15 Cities with the Most Car Theft [Study: Trends & Totals]
In general, cities in the West are more dangerous for car theft, while Northeastern cities are the safest. Read on to learn where your city falls on the list.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
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UPDATED: Jun 20, 2023
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 20, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- The most dangerous cities for car theft tend to be on the West Coast or in the Southwest
- Some of the safest cities for car theft tend to be in New England or other Northeastern states
- You can keep your car safe by parking in safe spaces, locking your car, and adding comprehensive coverage to your insurance policy
A recent trend disturbing American drivers is rising car theft. Car theft peaked in the early 1990s, then steadily decreased for nearly 30 years. Today, car theft is back on the rise, costing Americans and car insurance companies billions.
More than 810,000 cars were stolen in 2020, representing an 11% increase from the year before. While you might assume that cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles have the highest car theft rates, most big cities see surprisingly low numbers.
All cities have the risk of car theft, though. It can be difficult to know what to do if your car is stolen, but first, you can take steps to keep your car safe, like getting comprehensive insurance and parking in secure locations. However, your vehicle is always at risk of being nabbed by a thief.
However, some places are more at risk than others. Read on to explore which cities report stolen vehicles the most, and learn how you can protect your car from being stolen.
Which cities have the most car theft?
Nearly every city in America has seen increased car theft from 2019 to 2020, and experts expect the numbers will keep rising.
Visiting or living in a city with a large population exposes you to a higher chance of being a crime victim. When you consider the top 15 American cities for car theft, you can rank them by the number of cars stolen.
However, this doesn’t paint a good picture of how likely your car will get stolen. For example, thieves stole more than 2,500 cars in Austin, Texas, but that only represents a car theft rate of 261 cars for every 100,000 residents. On the other hand, Anchorage’s population is much smaller, but it has a high theft rate of 967. The kind of car you drive also affects the likelihood that it will be stolen. Driving one of the most stolen vehicles in America puts you at a higher risk.
From small rural towns to huge urban cities, all areas have a risk of car theft. Some cities are safer than others, and the 15 most dangerous places for car theft are listed below.
Rank City Theft Rate per 100,000 People Total Number of Stolen Cars
1 Albuquerque, New Mexico 1,181
6,616
2 Oakland, California 1,179 5,071
3 Portland, Oregon
1,055
6,932
4 San Bernardino, California
1,006
2,194
5 Anchorage, Alaska
967
2,823
6 Detroit, Michigan 961
6,454
7 St. Louis, Missouri
896
2,750
8 Springfield, Missouri
872
1,470
9 Tacoma, Washington
870
1,877
10 Hayward, California
845
1,376
11 Tulsa, Oklahoma
808
3,259
12 Chattanooga, Tennessee
789 1,424
13 Salinas, California
774
1,227
14 Cleveland, Ohio
772
2,970
15 Des Moines, Iowa
772
2430
As you can see, some of the most dangerous places for car theft aren’t big cities. In fact, you might not have heard of many of the cities on this list because they’re so small.
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Cities With the Most Car Theft by State
Although all areas have car theft, some regions are safer than others. West Coast and Southwest states currently see the most car thefts, while Northeastern states see the least.
However, every state has a city with the most car theft. You can check your home state’s most dangerous city for theft below. Remember that these cities rank by theft rates, not the total number of cars stolen.
| State | City | Theft Rate per 100,000 People |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Montgomery | 489 |
| Alaska | Anchorage | 967 |
| Arizona | Tucson | 478 |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | 562 |
| California | Oakland | 1,179 |
| Colorado | Denver | 732 |
| Connecticut | Bridgeport | 407 |
| Delaware | Wilmington | 613 |
| Florida | Fort Lauderdale | 478 |
| Georgia | Atlanta | 667 |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | 427 |
| Idaho | Boise | 115 |
| Illinois | Chicago | 373 |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | 564 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | 772 |
| Kansas | Wichita | 708 |
| Kentucky | Lexington | 323 |
| Louisiana | New Orleans | 755 |
| Maine | Bangor | 195 |
| Maryland | Baltimore | 723 |
| Massachusetts | Brockton | 387 |
| Michigan | Detroit | 961 |
| Minnesota | St. Paul | 741 |
| Mississippi | Jackson | 636 |
| Missouri | St. Louis | 896 |
| Montana | Billings | 741 |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 665 |
| Nevada | North Las Vegas | 486 |
| New Hampshire | Rochester | 185 |
| New Jersey | Newark | 714 |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque | 1,181 |
| New York | Syracuse | 354 |
| North Carolina | Charlotte | 325 |
| North Dakota | Fargo | 366 |
| Ohio | Cleveland | 772 |
| Oklahoma | Tulsa | 808 |
| Oregon | Portland | 1,055 |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | 358 |
| Rhode Island | Providence | 306 |
| South Carolina | Charleston | 237 |
| South Dakota | Sioux Falls | 302 |
| Tennessee | Chattanooga | 789 |
| Texas | Dallas | 709 |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | 737 |
| Vermont | Burlington | 39 |
| Virginia | Norfolk | 322 |
| Washington | Tacoma | 870 |
| West Virginia | Charleston | 419 |
| Wisconsin | Milwaukee | 770 |
| Wyoming | Cheyenne | 379 |
Although there are some outliers, you’ll notice that the riskiest cities in each state have a car theft rate of at least 300 cars per 100,000 people.
Which cities are safest for car theft?
