Special Report

American Cities With the Highest Rates of Break-Ins

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Burglary — defined as the unlawful entry of a structure, such as a home or business, to commit a theft or felony — is the most serious nonviolent offense tracked by the FBI. There were just over 1 million burglaries reported in the United States in 2020, the largest share of which were committed in residential properties, more often during the day than at night.

Burglaries are typically carried out for monetary gain, and each year, these crimes result in billions of dollars in stolen property. Not only do victims of burglaries typically suffer material loss, but they can also be impacted psychologically. Many burglary victims have reported heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feelings of vulnerability, and even post-traumatic stress disorder in some cases. 

While burglaries can happen anywhere in the United States, in some parts of the country, they are far more common than others. 

Using data from the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report, 24/7 Wall St. identified the metro areas with the highest burglary rates. Metro areas are ranked by the number of burglaries reported for every 100,000 people. 

In every metro area on this list, break-in rates are far higher than — and in some cases more than triple — the national rate of 314 burglaries per 100,000 people. Most of the metro areas on this list are in the South, including six in Texas alone. 

Burglary — along with larceny and vehicle theft —  is one of three criminal offenses that make up the property crime category. Due in large part to higher than average burglary rates, in nearly every metro area on this list, the overall property crime rate exceeds the national rate of 1,958 incidents per 100,000 people. Here is a look at the city with the most property crimes in every state.

Click here to see the metros with the most break-ins
Click here to read our detailed methodology

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50. Odessa, TX
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 507.5
> Total burglaries: 859 — 142nd lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,956.8 — 33rd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 5,005 — 138th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 166,223

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49. Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 511.2
> Total burglaries: 2,002 — 69th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,052.0 — 132nd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 8,036 — 98th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 392,563

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48. Columbia, SC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 511.5
> Total burglaries: 4,335 — 34th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,272.0 — 21st highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 27,730 — 35th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 839,039

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47. Lafayette, LA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 514.9
> Total burglaries: 2,523 — 57th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,487.4 — 69th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 12,188 — 70th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 489,207

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46. Fayetteville, NC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 518.2
> Total burglaries: 2,752 — 49th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,334.0 — 83rd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 12,396 — 68th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 526,719

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45. Fort Smith, AR-OK
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 519.9
> Total burglaries: 1,303 — 109th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,882.6 — 39th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 7,224 — 105th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 249,152

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44. Charleston, WV
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 522.9
> Total burglaries: 1,332 — 105th highest of 287 metros (tied)
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,305.7 — 86th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 5,873 — 128th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 257,814

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43. Redding, CA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 524.1
> Total burglaries: 936 — 134th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 1,920.6 — 122nd lowest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 3,430 — 98th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 180,080

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42. Spartanburg, SC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 525.1
> Total burglaries: 1,703 — 84th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,446.7 — 72nd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 7,935 — 99th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 319,785

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41. Sumter, SC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 528.5
> Total burglaries: 742 — 127th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,743.6 — 49th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 3,852 — 110th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 140,466

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40. New Bern, NC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 530.0
> Total burglaries: 657 — 113th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,150.8 — 114th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 2,666 — 68th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 127,904

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39. Springfield, MO
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 534.5
> Total burglaries: 2,533 — 55th highest of 287 metros (tied)
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,301.7 — 20th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 15,647 — 56th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 467,516

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38. Wichita Falls, TX
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 536.8
> Total burglaries: 809 — 135th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,564.0 — 62nd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 3,864 — 111th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 151,254

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37. Greensboro-High Point, NC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 539.5
> Total burglaries: 4,194 — 35th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,674.6 — 53rd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 20,792 — 44th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 771,851

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36. Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 540.6
> Total burglaries: 4,039 — 37th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,178.5 — 22nd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 23,746 — 39th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 744,483

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35. Fairbanks, AK
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 546.7
> Total burglaries: 180 — 12th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 4,152.2 — the highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 1,367 — 16th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 96,849

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34. St. Joseph, MO-KS
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 558.7
> Total burglaries: 698 — 117th lowest of 287 metros (tied)
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,541.3 — 13th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 4,424 — 124th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 125,411

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33. Corpus Christi, TX
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 564.7
> Total burglaries: 2,430 — 59th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,943.6 — 34th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 12,668 — 66th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 429,024

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32. Asheville, NC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 564.8
> Total burglaries: 2,638 — 53rd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,633.6 — 57th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 12,301 — 69th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 462,680

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31. Yakima, WA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 566.2
> Total burglaries: 1,420 — 101st highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,725.4 — 50th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 6,835 — 113th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 250,873

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30. Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 572.1
> Total burglaries: 3,277 — 40th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,478.6 — 15th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 19,927 — 47th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 568,521

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29. Albany, GA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 574.4
> Total burglaries: 837 — 138th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,937.9 — 35th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 4,281 — 121st lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 147,384

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28. Lawton, OK
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 574.4
> Total burglaries: 723 — 124th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 1,861.6 — 115th lowest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 2,343 — 56th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 126,043

