Robbery Statistics 2024

In 2024, there were 205,952 reported robberies in the United States — a rate of 60.6 per 100,000 residents. Robbery is the taking of property from a person by force or threat of force, making it both a violent crime and a property crime.

Robbery has declined dramatically from its peak of 272.7 per 100,000 in 1991. The current rate is 78% lower — one of the largest declines among violent crime categories.

Key Facts About Robbery

• Street robbery (mugging) accounts for the largest share of incidents
• Commercial robbery (convenience stores, banks, gas stations) has declined with improved security
• Firearms are used in about 40% of robberies; strong-arm (no weapon) accounts for roughly 40%
• Young males aged 15-24 commit and are victimized by robbery at the highest rates
• Urban areas have robbery rates several times higher than suburban or rural areas
• Bank robbery has declined dramatically since the 1990s due to surveillance, GPS-tracked dye packs, and reduced cash on hand

Why Has Robbery Declined?

The decline in robbery mirrors the broader crime decline, but several factors are specific to robbery:

• The cashless economy. Fewer people carry significant cash, reducing the payoff for street robbery.
• Surveillance technology. Ubiquitous cameras, GPS tracking, and smartphone location data make robbery much riskier.
• Improved security. Banks, convenience stores, and commercial establishments have invested heavily in deterrence.
• Demographic shifts. The aging of the population means fewer people in the prime robbery-committing age range.