Burglary Statistics 2026: Rates, Trends, and Prevention
Burglary remains one of the most common property crimes in the United States, with an estimated 847,000 incidents reported annually. The good news is that burglary rates have been declining steadily, dropping roughly 7% per year over the past decade thanks to improved security technology and shifting criminal behavior. Still, with an average loss of $2,800 per incident, burglary costs Americans billions of dollars each year.
This comprehensive guide covers the latest burglary statistics for 2026, including trends, types, geographic differences, and evidence-based prevention strategies.
Editor's Choice: Key Burglary Facts for 2026
- An estimated 847,000 burglaries occur in the U.S. annually, down from 1.12 million in 2020.
- The burglary rate has declined by approximately 7% per year over the past decade.
- 55% of burglaries target residential properties; 45% are commercial.
- The average financial loss per burglary is $2,800.
- Total annual losses from burglary exceed $2.4 billion.
- 65% of residential burglaries occur during daytime hours (6 AM - 6 PM).
- Only 14% of reported burglaries result in an arrest.
- Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
- Summer months (June-August) see the highest burglary rates.
- The South has the highest regional burglary rate, while the Northeast has the lowest.
Burglary Trends: Annual Incidents (2017-2026)
U.S. Burglaries by Year (Thousands)
Burglary Types Breakdown
| Type | Share | Avg Loss | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential (daytime) | 36% | $2,650 | 12% |
| Residential (nighttime) | 19% | $3,240 | 16% |
| Commercial (daytime) | 13% | $2,410 | 11% |
| Commercial (nighttime) | 32% | $2,870 | 15% |
Residential daytime burglaries are the most common because burglars know homes are typically unoccupied during work and school hours. Nighttime residential burglaries carry higher losses on average because they target higher-value items and involve more thorough searches.
Burglary Rates by State
| Rank | State | Rate per 100K | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | 612 | Down 4% |
| 2 | Mississippi | 578 | Down 5% |
| 3 | Arkansas | 541 | Down 6% |
| 4 | Louisiana | 527 | Down 3% |
| 5 | Oklahoma | 498 | Down 7% |
| 46 | New Hampshire | 98 | Down 9% |
| 47 | Connecticut | 94 | Down 11% |
| 48 | Virginia | 89 | Down 8% |
| 49 | Massachusetts | 82 | Down 10% |
| 50 | New York | 76 | Down 12% |
Most Commonly Stolen Items
| Item | % of Burglaries | Avg Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and currency | 34% | $480 |
| Electronics (laptops, tablets) | 31% | $890 |
| Jewelry and watches | 28% | $1,540 |
| Firearms | 14% | $720 |
| Power tools | 12% | $340 |
| Prescription medications | 9% | $180 |
| Vehicles (from garages) | 6% | $8,200 |
Why Burglary Rates Are Declining
Security Technology
The proliferation of affordable home security systems, smart doorbells (Ring, Nest), and security cameras has made burglary significantly riskier. Homes with visible security cameras are 300% less likely to be targeted.
Shift to Cyber Crime
Many criminals have migrated from physical property crime to online fraud, identity theft, and cyber scams, which carry lower physical risk and often higher payoffs.
More People Working from Home
The remote work revolution means more homes are occupied during traditional daytime work hours, eliminating the window of opportunity that residential burglars have historically exploited.
Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies
Install a Security System
Homes without security systems are three times more likely to be burglarized. Even visible signage from a security company deters many would-be burglars. Modern systems with smart home integration cost as little as $15-30 per month.
Reinforce Entry Points
An estimated 34% of burglars enter through the front door, 23% through a first-floor window, and 22% through the back door. Deadbolt locks, reinforced door frames, and window locks can prevent the majority of forced entries.
Use Smart Lighting and Timers
Homes that appear occupied are far less likely to be targeted. Smart lights on randomized timers, motion-sensor exterior lighting, and smart plugs that cycle TVs or radios create the impression of activity.
Secure Valuables
Keep cash, jewelry, and important documents in a bolted safe. The average burglar spends only 8-12 minutes inside a home, so making valuables difficult to access can protect your most important possessions.
Methodology
Burglary statistics are compiled from FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data, Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), and state-level law enforcement agency reports. Figures for 2026 include preliminary estimates based on year-over-year trends and partial-year reporting.
