Property crime is a growing concern across the United States, affecting communities both urban and rural in ways that can shake confidence in public safety. From car thefts to burglaries to larceny, these crimes hit close to home – literally. While violent crime grabs headlines, property crime affects far more Americans daily, with victims often left feeling violated and vulnerable.
Understanding which counties struggle most with these issues isn’t about fear-mongering; it’s about awareness, preparation, and recognizing the complex factors that drive crime in our communities.
35. Jefferson County, Alabama – A Southern County Grappling with Urban Spillover
Jefferson County, home to Birmingham, rounds out our list with property crime rates that reflect the challenges of managing both urban and suburban populations. The county has struggled with economic inequality that often correlates with higher crime rates.
The area has seen particular issues with motor vehicle theft and burglary in certain neighborhoods. Local law enforcement has implemented community policing initiatives to address these challenges, but resource constraints continue to impact their effectiveness. Despite these struggles, many areas within Jefferson County remain relatively safe.
Key statistics include:
• Property crime costs in Birmingham estimated at over $11,000 per capita annually
• Higher rates of both violent and property crimes in urban centers
• Significant economic disparities between neighborhoods
34. Riverside County, California – Desert Communities Face Growing Crime
Riverside County’s vast geographic area encompasses both affluent desert communities and struggling urban centers. The county’s property crime rates have been influenced by its proximity to major metropolitan areas and drug trafficking routes.
The region has experienced particular challenges with auto theft, partly due to its location along major highways. Rural areas of the county generally maintain lower crime rates, while urban centers like Riverside and Moreno Valley see higher incidents.
Economic factors play a significant role in the county’s crime patterns. The housing market fluctuations and unemployment rates in certain areas have correlated with property crime spikes. Local authorities have focused on targeted enforcement in high-crime corridors.
Deep Dive Table – Growing Crime:
| Fact (Riverside County) | Why it matters | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Auto theft remains a major driver of property crime, especially along I-10, I-15, and SR-60 corridors. | Fast freeway access helps thieves move and dispose of vehicles quickly across the Inland Empire and beyond. | The Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario metro ranked among the top U.S. hot spots for vehicle theft (22,619 thefts; rate ~485 per 100k). These corridors cut directly through the county. |
| Urban centers (Riverside, Moreno Valley) see higher incident levels than rural desert areas. | Denser, more urbanized areas typically experience higher property crime exposure than rural regions. | California DOJ analyses show urban property crime rates exceed rural rates; Moreno Valley and Riverside are the county’s largest urban hubs. |
| Economic stress can correlate with property crime spikes. | Shifts in jobs, wages, and housing volatility can push theft, burglary, and auto crime upward. | Research links unemployment/wage declines and foreclosure shocks to higher property crime. |
| Targeted enforcement is focusing on high-theft corridors and crews. | Specialized task forces aim to suppress organized auto theft and related property crimes. | Riverside County’s RAID (Auto-Theft Interdiction Detail) coordinates surveillance and search-warrant operations against theft rings. |
33. Fresno County, California – Agricultural Hub with Urban Problems
Fresno County combines the challenges of a major agricultural center with urban crime issues. The county seat of Fresno has consistently ranked among California’s higher crime cities, impacting the overall county statistics.
Property crimes in Fresno County often involve theft of agricultural equipment and copper wire, reflecting the region’s economic base. Gang activity in certain areas contributes to both property and violent crime rates. The county’s law enforcement agencies have worked to address these specialized crime patterns.
Notable crime patterns include:
• Agricultural equipment theft averaging millions in losses annually
• Copper wire theft targeting irrigation systems
• Higher crime rates correlating with poverty levels in urban areas
32. Tulsa County, Oklahoma – Oil Country’s Crime Challenges
Tulsa County’s property crime rates reflect the boom-and-bust cycles common in oil-dependent economies. Economic downturns often correlate with increases in theft and burglary as unemployment rises.
The county has seen particular issues with residential burglary and theft from vehicles. Suburban areas generally maintain lower crime rates, while urban Tulsa experiences higher incidents of property crime. Drug-related property crimes have also been a persistent issue.