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27. Memphis, TN-MS-AR
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 580.0
> Total burglaries: 7,822 — 17th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,718.5 — 6th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 50,144 — 13th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 1,344,910

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26. Springfield, OH
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 587.5
> Total burglaries: 784 — 132nd lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,901.3 — 38th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 3,872 — 112th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 134,083

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25. Amarillo, TX
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 587.6
> Total burglaries: 1,561 — 93rd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,042.5 — 29th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 8,083 — 96th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 269,447

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24. Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 591.0
> Total burglaries: 1,571 — 92nd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,306.6 — 18th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 8,789 — 90th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 265,066

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23. Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 603.1
> Total burglaries: 2,369 — 62nd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,588.1 — 11th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 14,095 — 60th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 394,706

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22. Springfield, IL
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 612.0
> Total burglaries: 1,257 — 116th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: N/A
> Total property crimes: N/A
> Population: 207,003

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21. Vallejo, CA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 615.4
> Total burglaries: 2,751 — 50th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,391.1 — 77th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 10,689 — 77th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 447,643

20. Goldsboro, NC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 615.4
> Total burglaries: 758 — 129th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,512.0 — 66th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 3,094 — 82nd lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 123,131

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19. Rapid City, SD
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 616.5
> Total burglaries: 887 — 139th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,971.1 — 32nd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 4,275 — 120th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 142,191

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18. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 616.6
> Total burglaries: 24,849 — 3rd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,156.9 — 23rd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 127,233 — 5th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 3,979,845

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17. Oklahoma City, OK
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 619.9
> Total burglaries: 8,847 — 12th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,916.2 — 37th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 41,616 — 24th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 1,408,950

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16. Fargo, ND-MN
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 648.6
> Total burglaries: 1,611 — 88th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,829.3 — 43rd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 7,027 — 109th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 246,145

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15. Decatur, IL
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 658.9
> Total burglaries: 677 — 115th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: N/A
> Total property crimes: N/A
> Population: 104,009

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14. Pueblo, CO
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 660.4
> Total burglaries: 1,112 — 125th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: N/A
> Total property crimes: N/A
> Population: 168,424

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13. Tulsa, OK
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 666.7
> Total burglaries: 6,704 — 22nd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,109.7 — 24th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 31,267 — 31st highest of 276 metros
> Population: 998,655

12. Pine Bluff, AR
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 667.9
> Total burglaries: 578 — 101st lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,048.3 — 28th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 2,638 — 66th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 89,437

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11. Florence, SC
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 672.5
> Total burglaries: 1,379 — 102nd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,600.8 — 10th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 7,384 — 102nd highest of 276 metros
> Population: 204,911

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10. Albuquerque, NM
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 688.1
> Total burglaries: 6,356 — 24th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,654.1 — 9th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 33,754 — 30th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 914,480

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9. Enid, OK
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 703.9
> Total burglaries: 430 — 66th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,579.7 — 60th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 1,576 — 26th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 61,056

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8. Bakersfield, CA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 708.1
> Total burglaries: 6,358 — 23rd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,106.0 — 25th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 27,890 — 34th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 900,202

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7. Lubbock, TX
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 795.9
> Total burglaries: 2,584 — 54th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,682.4 — 7th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 11,956 — 72nd highest of 276 metros
> Population: 321,982

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6. Monroe, LA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 836.3
> Total burglaries: 1,665 — 86th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,654.3 — 8th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 7,275 — 103rd highest of 276 metros
> Population: 200,261

5. Danville, IL
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 880.4
> Total burglaries: 658 — 114th lowest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: N/A
> Total property crimes: N/A
> Population: 75,758

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4. Jonesboro, AR
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 1,003.1
> Total burglaries: 1,358 — 103rd highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 2,928.1 — 36th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 3,964 — 114th lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 133,860

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3. Alexandria, LA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 1,018.7
> Total burglaries: 1,541 — 94th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 4,018.7 — 2nd highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 6,079 — 123rd highest of 276 metros
> Population: 152,037

Source: DenisTangneyJr / iStock via Getty Images

2. Lake Charles, LA
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 1,065.7
> Total burglaries: 2,247 — 64th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,813.6 — 5th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 8,041 — 97th highest of 276 metros
> Population: 209,035

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1. Hot Springs, AR
> 2020 burglaries per 100K people: 1,202.9
> Total burglaries: 1,200 — 117th highest of 287 metros
> Property crimes per 100K people: 3,583.5 — 12th highest of 276 metros
> Total property crimes: 3,575 — 102nd lowest of 276 metros
> Population: 99,386

Methodology

To determine the metro area with the highest burglary rate, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed burglary figures from the FBI’s 2020 Uniform Crime Report. 

Limited data was available in the 2020 UCR for areas in Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, though these states were not excluded from analysis. Only metro areas for which the boundaries defined by the FBI match the boundaries as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau were considered. 

Data for property crime — a category that includes larceny-theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft — also came from the 2020 FBI UCR. Population figures are one-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. However, these estimates were not used to calculate crime rates. Crime rates per 100,000 people were calculated using population figures provided by the FBI in the 2020 UCR.

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