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 city with the most break ins in each state. Cities — defined as having a population over 25,000 — are ranked by the number of burglaries reported for every 100,000 people.
It is important to note that in four states, there is only one eligible city with available data. In each of these cases, which are noted, the city listed ranks as having the highest burglary rate by default only. In Hawaii, there are no qualifying cities with available crime data.
Though each of the cities on this list ranks as having the highest burglary rate in its respective state, burglary rates in these places vary considerably, from 109 incidents per 100,000 people to 1,687 per 100,000. Still, in the vast majority of the cities on this list, burglary rates exceed the statewide rate as well as the national rate of 314 per 100,000.
Burglary, along with larceny and motor 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 city on this list, the overall property crime rate exceeds the comparable statewide rate. Here is a look at the city with the most property crimes in every state.
Click here to see the city with the most break-ins in every state
Click here to read our detailed methodology
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