How Many Home Invasions Occur Per Year: Key Stats & Insights

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APA:Khan, U. (2025, February 1). How Many Home Invasions Occur Per Year: Key Stats & Insights. RetirementLiving.com. Accessed February 18, 2025, from https://www.retirementliving.com/home-security-systems/how-many-home-invasions-occur-per-year
Chicago:Khan, Usama. “How Many Home Invasions Occur Per Year: Key Stats & Insights.” RetirementLiving.com. Last updated February 1, 2025. https://www.retirementliving.com/home-security-systems/how-many-home-invasions-occur-per-year.
MLA:Khan, Usama. “How Many Home Invasions Occur Per Year: Key Stats & Insights.” RetirementLiving.com, February 1 2025, https://www.retirementliving.com/home-security-systems/how-many-home-invasions-occur-per-year.

Open Access

Home invasions remain a serious concern in the U.S. In 2023, an estimated 839,563 reported burglaries were reported, reflecting a slight decline from the previous year. The FBI also recorded 1,954.4 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2022.

This article breaks down key statistics, trends, and insights to help you stay informed about home invasions per year in America.

How Many Home Invasions Occur per Year?

Crime data for home invasions and property crimes have shown a declining trend in recent years. FBI.gov reported data for January to June 2023 and 2024, indicating an overall 10.3% drop in reported crime rates. 

Robbery cases fell by 13.6%, while property crimes declined by 13.1%, reflecting improved security measures and law enforcement efforts.

Despite this decline, home invasions remain a serious concern. More than 580,000 burglaries occur in the U.S. each year. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, residential burglary rates have dropped by 38% since 2019, while larcenies decreased by 12%

However, the prevalence of nonresidential burglaries increased by 12%, and shoplifting rose by 1%, showing a shift in crime patterns.

Residential burglary rates also vary by city size. In 2022, large cities (500,000 to 999,999 residents) recorded burglary rates twice as high as those in smaller cities with fewer than 100,000 people. This highlights the need for enhanced security measures, especially in densely populated areas.

Types of Property Crime (Including Violent Home Invasion Statistics)

Property crimes, including burglary, robbery, and motor vehicle theft, continue to impact communities across the U.S. 

Here is a rundown of the different types of property crimes:

Home Burglary

Home burglary remains one of the most common property crimes, though the rate of burglaries has seen a gradual decline. In 2023, the national burglary rate was 250.7 cases per 100,000 people, down from 272.7 per 100,000 in 2022

By 2024, residential burglary rates had dropped another 13%, reflecting improved security measures and law enforcement strategies.

Home burglary statistics reveal that burglars often target easy access points. Data shows that 34% of home break-ins occur through the front door, followed by 23% through first-floor windows and 22% through back doors. 

Contrary to common belief, most burglaries happen during the day. In 2023, there were 239,137 daytime burglaries, compared to 184,846 nighttime break-ins. Additionally, 37.5% of burglars opted for unlawful entry, highlighting the importance of locking doors and windows.

Robbery

Robbery involves direct confrontation and remains a significant crime concern. In 2023, the U.S. recorded a robbery rate of 66.5 cases per 100,000 people. Residential robberies accounted for 30,648 cases, while 16,944 occurred in parking garages or lots, making these high-risk areas for targeted crimes.

Looking at historical trends, 2020 saw the highest number of robberies, with 19,659.5 reported cases, likely influenced by the societal disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the 2020–2023 period, the average number of annual robberies stood at 16,842 incidents, reflecting fluctuating crime patterns.

Average Number of Robberies in USA 

Motor Vehicle Theft

Motor vehicle theft has seen a sharp rise over recent years. From 2019 to 2023, theft rates increased by 28%, with total reported incidents reaching 1,020,729 in 2023, marking a 1% increase from 2022.

Homeowners should be especially cautious, as 35% of vehicle thefts occur on residential properties, making this a critical component of home security. 

The nationwide rate of motor vehicle theft in 2023 was 318.7 per 100,000 people, up from 283.5 per 100,000 in 2019.

