These States Have the Highest Car Theft Rates in America, And Some Are Worse Than California

Car theft is one of the most common serious crimes tracked by the FBI, and it's happening far more often than many people realize. In 2022 alone, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen across the United States, with incidents occurring roughly every 30 seconds. While theft can happen anywhere, some states see far higher rates than others.

Using data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, 24/7 Tempo analyzed where motor vehicle theft is most likely when adjusted for population. The results reveal a handful of states where your risk is significantly higher than the national averageincluding several that surpass California. From organized theft rings to crimes of opportunity, here's where your car is most at risk and what's driving the trend.

Motor vehicle theft is on the rise in the United States and according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, approximately two vehicles were stolen every minute in the U.S. in 2022. FBI data shows that fewer than one-in-every 10 cases of auto theft are solved by law enforcement, and with new car prices hovering near all-time highs, these crimes are especially costly. While car theft happens in every corner of the country, there are certain states where personal vehicles are far more likely to be stolen.

• Motor-vehicle theft rate in 2022: 53.8 incidents per 100,000 people
• Total, known motor-vehicle thefts in 2022: 750 the fewest of 50 states (0.1% of all U.S. car thefts)
• Registered light-duty vehicles in state: 99.2 for every 100 people (1,383,700 total)
• State population: 1,395,200