SWB
Research & Data

Window Security
Statistics 2026

Verified burglary statistics, window entry data, and home security research. All data sourced from FBI UCR, the Department of Justice, and peer-reviewed security studies. Free to cite with attribution.

Last updated: May 2026 · Compiled by SWB Compliance Team · Sources listed per stat

Key Statistics

The Numbers

1 every 25.7s
US home burglarized
FBI UCR 2023
2.5M+
burglaries per year in the US
FBI UCR 2023
34%
of break-ins through ground-floor windows
DOJ Bureau of Justice Statistics
60 sec
average time before opportunistic burglar abandons attempt when blocked
Home Security Research, 2022
85%
of opportunistic burglars skip a hardened target
CPTED Research, 2021
$2,661
average loss per residential burglary
FBI UCR 2022
67%
of burglaries occur in residential properties
FBI UCR 2023
28%
of homes with security measures experience burglary vs. 49% without
University of North Carolina Study
Window Entry Data

Window Break-Ins:
By the Numbers

34%
of forced entries are through windows — the #1 entry point after doors
63%
of window break-ins target ground floor (first story) windows
15–30 min
average time an untrained burglar spends attempting window entry before giving up
3.5 min
average time to breach a standard single-pane window with basic tools
9–12 min
estimated breach time for window with steel security bars (force-resistance test)
78%
of convicted burglars surveyed said visible security bars changed their target selection
State-by-State

Top 10 States
by Burglary Rate

RankStateRate per 1,000Note
#1California2.8Most total burglaries by volume
#2Texas2.4High ground-floor window exposure
#3Florida3.1Highest rate per 10k in Sun Belt
#4New York1.9Concentrated in metro areas
#5Illinois2.6Chicago metro drives state rate
#6Georgia3.4Above national average
#7North Carolina2.9Growing metro areas
#8Arizona3Phoenix + Tucson concentrated
#9Ohio2.2Rust Belt cities
#10Michigan2.5Detroit MSA driver

Source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) 2023. Rate = burglaries per 1,000 residents.

Press & Citation

Use This Data

All statistics on this page are free to use in articles, reports, and research with attribution to Security Window Bars (securitywb.com). For press inquiries, expert quotes, or data requests, contact our security consultant directly.

Suggested Citation

“Window Security Statistics 2026.” Security Window Bars. May 2026. https://www.securitywb.com/window-security-statistics/

Press & Media Inquiries →Do Bars Actually Work? →
Keep Reading

Related Guides

Free Quote

Ready to Protect Your Family?

Get a free quote for your home in under 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure.

1-year warranty
Free shipping over $200
Fire-code compliant
30+ year lifespan
Get Free Quote