Law enforcement has emphasized community partnerships to address property crime. Programs focusing on neighborhood watch groups and improved lighting in high-crime areas have shown some success in reducing incidents.
31. Clark County, Nevada – Las Vegas Metro’s Crime Reality
Clark County, dominated by Las Vegas, faces unique property crime challenges related to its tourism-based economy and transient population. The county’s crime statistics are heavily influenced by incidents in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
Tourist areas see higher rates of theft and pickpocketing, while residential areas experience more traditional property crimes like burglary and auto theft. The 24-hour nature of the city creates unusual crime patterns not seen in typical metropolitan areas.
The county has invested heavily in surveillance technology and specialized police units to address property crime in tourist areas. However, residential neighborhoods continue to struggle with more conventional property crimes.
Deep Dive Table – Growing Crime:
| Fact (Las Vegas/Clark County) | Why it matters | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist corridor (ZIP 89109, the Strip) logs far more property crimes than crimes against people. | Confirms theft/pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins dominate in visitor zones. | LVMPD data cited by News 3: 2,301 property crimes vs. 899 crimes against people (year-to-date snapshot for 89109). |
| 24/7 environment creates unusual time-of-day patterns. | Round-the-clock crowds and businesses expand opportunities for theft beyond typical peaks. | Downtown/Fremont study notes many businesses operate 24 hours, with CCTV & directed patrol used to address hot spots. |
| Heavy surveillance + specialized units in tourist areas. | Shows targeted investment on and around the Strip. | LVMPD “Fusion Watch” camera monitoring across Strip/tourist corridors; community video-sharing via Vegas SafeCam. |
| Neighborhoods still battle burglary & auto theft, separate from tourist thefts. | Residential areas face the “traditional” property-crime mix even as the Strip gets focused resources. | LVMPD weekly area-command stats track burglary/larceny/MV theft across the valley; targeted patrols (e.g., Spring Mountain corridor) have reduced car break-ins. |
| Recent crackdowns in the Resort/Tourist Corridor show measurable declines. | Indicates policy + enforcement can shift property-crime trends where tourists cluster. | 2023 “order-out corridor” updates: LVMPD reported property crimes down ~23% in the Tourist Corridor year over year. |
30. Bernalillo County, New Mexico – Albuquerque’s Wide-Reaching Impact
Cities like Albuquerque frequently report high rates of property crimes, including larceny theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Bernalillo County’s crime rates are heavily influenced by conditions in Albuquerque, the state’s largest city.
The county has experienced particular challenges with auto theft and residential burglary. Economic inequality and drug-related issues contribute to higher property crime rates in certain areas. Native American communities within the county face unique jurisdictional challenges in crime prevention.
Factors contributing to property crime include:
• High poverty rates in certain urban areas
• Drug trafficking corridors passing through the region
• Limited economic opportunities in some communities
29. Shelby County, Tennessee – Memphis Influence Creates County-Wide Issues
Shelby County’s property crime statistics are dominated by conditions in Memphis, which has historically struggled with high crime rates. The county’s rural areas generally experience lower crime, but the urban center significantly impacts overall statistics.
Memphis has been noted for particularly high rates of motor vehicle theft and larceny. The city’s economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment, contribute to property crime issues that affect the entire county.
Recent initiatives have focused on youth programs and job training to address root causes of crime. However, the county continues to rank high nationally for property crime incidents per capita.
28. Milwaukee County, Wisconsin – Rust Belt Challenges Persist
Milwaukee County faces property crime challenges typical of Rust Belt regions, where economic decline has contributed to higher crime rates. The county’s largest city, Milwaukee, has struggled with both poverty and crime for decades.
Auto theft has been a particular problem in Milwaukee County, with certain neighborhoods experiencing much higher rates than others. The county has also seen issues with copper theft and burglary of vacant properties.
Community-based initiatives and increased police presence in high-crime areas have shown some success. However, underlying economic issues continue to challenge long-term crime reduction efforts.
27. Kern County, California – Central Valley Crime Hub
Kern County’s property crime rates reflect the challenges facing California’s Central Valley region. Cities like Bakersfield drive much of the county’s crime statistics, with particular issues involving theft and burglary.
