States with high burglary rates and what might be driving them

Where your home is most tempting to intruders: the states with sky-high burglary rates and what might be driving them.

Burglary is one of those crimes that rarely dominates the headlines, yet it affects hundreds of thousands of Americans every single year. From suburban neighborhoods to rural backroads to crowded city streets, break-ins continue to be a major concern for homeowners and business owners alike.

According to recent FBI figures, roughly half a million burglaries were reported in the United States in the past year. While that represents a long-term decline from the highs of the 1990s and early 2000s, the sheer scale of the problem shows that property crime remains deeply rooted and in some places, stubbornly persistent.

A new study by Underwood Law Firm, P.C. analyzed the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data to determine which states are seeing the highest burglary rates per 100,000 residents.

1.)

New Mexico takes the unfortunate top spot, with 7,751 reported burglaries and the highest rate per capita of 362 per 100,000 residents. The state’s unique mix of spread-out rural communities, high poverty rates, and under-resourced law enforcement agencies often creates an environment where property crime can thrive. Cities like Albuquerque have spent years battling elevated burglary levels, while rural counties struggle with long police response times and limited patrols. Combined, these challenges help explain why New Mexico consistently ranks near the top for property offenses.

2.)

Oklahoma ranks second with 14,831 burglaries and a nearly identical burglary rate of 359 per 100,000 residents. The state’s high ranking may stem from a mix of economic instability, large stretches of rural land where enforcement is tricky, and pockets of urban crime in cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Community safety programs vary widely across the state, and many rural counties simply don’t have the staffing or funding needed to keep property crime in check. As a result, Oklahoma remains one of the most vulnerable states for break-ins.

3.)

In third place, Washington recorded 21,972 burglaries, equating to 272.64 incidents per 100,000 people. Urbanization is one of the biggest factors here, with Seattle and nearby metro areas having some of the highest property-crime levels on the West Coast. Rising housing costs, transient populations, and strained police departments in rapidly growing cities are all thought to be contributors. Meanwhile, Washington’s suburban and rural communities face their own challenges, from unlocked outbuildings to long stretches of unmonitored property.

4.)

Arkansas lands in fourth place with 8,419 burglaries and a rate of 270.95 per 100,000 residents. Many of its communities are small and widely spaced, and with limited law-enforcement resources, offenders often find opportunities in unmonitored homes, sheds, and businesses.

5.)

Colorado ranks fifth with 16,119 break-ins and a rate of 268 per 100,000. Rapid population growth in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder has placed pressure on police departments already juggling increased demand for services. At the same time, higher-income neighborhoods may inadvertently attract burglars scouting for valuable items.

6.)

North Carolina sits sixth, reporting 28,314 burglaries at a rate of 252.56 per 100,000 residents. The state’s expanding suburban corridors, particularly around Charlotte and Raleigh, create ideal conditions for opportunistic intruders. Growth brings construction, vacant homes, and residents who may not know one another well, all factors that burglars can exploit.

7.)

Nevada, home to Las Vegas and other tourism-heavy cities, ranks seventh with 8,007 burglaries and 241 per 100,000 residents. The influx of visitors and temporary residents can create ideal conditions for property crime, particularly near hotels, rental homes, and high-traffic entertainment districts.

8.)

Texas comes in eighth, with an enormous 74,304 burglaries, though its per-capita rate of 233.27 is comparatively lower due to its large population. Break-ins in major metros like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio significantly drive the state’s totals, while rural areas face challenges related to distance and limited patrol coverage.

9.) 

South Carolina ranks ninth, recording 12,605 burglaries at 226 per 100,000 residents. Coastal tourist hubs such as Myrtle Beach see fluctuating populations throughout the year, and that unpredictability often brings increased property crime risks.

10.)

Rounding out the top ten is Oregon, with 9,437 burglaries and a rate of 219.92 per 100,000 residents. Portland’s ongoing population turnover, urban density, and housing challenges may be contributing factors, while rural communities deal with fewer officers covering large territories.

The full list of states with the highest burglary rates:

This study examined burglary data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program over the most recent year of reporting. Each US state was ranked based on the number of burglaries reported per 100,000 residents, allowing for accurate comparisons between states with vastly different population sizes. The dataset provides insight into where Americans are most at risk of property crime and highlights nationwide disparities in burglary activity.