Most Common Locations of Property Crimes

Property crimes don’t happen at random—they often target specific locations. Here are some of the common locations according to the data by the FBI:

Residences/Homes

  • 59% of burglaries occur in residences, making them the most common target.
  • 35% of motor vehicle thefts also happen at residential locations, showing a dual risk for homeowners.
  • Only 17% of robberies take place in homes, indicating that burglars primarily target properties when residents are not present.

Public Areas

  • 25% of robberies occur in public areas, making them the highest-risk locations for robberies.
  • 24% of motor vehicle thefts take place in these areas, emphasizing the need for vigilance when parking or traveling.
  • Specialty Stores account for 9% of robberies and 3% of burglaries, showing vulnerability among commercial properties.

Parking Lots/Garages

9% of robberies and 23% of motor vehicle thefts happen in parking areas, making them high-risk locations for vehicle-related crimes.

Main Causes of Home Invasions

Home invasions often follow patterns based on security vulnerabilities, seasonal trends, and victim demographics.

  • Lack of Home Security Systems: Burglars target homes with weak or no security. Only 17% of homes have a security system, leaving the majority unprotected. Data shows that homes without an alarm system are 300% more likely to be burglarized, making security installations one of the most effective factors against break-ins.
  • Seasonal Trends: Burglary rates fluctuate throughout the year, often peaking in the summer months. Summer sees the highest number of break-ins, as more people travel and leave their homes unattended. In contrast, burglaries drop by 11% in winter, when homeowners are more likely to stay home due to colder weather and school schedules.
  • Vulnerable Victims: Those aged 20–29 and 40–49 each account for 18% of the total number of burglaries. This suggests that younger to middle-aged adults are frequently targeted as burglary victims. This may be due to lifestyle factors, work schedules, or living arrangements that make their homes more accessible to intruders.

Burglary Statistics by State

The U.S. average burglary rate in 2023 is 250.7 per 100,000 residents. Western states, such as New Mexico, Washington, and Nevada (400.6), dominate the top rates of burglary offenses, suggesting potential regional trends influenced by socio-economic or geographic factors.

  • New Mexico: 517.9 incidents per 100,000 residents making it the city with the highest burglary rate
  • Washington: 481 per 100,000 residents.
  • Oklahoma: 458.5 per 100,000 residents.
  • Louisiana: 447 per 100,000 residents.
  • Arkansas: 408.1 per 100,000 residents.
  • New York: 152.8 per 100,000 residents.
  • Texas: 303.9 per 100,000 residents bringing it closer to the national burglary rate of 250.7 per 100,000 residents.
  • New Jersey: 154.8 per 100,000 residents..
  • New Hampshire: 55.6 per 100,000 residents. This allows it to report some of the lowest burglary rates in the dataset, showcasing safer conditions in comparison to other states.

Burglary Rate in the United States (2023)

FAQs

What is renters insurance in the USA?

Renters insurance provides financial protection for personal property in a rented apartment, condo, or home. It covers losses due to theft, fire, or water damage, helping tenants replace damaged or stolen items. Additionally, it includes liability coverage, which protects renters if someone is injured inside their home.

What insurance protects your home?

Homeowners insurance safeguards your property by covering damage to the home, personal belongings, and valuables.

Is home insurance mandatory in California?

No, according to the insurance policy in California, homeowners insurance is not legally required in California.

Bottom Line

Home invasions remain a pressing issue in the U.S., with 839,563 burglaries reported in 2023, despite an overall 10.3% decline in property crimes. More than 580,000 burglaries occur annually, and homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be targeted.

While burglary rates have declined in recent years, crime patterns vary by location. New Mexico leads the nation with 517.9 incidents per 100,000 residents, while cities with 500,000+ people report burglary rates twice as high as smaller cities. Summer months see the highest number of break-ins, with 37.5% of burglars entering homes without force.

Motor vehicle theft has surged 28% since 2019, with 35% of cases occurring at residences, adding another layer to home security concerns. With shifting crime trends and vulnerabilities, investing in home security systems, neighborhood awareness, and crime prevention strategies is crucial for reducing risks.

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Readers can share these findings for noncommercial purposes only and must provide a link back to this page at RetirementLiving.com.

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