The county has experienced problems with theft of agricultural products and equipment, reflecting its agricultural economy. Drug trafficking through the region has also contributed to property crime, as addiction drives theft to fund substance abuse.
Rural areas of Kern County generally maintain lower crime rates, but urban centers see significantly higher incidents of property crime. Law enforcement has focused on interdiction efforts along major transportation corridors.
26. Cuyahoga County, Ohio – Cleveland’s Crime Spreads County-Wide
Cuyahoga County, home to Cleveland, has seen property crime challenges that extend beyond the city limits. Economic decline in the region has contributed to higher crime rates across multiple municipalities within the county.
The county has particular issues with residential burglary and theft from vehicles. Abandoned properties in urban areas have created opportunities for criminal activity, while suburban areas experience lower but still concerning property crime rates.
Recent revitalization efforts in Cleveland have shown some promise, but property crime remains a significant challenge across the county. Community policing initiatives have been expanded to address neighborhood-level crime issues.
25. Pierce County, Washington – Tacoma’s Regional Impact
Cities such as Tacoma, Washington ranked in the top three for all types of property crimes. Pierce County’s crime statistics are significantly influenced by Tacoma’s high property crime rates, though the impact extends throughout the county.
Tacoma, Washington, and Pueblo, Colorado ranking in the top three for robbery rates, with Tacoma also having high property crime rates. The county has struggled with various forms of property crime, from residential burglary to motor vehicle theft.
Crime statistics for Pierce County include:
• Consistently high rankings for multiple property crime categories
• Regional drug trafficking contributing to theft rates
• Economic disparities between urban and rural areas
24. Harris County, Texas – Houston’s Massive Crime Footprint
Harris County, containing Houston, faces property crime challenges on a massive scale due to its enormous population. While rates per capita may not be the highest nationally, the sheer volume of crimes creates significant challenges for law enforcement.
The county has particular issues with auto theft and residential burglary. Houston’s role as a major port city contributes to some property crime, as stolen goods can be easily transported out of the region.
Despite having substantial law enforcement resources, the size and complexity of Harris County create ongoing challenges in addressing property crime effectively. Different areas within the county experience vastly different crime rates.
23. Pima County, Arizona – Border Region Crime Complexity
Pima County, home to Tucson, faces unique property crime challenges related to its proximity to the Mexican border. Drug trafficking and related criminal activity contribute to higher property crime rates in certain areas.
The county has seen issues with theft of metals and construction materials, often related to drug trafficking financing. Rural areas near the border experience different crime patterns than urban Tucson.
Border security issues create additional complexity for local law enforcement addressing property crime. The county has had to balance resources between traditional crime fighting and border-related security concerns.
22. Maricopa County, Arizona – Phoenix Metro’s Sprawling Crime Challenge
Maricopa County, encompassing the Phoenix metropolitan area, faces property crime challenges across a vast urban sprawl. The county’s rapid population growth has sometimes outpaced law enforcement resources.
Auto theft has been a particular problem in Maricopa County, with organized theft rings targeting specific vehicle models. The county has also seen issues with copper theft and residential burglary in newer suburban developments.
The county’s size and multiple jurisdictions create coordination challenges for addressing property crime effectively. However, regional task forces have shown success in targeting specific crime patterns.
21. Wayne County, Michigan – Detroit’s Decline Impacts Region
Wayne County’s property crime statistics are heavily influenced by Detroit’s ongoing urban challenges. While Detroit has seen some improvement in recent years, property crime remains a significant issue throughout the county.
Abandoned properties in Detroit have created opportunities for scrap metal theft and other property crimes. The county has also struggled with auto theft, reflecting both economic conditions and organized criminal activity.
Recent initiatives focusing on blight removal and economic development have shown some promise. However, the county continues to face significant challenges in addressing property crime across diverse urban and suburban communities.
20. Miami-Dade County, Florida – Tourist Crimes and More
Miami-Dade County’s property crime rates are influenced by its role as a major tourist destination and international gateway. Tourist-targeted crimes inflate certain statistics, while residents face traditional property crime challenges.
