#cartheftstatistics — Public Fediverse posts

Ranked: U.S. States With the Highest Vehicle-Theft Rates in 2025

California recorded the highest vehicle-theft rate in the United States in 2025, while North Carolina ranked No. 15 nationally, according to an analysis of data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau and U.S. Census Bureau.

The ranking measures reported vehicle thefts per 100,000 residents, allowing states with different population sizes to be compared more fairly. More than 650,000 vehicles were reportedly stolen nationwide during the year—approximately one vehicle every 48 seconds.

States With the Highest Vehicle-Theft Rates

1. California: 348 thefts per 100,000 residents
2. Nevada: 318
3. New Mexico: 318
4. Missouri: 280
5. Colorado: 280
6. Maryland: 273
7. Texas: 240
8. Alaska: 232
9. Washington: 228
10. Illinois: 223
11. Oregon: 208
12. Kansas: 201
13. Tennessee: 188
14. Louisiana: 188
15. North Carolina: 185
16. South Carolina: 184
17. Ohio: 174

California Leads the Nation

California recorded an estimated 348 vehicle thefts per 100,000 residents—the highest rate in the country.

Nevada and New Mexico tied for second place at 318 thefts per 100,000 people. Missouri and Colorado also tied, with each reporting a rate of 280.

The results show that elevated vehicle-theft rates are not limited to one region. States near the top of the list are spread across the West, Southwest, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and South.

North Carolina Ranks No. 15

North Carolina recorded approximately 185 vehicle thefts per 100,000 residents, placing it 15th among the states included in the ranking.

The state’s rate was slightly higher than neighboring South Carolina, which ranked No. 16 with 184 thefts per 100,000 people.

North Carolina also ranked just below Tennessee and Louisiana. Both states recorded rates of 188 thefts per 100,000 residents.

The statewide number should not be interpreted as Raleigh’s individual vehicle-theft rate. Conditions can vary considerably among cities, counties and neighborhoods.

How North Carolina Compares

North Carolina’s rate was:

• 163 thefts per 100,000 people lower than California’s.
• 133 lower than Nevada and New Mexico.
• Three lower than Tennessee and Louisiana.
• One higher than South Carolina.
• 11 higher than Ohio.

Among the southeastern states displayed on the accompanying map, Tennessee and Louisiana had higher rates than North Carolina. South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama and Florida recorded lower statewide rates.

Why Rates Are Used Instead of Totals

A state with a large population will generally record more crimes than a less-populated state, even when individual risk is lower.

A rate per 100,000 residents adjusts for population size. It provides a clearer way to compare the relative frequency of vehicle theft among states, although it does not measure an individual driver’s exact risk.

Vehicle ownership levels, urban density, law-enforcement reporting practices and local crime patterns may also affect comparisons.

Ways to Reduce Vehicle-Theft Risk

Drivers cannot eliminate every risk, but several basic precautions can make a vehicle less attractive or accessible to thieves:

• Lock the vehicle and close every window.
• Never leave keys or key fobs inside.
• Avoid leaving a running vehicle unattended.
• Park in visible, well-lit locations.
• Remove bags, electronics and valuables from view.
• Use a steering-wheel lock or other visible deterrent.
• Activate the factory alarm and immobilizer.
• Consider a tracking device or connected-vehicle service.
• Store the vehicle identification number and current photographs somewhere secure.
• Report a stolen vehicle immediately to law enforcement and the insurance provider.

Owners should also check whether their vehicle has an outstanding security-related recall or manufacturer software update.

What Raleigh Drivers Should Know

The national ranking provides useful context, but Raleigh residents should rely on local police data for neighborhood-level trends.

When parking downtown or attending a major event, drivers should remove visible valuables, confirm that all doors are locked and note where the vehicle was left. Anyone who discovers a stolen vehicle should contact law enforcement rather than attempting to recover it independently.

The rankings were calculated using 2025 state vehicle-theft totals and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates. Rates shown in the graphic are rounded.

Follow DoRaleigh.com for everything Raleigh, including public-safety updates, transportation news, community resources and local government coverage.

Connect With Us: Instagram | Facebook | BSky | Linkedin

Share With Us: Post your community News, Events, on our Submissions Page.

Advertise With Us: Interested in Advertising click here.

Compiled by Bryan Tomlinson for DoRaleigh.com.