Many homes no longer feel like safe havens due to rising property crime, with over one million burglaries reported in 2020, and internal hazards like poisonings and falls that caused over 100,000 deaths in 2023. However, security adoption is making a difference—home burglaries dropped 19 percent in early 2025, and nearly half of households now use cameras while one in three employ full security systems. Simple measures like locking doors, installing interconnected smoke alarms, and adding monitored security can transform a house into a genuine sanctuary.
In recent years, the concept of home safety has evolved beyond locked doors and sturdy windows, encompassing both physical security measures and the psychological sense of peace that comes with feeling protected. Yet current data reveals that many Americans struggle to achieve this feeling, with only about half reporting they feel safe in their state in 2025, a statistic that varies dramatically by location.
Only half of Americans report feeling safe in their state, revealing a widespread struggle to achieve genuine peace of mind at home.
The numbers paint a clear picture of ongoing vulnerability. Property crime occurs nearly five times more often than violent crime, with burglary comprising 16 percent of all property crimes in the United States in 2020.
That year saw an average burglary rate of 314 occurrences per 100,000 inhabitants, totaling over one million reported break-ins. More concerning, 38 percent of burglaries were classified as unlawful entry through unlatched doors, suggesting that simple preventive measures could markedly reduce risk.
Americans are responding by investing in security technology. Nearly 50 percent of households now use security cameras in 2025, while one in three rely on full security systems. This adoption appears justified, as 60 percent of convicted burglars report avoiding homes with alarm systems. The home security market has grown to $56.1 billion and is projected to reach $93 billion by 2030, reflecting widespread demand for protection. Despite these investments, nearly 40 percent of Americans do not utilize any home security measures. For the first time since tracking began, firearms dropped from the top three property protection methods as Americans increasingly favor cameras, security systems, and non-lethal measures.
Beyond burglary, other home hazards demand attention. Poisonings caused 77,000 home deaths in 2023, over half the total, while falls resulted in 32,000 deaths. Many faith traditions also emphasize responsible stewardship of resources, which can include investing in safety and care for vulnerable household members.
Fire safety remains critical, with 59 percent of fire deaths occurring at properties without smoke alarms or with malfunctioning alarms. Monitored, interconnected fire and carbon monoxide protection is emerging as a priority, particularly for older homes.
Despite these challenges, recent trends offer quiet encouragement. Home burglaries in the first half of 2025 declined 19 percent compared to 2024, and property crime decreased in 42 states. These improvements suggest that increased security adoption and awareness are making a measurable difference, gradually transforming houses into the genuine havens their residents seek.
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