The county has particular issues with theft from tourists and rental car break-ins. High-end neighborhoods see more sophisticated property crimes, while working-class areas experience more traditional theft and burglary.
International drug trafficking through the region contributes to property crime, as addiction and criminal organization activities drive theft. The county has specialized units addressing tourist-area crimes and organized theft rings.
19. Alameda County, California – Bay Area’s Eastern Crime Center
Alameda County, home to Oakland, faces significant property crime challenges within the broader San Francisco Bay Area context. Oakland has historically struggled with high crime rates that impact county-wide statistics.
The county has seen particular issues with auto theft and residential burglary. Oakland’s port facilities contribute to some organized theft activities, while suburban areas generally experience lower crime rates.
Economic inequality within the county creates disparate crime patterns. Affluent areas like parts of Fremont contrast sharply with higher-crime neighborhoods in Oakland, creating county-wide statistical challenges.
18. Los Angeles County, California – Nation’s Largest County, Massive Crime Volume
Los Angeles County in the Los Angeles, California metro area, with 659 homicides. While this statistic refers to violent crime, Los Angeles County’s enormous population creates massive property crime volumes as well.
The county encompasses everything from affluent Beverly Hills to struggling urban areas, creating vast disparities in crime rates within a single county. Auto theft, particularly targeting luxury vehicles, has been a persistent problem.
Property crime patterns include:
• Organized retail theft rings targeting high-end stores
• Residential burglary in affluent neighborhoods
• Auto theft operations shipping stolen cars overseas
17. Denver County, Colorado – Mile High Property Crime
Denver County has experienced rising property crime rates alongside rapid population growth and economic development. The city’s popularity as a destination has brought both prosperity and crime challenges.
Auto theft has been a particular problem in Denver, with the city consistently ranking among the highest nationally for vehicle theft rates. The county has also seen increases in residential and commercial burglary.
Drug legalization has had mixed impacts on property crime, with some types of theft decreasing while others have remained steady or increased. The county continues to adapt its law enforcement strategies to address evolving crime patterns.
16. Jackson County, Missouri – Kansas City’s Crime Epicenter
Kansas City with roughly 1,483 incidents per 100,000 residents, with officials reevaluating their approach to public safety. Jackson County’s crime statistics are heavily influenced by Kansas City’s ongoing struggle with both violent and property crime.
The county has seen particular challenges with auto theft and residential burglary. Economic inequality and limited opportunities in certain areas contribute to higher property crime rates.
Recent efforts include:
• Deployment of focused law enforcement units
• Increased support for mental health services
• Community partnerships to address root causes of crime
15. Multnomah County, Oregon – Portland’s Property Crime Crisis
Portland and Seattle, three of the largest cities on the West Coast, led the pack regarding property crime. Multnomah County, dominated by Portland, has seen significant property crime increases in recent years.
In the case of Portland, high housing costs and understaffed police agencies contributed to its property crime issues. The combination of economic pressures and reduced law enforcement resources has created perfect conditions for property crime to flourish.
Contributing factors include:
• The city recently hired more officers to help reduce crime
• Housing affordability crisis driving desperation
• Drug addiction issues correlating with theft rates
14. Broward County, Florida – Fort Lauderdale’s Regional Impact
Broward County faces property crime challenges typical of South Florida, with tourist-targeted crimes mixing with residential property crime issues. The county’s major cities, including Fort Lauderdale, drive much of the crime statistics.
Auto theft and residential burglary are particular problems in Broward County. The region’s wealth attracts sophisticated property crime operations, while economic inequality contributes to more traditional theft patterns.
The county has implemented specialized units targeting property crime rings and has increased coordination between municipalities to address regional crime patterns. Tourism-related property crimes receive particular attention due to their economic impact.
13. St. Louis County, Missouri – Suburban Spillover from Urban Problems
St. Louis County faces property crime challenges that extend beyond the city of St. Louis itself. Economic decline in the region has contributed to property crime rates that affect multiple municipalities within the county.
The county has particular issues with residential burglary and theft from vehicles. Shopping centers and commercial areas have seen increases in retail theft, while auto theft remains a persistent problem.
