10 States Where Your Car Is Most Likely to Be Stolen

Getting your car stolen isn't just a huge inconvenience; it can seriously hurt your wallet, too. That's why knowing where car theft is on the rise is a smart money move if you own a car. When you understand which areas are seeing the most thefts, you can take steps to protect your ride before it becomes a target.

FinanceBuzz recently analyzed car theft statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to identify the 10 states where your car is most likely to be stolen. Keep reading to find out if yours is on the list.

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Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 275.5

Tennessee experiences a high level of vehicle theft, particularly in busy cities like Nashville and Memphis. Intensified law enforcement and public awareness efforts helped reduce these numbers by 26% in 2024. However, they're still among the top 10 in the U.S.

Popular models stolen include the Nissan Maxima, Hyundai Elantra, and Nissan Altima.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 277.7

Oregon — especially Portland — is still grappling with a relatively high number of vehicle thefts, despite a notable 30% drop in cases from 2023 to 2024. There are external factors around the area that may be contributing to the problem, and officials are working on ways to address it.

The Honda Civic was the most commonly stolen car in the state, with 435 reported stolen in 2024.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 316.5

Texas experiences a significant number of vehicle thefts each year, primarily in major cities such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Trucks and SUVs are prime targets, and these vehicles often end up being resold.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a car thief's favorite vehicle to steal in Texas; however, you should remain vigilant, regardless of the car you drive.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 346.3

Most car thefts in Maryland occur in Baltimore. Criminals have been exploiting keyless entry vulnerabilities, and the state is working diligently to strengthen penalties to deter them further.

The good news is that the state saw a 19% decrease in car thefts in 2024 compared to 2023.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 375.1

Washington state, particularly the Seattle-Tacoma area, has experienced a significant surge in car thefts over the last couple of years. However, this trend shows some signs of slowing down, with car theft numbers decreasing 32% in 2024 compared to 2023.

Authorities attribute the high rate of car thefts to a combination of factors. Stolen vehicles are often stripped for parts or used in further criminal activity.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 379.6

Car theft in Missouri remains high, particularly in areas such as Kansas City and St. Louis, despite a 14% decrease in car thefts in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Last year, Missouri State Representative Steve Butz (D-St. Louis) introduced the Auto Theft Prevention Commission to fund a new grant program aimed at preventing, combating, and reducing vehicle theft.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 394.4

The majority of vehicle thefts in Nevada occur in Las Vegas, with tourist traffic and dense parking areas being a prime target for thieves. Theft rates fluctuate year to year, and Nevada did see a 31% drop in thefts in 2024. However, it remains one of the highest contenders on the list, and airport parking garages tend to be a primary target.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 430

Car thefts have been a growing concern in Colorado in recent years, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Denver and Colorado Springs. Some point to repeat offenders and light penalties as part of the issue, with stolen cars often tied to other crimes.

The state began combating this problem a few years ago with Bill 23-097, which strengthened the penalties for vehicle theft and unauthorized use to deter criminals. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of car thefts decreased by 26%.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 458.2

New Mexico, particularly Albuquerque, experiences high rates of vehicle theft, though they are down 7% compared to 2023. Many stolen vehicles are used in other offenses or transported over the border to Mexico.

Keep cars in well-lit areas and use deterrents, such as steering wheel locks, to try to discourage thieves.

Vehicle thefts per 100,000 people: 463.2

California leads the nation in automobile thefts, and the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland are among the highest in the nation. The state's dense population and complex road networks make it a hotspot for vehicle theft, despite a 14% decline in car thefts from 2023 to 2024.

Whether you live in a high-risk area or plan to travel through one, taking simple precautions can make a significant difference. From parking in well-lit areas to installing anti-theft devices, these steps cannot only keep your car safe but also potentially help you save money on car insurance. After all, insurers often reward drivers who take extra steps to protect their vehicles.