Where property crime is rising fastest in the U.S.
Property crime trends across the U.S. have been inconsistent in recent years.[1] Overall, residential burglaries and larcenies have dropped, while motor vehicle thefts have seen a huge spike. However, those numbers become even more varied when you look at the information based on specific locations.
Using four different data points from the FBI, we found the 10 U.S. cities where property crime has increased the most dramatically across the board. We looked at increases in four categories related to property crime:
- Arson: The willful or malicious burning of property.
- Burglary: Unlawfully entering a structure to commit theft or larceny.
- Larceny-theft: Taking away property from someone else's possession.
- Motor vehicle theft: Theft (or attempted theft) of a motor vehicle.
What areas are experiencing the biggest spikes in property crime? Here are the top 10 out of the country's 50 most populated cities.
Protecting your property
Property crime, such as theft, arson, vandalism and burglary, can lead to significant financial loss and emotional distress, making insurance coverage a crucial layer of protection. If you live in a city where crime is increasing, it's especially important to be aware of your coverages.
For vehicles, comprehensive auto insurance is the coverage that protects against non-collision incidents, including theft, fire, vandalism and natural disasters. For homes and personal belongings, homeowners or renters insurance typically includes personal property coverage, which can reimburse you for stolen or damaged items due to covered events like theft or arson. These policies may also include dwelling coverage (for homeowners) or loss-of-use coverage, which can help with additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. Understanding your policy limits, deductibles, and whether your insurance covers replacement cost or actual cash value is essential to ensure you’re adequately protected against property crime.
Methodology
The Zebra pulled four data points to analyze the top 50 MSAs (by population) in the U.S. related to property crime, using FBI data collected from 2022 and 2023.[2]
- Arson
- Burglary
- Larceny-theft
- Motor vehicle theft
The data was collected from city police departments.