Municipal fragmentation within St. Louis County creates challenges for coordinated law enforcement responses. However, regional task forces have shown success in addressing property crime patterns that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
12. Essex County, New Jersey – Newark’s Influence Spreads
Essex County, New Jersey in the New York metro area (-4.9) were the most improved in terms of homicide reduction, though property crime remains a significant challenge in this densely populated county.
The county has struggled with auto theft, particularly targeting luxury vehicles for export through nearby ports. Newark’s economic challenges contribute to property crime rates that affect surrounding communities.
Recent improvements in some crime categories suggest that targeted enforcement and community programs can be effective. However, the county continues to face significant property crime challenges requiring sustained attention.
11. Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania – Historic City, Modern Crime Problems
Philadelphia are now much safer today than before the pandemic started, though property crime remains a significant concern in this major metropolitan county.
Philadelphia County has seen particular challenges with auto theft and residential burglary. The city’s older housing stock and urban density create unique opportunities for property crime that require specialized enforcement approaches.
Economic revitalization in some neighborhoods has helped reduce property crime, while other areas continue to struggle. The county has invested in community policing and youth programs to address root causes of property crime.
10. Pueblo County, Colorado – Small County, Big Crime Problems
Pueblo, Colorado ranking in the top three for robbery rates, and Pueblo, Tacoma, and Salt Lake City had high property crime rates to match their troublesome violent crime statistics. Despite its relatively small size, Pueblo County punches above its weight in property crime statistics.
The county has struggled with economic challenges that correlate with higher property crime rates. Drug trafficking through the region has contributed to theft and burglary as addiction drives criminal behavior.
Key challenges include:
• Limited economic opportunities in the region
• Drug trafficking corridor impacts on local crime
• Small law enforcement resources relative to crime challenges
9. Salt Lake County, Utah – Surprising Mountain West Crime Hub
Salt Lake City, Utah ranked first for larceny theft among small-sized cities, with Salt Lake City topping larceny rates. Salt Lake County’s high property crime rates come as a surprise to many, given Utah’s generally positive reputation.
The state of Washington had two cities in the top three for larceny, topped only by Salt Lake City, Utah. This statistic highlights how Salt Lake County has emerged as an unexpected property crime hotspot.
Crime patterns include:
• Salt Lake City ranked first for rape and larceny theft among small-sized cities
• High rates across multiple property crime categories
• Urban growth outpacing crime prevention resources
8. Baltimore City, Maryland – Independent City with County-Level Crime
Baltimore, which has struggled with high crime rates for decades, had the highest murder rate in the country, though Baltimore has seen its murder rate drop recently. While known for violent crime, Baltimore also struggles significantly with property crime.
Baltimore city, Maryland (-6.9 homicides per 100,000 people) were the most improved in recent years, though property crime remains a persistent challenge in this independent city.
Property crime factors include:
• Economic inequality and limited opportunities
• High rates of drug addiction driving theft
• Vacant properties creating crime opportunities
7. King County, Washington – Seattle’s County-Wide Crime Impact
Seattle led the nation in burglary rates and had high property crime rates, with Seattle having the highest burglary rate two years in a row. King County’s property crime statistics are heavily dominated by Seattle’s consistently high rates.
Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Seattle is 1 in 20, with a crime rate of 59 per one thousand residents, making it one of the highest crime rates in America. These statistics significantly impact King County’s overall rankings.
Seattle’s crime factors include:
• Seattle has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with your chance of getting your car stolen being one in 81
• Urban density creating more crime opportunities
• Economic inequality despite tech industry prosperity
6. Spokane County, Washington – Eastern Washington’s Crime Surprise
Cities such as Spokane, Tukwila, Kent, and Tacoma, Washington ranked in the top three for all types of property crimes. Spokane County’s inclusion in this list highlights how property crime affects both urban and rural areas of Washington state.
The county has seen particular challenges with residential burglary and theft, often related to drug addiction issues. Economic challenges in the region contribute to higher property crime rates than might be expected for a smaller metropolitan area.
Spokane’s unique position as an inland Northwest hub creates particular challenges for law enforcement, with limited resources covering a large geographic area while dealing with urban-level crime rates.