While some cities struggle with car theft, others don’t have much of a problem. The following cities have the lowest rates of car theft.
| State | City | Theft Rate per 100,000 People |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Franklin Town | 2.9 |
| New Jersey | Cliffside Park | 3.8 |
| New York | Haverstraw | 8.1 |
| New York | Long Beach | 9 |
| Massachusetts | Lexington | 9.1 |
| Massachusetts | North Andover | 9.6 |
| New Jersey | West Milford | 11.4 |
| Georgia | Milton | 12.4 |
| Michigan | Independence charter | 13.4 |
| Arkansas | Bella Vista | 13.7 |
Most of these communities are in the Northwest, but they’re all smaller cities. Having a small population doesn’t guarantee your car will be safe from theft, but it does seem to lower the risk that you’ll cross paths with a thief.
How can you keep your car safe from theft?
Although car theft is on the rise, there are steps you can take to keep your car as safe as possible, including:
- Lock your doors. It’s easy to forget to lock your car, but it’s one of the simplest ways to keep your vehicle safe. Get in the habit of locking your car no matter how long you’ll be gone.
- Turn your car off. The goal is to keep your vehicle off a thief’s radar, and a running car is an easy target. Always turn your car off, even if you’re just running inside your home for a minute.
- Don’t leave your keys or purse. While it’s tempting to tuck belongings like keys, bags, or wallets into a spot you think is hidden, it only makes it easier for thieves to steal from you.
- Close the windows. Although it’s nice to have fresh air in your car, a small crack is enough opportunity for a thief.
- Park in a safe location. If you can, park in a closed garage or a lot with security. If that’s not possible, find a well-lit spot that’s not isolated.
- Install safety features. Not only do features like GPS tracking, audible alarms, and kill switches protect your car, but they also might make you eligible for an anti-theft discount on your insurance.
- Get comprehensive insurance. The only insurance type that covers theft is comprehensive car insurance.
Even if you have the safest car habits, you can still be a victim of theft.
Comprehensive insurance is an excellent option for car owners who can’t afford to replace their car outright to ensure a thief doesn’t permanently rob you of your vehicle.
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Finding the Best Insurance in the Cities with the Most Car Theft
Keeping your car safe from theft is important no matter what city you live in, but it should be particularly important for people in the most dangerous cities. Comprehensive car insurance won’t stop a thief from taking your car, but it does keep you from replacing your vehicle out of pocket.
If you live in one of the most dangerous cities for car theft, you’ll see higher insurance rates. While comprehensive coverage is worth it, you should compare quotes with multiple companies to find the best rates possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cities with the highest car theft rates in the United States?
The following cities in the United States have been reported to have the highest car theft rates:
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Bakersfield, California
- Modesto, California
- Pueblo, Colorado
- Stockton-Lodi, California
- Yuba City, California
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California
- Vallejo-Fairfield, California
- Redding, California
- Spokane-Spokane Valley, Washington
- Fresno, California
- Salinas, California
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California
- Odessa, Texas
Why do these cities have high car theft rates?
There can be several factors contributing to high car theft rates in these cities. Some common reasons include:
- High population density: Cities with dense populations provide more opportunities for car thieves to operate unnoticed.
- Socioeconomic factors: Areas with higher poverty rates and unemployment may have increased instances of car theft as a result of desperate circumstances.
- Proximity to border areas: Cities near international borders or major transportation routes may experience higher car theft rates due to the potential for stolen vehicles to be quickly transported across the border or to other regions.
- Limited law enforcement resources: Cities facing resource constraints in terms of law enforcement personnel and technology may struggle to combat car theft effectively.
Are there any precautions I can take to protect my car from theft in these cities?
Absolutely! Here are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk of car theft, regardless of the city you live in:
- Lock your vehicle: Always lock your car and ensure all windows are closed when leaving it unattended, even for a short period.
- Park in well-lit areas: Choose well-lit and populated areas to park your car, reducing the chances of theft.
- Use anti-theft devices: Install visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, car alarms, and immobilizers. These can discourage thieves from targeting your vehicle.
- Don’t leave valuables in sight: Avoid leaving valuable items, such as electronics or bags, in plain sight. These can attract thieves and increase the likelihood of a break-in.
- Consider GPS tracking systems: Installing a GPS tracking device can help in locating your vehicle if it’s stolen.
- Be cautious with spare keys: Avoid leaving spare keys in the car or in easily accessible areas, as this can make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle.
- Be vigilant: Pay attention to your surroundings, report suspicious activities to the authorities, and consider joining or forming a neighborhood watch group.
Does living in one of these cities affect my car insurance rates?
Living in a city with high car theft rates can potentially impact your car insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premiums, and the risk of theft is one of them. If you reside in a city with a high car theft rate, insurers may perceive your vehicle as being at a higher risk of theft, which can result in higher premiums. However, insurance rates are influenced by multiple factors, so it’s best to consult with your insurance provider for personalized information regarding your specific circumstances.
What should I do if my car is stolen in one of these cities?
If your car is stolen, take the following steps:
- Contact the police: Report the theft to the local law enforcement agency immediately. Provide them with all the necessary information, including the make, model, color, and license plate number of your vehicle.
- Notify your insurance company: Contact your car insurance provider and inform them about the theft. They will guide you through the claims process and assist you in filing a police report if necessary.
- Gather relevant documentation: Keep records of your car’s registration, insurance policy, and any other relevant documents. These will be required for insurance claims and police investigations.
- Inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Notify the local DMV about the theft. They may be able to help you with any potential issues related to your vehicle’s registration.
- Monitor for fraudulent activity: If you had any personal information or important documents in your vehicle, be vigilant for any signs of identity theft or fraudulent activity. Report any suspicious incidents to the appropriate authorities.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.