Guide
Is Home Security Worth It?
Yes, a monitored home security system is worth it for most homeowners, because burglars avoid alarmed homes (about 60% of 422 convicted burglars surveyed by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2012 said an alarm would make them choose another target), insurers discount premiums 5 to 20% for monitored systems, and the United States still recorded 779,542 burglaries in 2024 at 229.2 per 100,000 residents (Bureau of Justice Statistics). This guide gives the 2024 numbers, the 3 pieces of evidence on deterrence, the break-even calculation, and the 3 cases where a system is not worth it.
How Common Is Burglary in 2024?
Burglary happened 779,542 times in the United States in 2024, a rate of 229.2 per 100,000 residents and the lowest in FBI records going back to 1961, with rates ranging from 536.5 in New Mexico to 48.7 in New Hampshire (Bureau of Justice Statistics, Crime Known to Law Enforcement, 2024).
| Place | Rate |
|---|---|
| United States | 229.2 |
| New Mexico (highest) | 536.5 |
| Louisiana | 414.0 |
| Oklahoma | 407.8 |
| Washington | 390.6 |
| Nevada | 363.3 |
| Virginia | 108.6 |
| New Hampshire (lowest) | 48.7 |
Do Alarm Systems Deter Burglars?
Yes, alarm systems deter burglars according to 3 sources: the 2012 UNC Charlotte survey of 422 incarcerated burglars, in which about 60% said they would seek a different target if an alarm was present and 83% said they checked for one; a Rutgers University study of Newark, New Jersey by Seungmug Lee (2008) that found burglary fell in neighbourhoods as alarm installations rose; and police data showing most burglars enter through unlocked or unmonitored doors and windows, which sensors cover first.
Deterrence works before entry; monitoring works after it. The Vivint monitoring page gives the 33-second average response from alarm to agent.
How Much Does Insurance Offset the Cost?
Insurance offsets 5 to 20% of the annual premium for a professionally monitored system with a certificate of installation, which on a $1,800 premium is $90 to $360 a year against $300 to $540 a year of monitoring at $24.99 to $44.99 per month.
| Monitoring plan | Annual cost | 10% discount | 15% discount | Net cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vivint HomeProtect $24.99 | $300 | $180 | $270 | $30 to $120 |
| Vivint HomeProtect Pro $44.99 | $540 | $180 | $270 | $270 to $360 |
| SimpliSafe Standard $19.99 | $240 | $120 to $180 (smaller for DIY) | $60 to $120 |
The Vivint insurance discount guide explains how to get the certificate.
When Is Home Security Not Worth It?
A monitored system is not worth it in 3 cases: a home that is never empty and has someone able to call 911, a short tenancy of under 12 months where the 36-month agreement outlasts the lease (a no-contract DIY kit fits better), and a budget where $20 to $45 a month would displace a higher-priority cost such as deadbolts and exterior lighting, which cost less and are the first things burglars check.
The home security cost guide gives the full ranges by type and brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
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