9.11.24 – Study Finds – By Chris Melore -Research led by Automatic Technology – CYPRESS, Texas
Have you ever wondered how safe your home really is? A new study might just have the answer, and it’s not what you’d expect.
Have you ever wondered how safe your home really is? A new study might just have the answer, and it’s not what you’d expect.
Every day in America, over 3,000 homes are broken into. That’s right, while you’re reading this article, someone, somewhere, is becoming the victim of a home invasion. It’s a sobering thought, isn’t it?
Here’s the kicker – your risk of being burglarized might depend a lot on where you live. A recent study by Automatic Technology (ATA) has crunched the numbers to reveal which states are burglar magnets and which ones thieves tend to avoid.
The Burglary Hotspots: Where Thieves Are Most Active
So, where should you be extra careful about locking your doors? The study, which dug deep into FBI data, found that New Mexico tops the list of states with the highest burglary rates. For every 100,000 people in the Land of Enchantment, there are a whopping 604 burglaries. That’s like having a burglar for every small neighborhood!
Hot on New Mexico’s heels are Washington and Louisiana, with 563 and 497.8 burglaries per 100,000 people, respectively. Oklahoma and Arkansas round out the top five, proving that burglars don’t discriminate between the South, the West, or anywhere in between.
| The Top 10 States With The Highest Burglary Rates | ||
| Rank | State | Burglary Rate (per 100,000 people) |
| 1 | New Mexico | 604 |
| 2 | Washington | 563 |
| 3 | Louisiana | 497.8 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 482.6 |
| 5 | Arkansas | 466.4 |
| 6 | Nevada | 436.1 |
| 7 | Colorado | 395.2 |
| 8 | California | 371.9 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 370.8 |
| 10 | Oregon | 360.7 |
The Safe Havens: States Where Burglars Fear to Tread
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a place where you can leave your door unlocked (though we don’t recommend it!), New Hampshire might be your best bet. With only 73.5 burglaries per 100,000 people, it’s the state where burglars are least likely to strike.
Maine and Virginia follow closely, with rates of 115.9 and 124.6 per 100,000, respectively. It seems the Northeast is giving burglars a cold shoulder!
| The Ten States With The Lowest Burglary Rates | ||
| Rank | State | Burglary Rate (per 100,000) |
| 1 | New Hampshire | 73.5 |
| 2 | Maine | 115.9 |
| 3 | Virginia | 124.6 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 128.1 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 142.8 |
| 6 | New Jersey | 148 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 148.2 |
| 8 | Vermont | 152.1 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | 153.7 |
| 10 | Idaho | 158.6 |
The Economics of Burglary
Now, you might be wondering, “What makes some states more attractive to burglars than others?” Well, it’s not just about picking locks and sneaking around. There’s a whole economic side to this crime story.
Poverty plays a big role in burglary rates. States like New Mexico and Louisiana, which top the burglary charts, also struggle with high poverty rates. These states rely heavily on industries like agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing – sectors that have seen better days, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“Poverty can lead to a desperation to make ends meet, which can lead to crime. Problems with poverty rates are compounded by a lack of investment in education and healthcare and low employment rates, which can leave people with no better alternatives,” an ATA spokesperson explains in a statement to StudyFinds.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Washington state, which has the second-highest burglary rate, is actually one of the wealthiest states in the country. So what gives? Well, sometimes being rich can make you a target. All those fancy houses filled with expensive goodies? That’s like a burglar’s dream come true.
On the other hand, states with low burglary rates tend to be on the wealthier side. Virginia, New Hampshire, and Maine, for instance, all boast above-average household incomes. It seems that when people have more resources, they’re less likely to turn to crime – and more likely to invest in home security.
Protecting Your Castle: The Power of Home Security
“One of the best ways to ensure the security of your home is by installing a security system. Alarms on windows and doors, motion-sensor lighting, and security cameras can all be combined to offer 24/7 protection,” the ATA expert recommends.
Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be robbed, according to the researchers. By simply installing a security system, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a burglary victim.
Yet, surprisingly, only 25% of Americans currently have a home security system.
“We think this means Americans are dangerously ignoring the benefits this type of protection can bring,” the ATA spokesperson says.
The Takeaway: Knowledge is Power (and Security)
So, what’s the bottom line here? Whether you live in burglary-prone New Mexico or relatively safe New Hampshire, being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect your home is crucial.
Remember, a burglary happens every 30 seconds in the United States. But by understanding the factors that contribute to these crimes and taking proactive measures to secure your home, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming part of that statistic.
After all, your home is your castle, and in this modern age, even castles need a good security system. So, go ahead and invest in that alarm system, those security cameras, or that fancy smart lock. Your peace of mind (and your valuables) will thank you for it!
Methodology
The data was collected directly from the FBI, using their Crime Data Explorer website, specifically looking at data for “Burglary.”
Sources
- States’ average household income: Newsweek
- States With the Highest Poverty Rates: Best Diplomats
- Top 10 Richest States in the USA (by GDP) and Top 10 Richest States in the USA (by Median Household Income): Best Diplomats
- Number of burglaries per day in the U.S., likelihood of homes without a security system to be robbed: Forbes