U.S. Homeowners Invest Heavily in Security Despite Declining Property Crime

Homeowners in the U.S. are increasingly investing in home security measures despite a long-term decline in property crime, according to recent data and surveys. Insurify's survey shows that 56% of homeowners have installed security measures, with children in the home being the top motivator (81%) for these investments. About a quarter of homeowners have spent $1,000 or more in the last five years on security technologies, with popular systems including Ring, ADT, and SimpliSafe. Security cameras and video doorbells are the most commonly adopted measures, accounting for 71% and 62% respectively.

Although fears of property crime and vehicle-related crime drive this spending, FBI data indicates that property crime rates have decreased 40% since 2004 and fell 2.4% from 2022 to 2023. Larceny-theft remains the most frequent property crime, comprising 70% of property crimes in urban areas and over 60% in rural and smaller cities. Vehicle theft, while a smaller portion of property crime, increased by 12.6% from 2022 to 2023 and by 53.9% since 2014, reflecting growing concerns among homeowners.

Despite less than a quarter of homeowners using professional monitoring services, 93% of those with systems believe their investment was worthwhile, suggesting that home security offers more than just physical protection—it provides reassurance and peace of mind. Many homeowners frequently check their security devices, with women more likely than men to monitor multiple times per day.

In addition to personal motivations like protecting children and valuables, city and county governments have initiated incentives for home security cameras, reflecting an institutional interest in crime deterrence. For example, counties in Maryland, Louisiana, and Ohio have implemented programs distributing or subsidizing cameras.

Survey data reveals that homeowners are more concerned about local teens and vehicle-related crimes than other potential risks. However, criminological studies find a decline in juvenile crime rates and report that increased visibility of homeless populations does not correlate with higher crime rates.

Seasonal timing affects home security incidents, with December and summer months seeing the highest rates, which correlates with periods when homes are often unoccupied due to travel. Package theft is a common concern, affecting one in three homeowners with security systems.

Insurance claims related to home security issues are common; 15% of homeowners report filing claims, with almost half receiving payouts exceeding $1,000. Theft constitutes a small fraction of homeowners insurance losses but involves substantial average claim amounts.

Geographical differences exist in home security adoption and crime rates. Urban and suburban homeowners use more security measures and experience higher property crime rates compared to rural areas, where both are lower.

Overall, while crime rates continue to trend downward nationally, homeowner investments in security systems remain robust. These systems contribute not only to crime deterrence—as suggested by decreasing rates in larceny and burglary—but also fulfill a critical role in providing homeowners with a sense of safety and confidence in protecting their physical and financial assets. Combining security systems with appropriate insurance coverage forms a comprehensive risk management approach for homeowners.