The U.S. states battling the highest car theft rates
While national vehicle thefts decreased by 23% in the first half of 2025 according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), this positive trend masks critical local crises where residents face theft rates significantly above the national average. The national average theft rate fell from 126.62 per 100,000 residents to 97.33, but geographic disparities reveal that location dramatically affects individual risk.
District of Columbia
Washington, D.C., retains the top theft rate at 373.09 thefts per 100,000 residents, nearly four times the national average.
California
California ranks second with a theft rate of 178.01 per 100,000 residents, despite a 26% decrease.
Nevada
Nevada posted a theft rate of 167.68 per 100,000 residents, third-highest nationally.
New Mexico
New Mexico reported a theft rate of 167.54 per 100,000 residents, fourth-highest despite a 26% decrease.
Colorado
Colorado experienced a theft rate of 149.04 per 100,000 residents while achieving a 31% decrease.
Missouri
Missouri recorded a theft rate of 142.17 per 100,000 residents, sixth-highest nationally.
Maryland
Maryland posted a theft rate of 136.48 per 100,000 residents, seventh-highest in the nation.
Texas
Texas reported a theft rate of 123.83 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average.
Alaska
Alaska showed a theft rate of 117.41 per 100,000 residents and was the only state reporting an increase, with a 26% rise driven by Anchorage.
Washington
Washington recorded a theft rate of 115.20 per 100,000 residents while achieving a remarkable 42% decrease.
Core factors driving high regional rates
Urbanization and population density correlate strongly with increased theft opportunity. Organized crime plays a significant role, with theft rings targeting high-density areas for quick resale. The NICB coordinates with law enforcement to identify and prevent complex vehicle theft rings.
The most targeted vehicles nationwide
America’s most frequently stolen vehicles include Hyundai Elantra (11,329 thefts), Hyundai Sonata (9,154), Honda Accord (8,531), Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (8,006), Honda Civic (6,396), Kia Optima (6,011), Ford F-150 (4,996), Toyota Camry (4,986), Honda CR-V (4,889), and Kia Soul (4,380). Owners of these models in high-theft states face compounded risk requiring additional security measures.
Conclusion
Theft rates calculated per capita emphasize the urgent need for prevention in high-risk regions. While 49 states reported fewer thefts, residents in the top ten states must remain vigilant by parking strategically, using anti-theft devices, and following NICB recommendations, such as always locking doors and never leaving vehicles running unattended.
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Related:
- The state that’s the exception to America’s fall car theft rates
- States where your car is most likely to get stolen
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