A Startling Look at Home Invasions: What the Numbers Reveal (2025)

In late 2024, a chilling report by Anish Devasia revealed what many homeowners fear but rarely discuss: the pervasive and unsettling reality of home invasions across the United States. Published under the title 25+ Startling Home Invasion Statistics: A Deep Dive (2025), the report sheds new light on just how vulnerable homes can be — and when.

The numbers are startling. Every year, approximately 1.5 million home invasions occur in the U.S. While many might assume burglars prefer the cover of darkness, the truth is more surprising — 58% of invasions happen in broad daylight, typically between 10 AM and 3 PM, when families are at work or school.

Perhaps even more unsettling is the ease with which intruders gain entry. A staggering 34% of burglars simply walk through the front door. Even more alarming, 15% of them don't even have to break anything — they enter through doors or windows that were left unlocked.

The financial toll is steep. On average, victims of home invasions suffer $2,661 in losses, a figure that doesn't account for the emotional damage that lingers long after possessions are replaced. Collectively, home invasions cost Americans over $4.4 billion every year.

Geographically, the risk isn't spread evenly. Urban areas see 63% of all home invasions, and certain states — like New Mexico, Louisiana, and Washington — report the highest rates of burglaries per capita. On the other hand, states like New Hampshire, Maine, and Virginia boast some of the lowest.

One sobering detail stands out: the speed and efficiency with which these crimes occur. 71% of home invasions are completed in under 10 minutes, with burglars typically targeting valuables like electronics and jewelry for their quick resale value. During the busy holiday season, break-ins spike by 25%, as homes are often unoccupied and full of newly purchased gifts.

Adding to the unease is the fact that many home invasions involve someone the victim knows — 26% of the time, according to the data. And, heartbreakingly, women are present in 30% of home invasions when they occur while someone is home, underscoring the very real danger these crimes pose beyond property loss.

Prevention, the study notes, can make a significant difference. Homes with visible security systems are three times less likely to be targeted, and having a dog — particularly a larger breed — can cut the chances of invasion by 50%. Simple steps, like locking doors and windows, can prevent more than half of potential burglaries.

Still, despite all these precautions, the reality remains: the majority of home invasions — over 87% — go unsolved.

Understanding these numbers paints a sobering picture, but it also empowers homeowners with knowledge. Awareness of when, where, and how these invasions happen can make all the difference in preparation and response.

As the saying goes, it's better to be prepared for a situation that never comes than to be unprepared for one that does.

Source: Get Safe and Sound