant share of burglaries, making them key vulnerabilities in home security.

Other entry points, while less frequent, still pose a risk. Garages and basements provide access in some cases, especially if left unsecured. Even second-story windows are occasionally used.

In 2023, men accounted for most offenders, with over 429,000 arrests for burglary-related crimes. Victims were more evenly split by gender, with over 570,000 reporting losses. Offenders were typically 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.

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