Open Access
Home invasions are a serious concern in the U.S., with around 1.5 million incidents reported annually. In 2023 alone, U.S. households experienced approximately 13.6 million property victimizations, including burglary, motor vehicle theft, and other types of theft.
Understanding the details of home invasions, such as what percentage involve armed perpetrators, can help homeowners better protect themselves and their families from these frightening experiences.
Key Insights
Approximately 1.5 million home invasions are reported annually in the U.S.
↓ Jump to insight
58% of home invasions happen during the day, typically between 10 AM and 3 PM.
↓ Jump to insight
Firearms were used in 40.6% of robberies in 2017, according to the FBI’s UCR Program.
↓ Jump to insight
72% of burglaries target single-family homes.
↓ Jump to insight
Women are burglary victims in 30% of home invasions that occur while someone is home.
↓ Jump to insight
What is a Home Invasion?
A home invasion occurs when someone forcibly enters your home with the intent to commit a crime, typically involving theft or violence. The Bureau of Justice Statistics defines it as an unlawful entry into a building. Unlike a home burglary, where the intruder may not confront the occupants, a home invasion usually means the criminal is directly interacting with those inside.
It’s different from a simple robbery as it often includes threats or actual harm to the people in the house. The key factor in a home invasion is the invasion of personal space, making it not just a property crime but a violation of one’s safety and peace of mind.
What Percentage of Home Invasions Are Armed?
In home invasions, a significant number of offenders are armed. A 1995 study in Atlanta found that 17% of offenders carried firearms, 3.5% used knives, and 9.8% had other weapons.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program in 2017:
- Firearms were used in 40.6% of robberies
- Knives or cutting instruments were used in 8.1%
- Other dangerous weapons accounted for 9.8%
- Strong-arm tactics (force without a weapon) were used in 41.5% of robberies
Burglary Statistics Over Time
Burglary is a type of home invasion that’s clearly defined in the U.S., and its seriousness can vary. FBI data shows that the burglary rate has been steadily decreasing in recent years. In 2022, there were 847,522 burglaries, with 57% targeting homes.
This was down from 60% in 2021. The overall number of burglaries has dropped over time, along with the percentage targeting residential properties.
Timing of Most Home Invasions
Despite what many think, 58% of home invasions happen during the day, usually between 10 AM and 3 PM. This is when most people are likely to be at work or school, so burglars often target these hours to lower the chances of running into anyone at home.
Most Common Entry Points for Burglars
The front door is the most common point of entry for burglars, accounting for 34% of break-ins. Around 15% of burglars get in through unlocked doors or windows simply because they’re left open.
This makes it crucial to invest in strong security measures, such as high-quality locks, security cameras, and alarm systems, to protect against forcible entry or armed robbery.
Financial Consequences of Home Invasions
Home invasions can be costly, with the average loss per incident around $2,661 in 2023. This figure includes stolen items and property damage, underscoring the financial strain such crimes can impose on homeowners.
A solid home security system can mitigate these costs and provide greater peace of mind.
Where Home Invasions Happen Most
Urban areas are more likely to experience home invasions and property crimes, with 63% of break-ins occurring in cities. Higher population density, wealth concentration, and more entry points make urban homes appealing targets for burglars, leaving city homeowners at a greater risk than those in rural areas.
In 2022, New Mexico had the highest burglary rate at 604 incidents per 100,000 residents, while New Hampshire had the lowest at 73.5 per 100,000 homeowners.
Nature of Home Invasion Perpetrators
About 85% of home invasions are done by non-professionals. These are opportunistic criminals who look for easy targets, not masterminded plans. This shows that just making your security more visible can be a great way to keep most burglars away.
Single-Family Homes
Single-family homes are hit the hardest, with 72% of burglaries happening in these types of homes. These homes are more likely to be targeted because they often have more hidden entry points. To protect your home, focusing on perimeter security and adding surveillance can make a big difference.
Women’s Role in Home Invasions
Women are burglary victims in 30% of home invasions that occur while someone is home.
Top 10 US States with the Highest Burglary Rates
States like New Mexico, Louisiana, California, and Oklahoma lead the list, indicating a higher risk of burglaries in these areas. If you live in one of these states, it’s especially important to be vigilant about your home security.
Top 10 US States with the Lowest Burglary Rates
States like New Hampshire, Maine, and Virginia had the lowest burglary rates in 2023, indicating that these areas generally face fewer property crimes. New York, although higher than these states, still ranks on the lower end of the scale compared to other regions.
Common Burglary Tactics and Targets
Burglars don’t just target high-value property; they also go after items that are easy to carry, quick to steal, and hard to trace.
According to ADT data, some of the most commonly stolen items include:
- Firearms
- Prescription drugs
- Electronics like phones or laptops
- Jewelry or other high-value personal items like furs
These items are attractive to burglars because they can be easily transported and sold with little risk of being tracked.
How Burglary Affect Home Insurance
Burglary can have an impact on the homeowners’ insurance, especially depending on the coverage you have. Here’s how different types of coverage might work after a break-in:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): This compensates you for the depreciated value of stolen items. For example, if you had a laptop worth $2,000 five years ago, it might only be valued at $400 today, according to depreciation tables used by insurers.
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV): If you have an RCV policy, you could be reimbursed for the full cost of replacing stolen items with new ones, like buying a new laptop at today’s price. However, any additional reimbursement might be provided as recoverable depreciation.
- Scheduled Personal Property: If you have expensive items like jewelry or artwork, you may need to add extra coverage for these on your policy. This ensures that valuable items are fully covered in case of theft.
- Deductible: The deductible you set for your home insurance will affect how much you pay for coverage. A higher deductible may reduce your premium but also increase what you pay out of pocket if a burglary happens. It’s worth discussing with your agent to find the right balance between risk and cost.
Keep in mind that your home insurance rates may increase after a burglary if you file a claim. How much your rates go up can depend on factors like where you live, how high the crime rate is in your area, and the value of the stolen items.
To minimize these rate increases, consider taking advantage of discounts, like installing security systems.
Bottom Line
Home invasions remain a serious threat, with approximately 1.5 million reported annually in the U.S.72% of burglaries target single-family homes. Daytime invasions, which account for 58% of cases, often involve armed offenders, with firearms used in 40.6% of robberies.
Women are burglary victims in 30% of incidents.
As the number of home invasions continues to decline, investing in visible security measures and securing entry points remains crucial in reducing risks and preventing financial and emotional damage.
Fair Use Statement
You’re welcome to share this insightful article for noncommercial purposes, but please link back to this page at RetirementLiving.com.
Sources
- SafeHome.org. Crime Statistics by State. SafeHome.org. Published Jan. 1, 2024. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - Deep Sentinel. Home Burglary Statistics. Deep Sentinel. Published Mar. 3, 2024. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - Safe and Sound. Home Invasion Statistics. Safe and Sound. Published Feb. 5, 2024. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - ResearchGate. Robberies by Time of Day and by Day of Week. ResearchGate. Published Jan. 10, 2024. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - PubMed. A Study on Home Invasions. PubMed. Published Oct. 5, 2023. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - Bankrate. Home Burglary Statistics by State. Bankrate. Published Dec. 12, 2023. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - Consumer Affairs. Home Invasion Statistics by State. Consumer Affairs. Published Nov. 20, 2023. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - FBI UCR. Robbery Statistics. FBI UCR. Published Sep. 25, 2018. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here - Statista. Burglary Rate in the U.S. by State. Statista. Published Jan. 17, 2024. Evaluated Mar. 11, 2025.
Link Here