5. Tukwila/Kent Area Counties, Washington – Small Cities, Major Crime
Tukwila took the top spot for larceny and ranked in the top three for vehicle theft, while Kent and Tukwila, Washington ranked in the top three for all types of property crimes. These smaller Washington cities punch well above their weight in property crime statistics.
The concentration of major highways and commercial areas in these regions creates opportunities for organized theft operations. Auto theft rings, in particular, have found these areas attractive for their operations.
Crime characteristics include:
• Strategic location along major transportation corridors
• High-value commercial targets attracting organized crime
• Limited resources relative to crime challenges
4. San Francisco County, California – Tech Capital’s Crime Contradiction
San Francisco led the pack regarding property crime, with San Francisco passing Memphis with the highest larceny rate. Despite its reputation as a wealthy tech hub, San Francisco County has some of the nation’s highest property crime rates.
Your chance of being a victim of property crime in San Francisco is 1 in 18, with a crime rate of 63 per one thousand residents, making it one of the highest crime rates in America. These statistics place San Francisco among the worst counties nationally for property crime.
Contributing factors include:
• San Francisco has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation, with your chance of getting your car stolen being one in 119
• Extreme wealth inequality despite high average incomes
• Progressive prosecution policies affecting crime deterrence
3. Cook County, Illinois – Chicago’s Massive Crime Footprint
Cook County, the largest county in the Chicago metropolitan area, had 805 homicides – the most in the nation. While this statistic focuses on violent crime, Cook County’s enormous population creates equally significant property crime challenges.
The county’s property crime issues stem from Chicago’s complex urban challenges, including economic inequality, gang activity, and social problems that contribute to both violent and property crime. Suburban areas of Cook County generally experience lower crime rates, but the urban center drives county-wide statistics.
Chicago’s property crime includes:
• Organized retail theft operations
• Auto theft rings with sophisticated operations
• Residential burglary concentrated in certain neighborhoods
2. Wayne County, Michigan – Detroit’s Devastating Legacy
Detroit remained in second place for the second year in a row for violent crime, and the city’s property crime rates are equally concerning. Wayne County’s statistics are dominated by Detroit’s ongoing urban challenges.
Detroit are now much safer today than before the pandemic started, showing some improvement, but property crime remains a severe challenge throughout the county.
Detroit’s property crime legacy includes:
• Massive numbers of abandoned properties creating crime opportunities
• Economic collapse creating desperation-driven theft
• Organized scrap metal theft operations
1. St. Louis City, Missouri – America’s Property Crime Capital
St. Louis experienced different homicide patterns from 2013 to 2024, with St. Louis’s 2024 homicide rate (48.6) being slightly below the 2014 rate. While this independent city has seen some improvement in violent crime, it maintains the distinction of having America’s highest property crime rates.
St. Louis City’s property crime rates reflect decades of economic decline, population loss, and urban decay. The city’s high number of vacant properties creates numerous opportunities for criminal activity, while limited resources make comprehensive crime prevention challenging.
Key factors driving St. Louis’s property crime include:
• Extensive urban blight and vacant properties
• Economic decline creating desperation-driven crime
• Limited law enforcement resources relative to challenges
• Drug addiction issues correlating with theft rates
• Geographic location making stolen goods transport easy
The Complex Reality of Property Crime in America
Property crime across American counties reflects deeper societal challenges that go far beyond simple law enforcement issues. Economic inequality, drug addiction, urban decay, and resource limitations all contribute to the patterns we see in these statistics.
Recently released 2024 data from the FBI show historic lows in the national murder rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate. Despite improvements nationally, certain counties continue to struggle with property crime rates that significantly exceed national averages.
Understanding these patterns helps communities, policymakers, and residents make informed decisions about safety, resource allocation, and crime prevention strategies. The counties on this list aren’t inherently dangerous places to live, but they do face challenges that require sustained attention and comprehensive approaches to address effectively.
What strikes you most about this ranking? The fact that wealthy tech hubs like San Francisco rank so high, or that smaller counties can have crime rates rivaling major metropolitan areas?
Wacht the Video – 10 Most Dangerous Places in the United States 2025: