New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Washington, and Oregon Dominate List of Most Dangerous US States for Airbnb Hosts: Shocking Crime Stats You Need to Know

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Washington, and Oregon dominate the list of the most dangerous US states for Airbnb hosts. With shocking crime stats revealing high rates of property destruction, burglary, and theft, these states put hosts at significant risk.

New Mexico leads with alarming rates of property damage and burglary, while Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma follow closely with high destruction rates.

Washington and Oregon also report serious risks due to burglary and arson. If you’re an Airbnb host in these states, you must be aware of these threats and take action. Keep reading to discover how to protect your property.

New Mexico’s Shocking Crime Rates Put Airbnb Hosts at Risk

When it comes to short-term rental safety, Airbnb hosts are always on edge, particularly when they’re in certain parts of the United States. This year, New Mexico has emerged as the most dangerous state for Airbnb hosts, with alarming crime rates including destruction of property and burglary. With an index score of 86.69 out of 100, it tops the list of states where Airbnb hosts face the highest risks. Not only does New Mexico lead in property destruction with a staggering 1,370.65 incidents per 100,000 residents, but it also records the highest rate of burglary at 529.60 incidents per 100,000 residents. In addition to this, Washington and Oregon follow closely, with their own crime hotspots making these states high-risk zones for hosts. If you’re an Airbnb host in these regions, the safety of your property could be in jeopardy, especially around the holiday season. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the top 10 most dangerous states for Airbnb hosts, focusing on the leading crimes that put hosts at risk. Read on to find out which states you should avoid and how to protect your property.

1. New Mexico: The Most Dangerous State for Airbnb Hosts

New Mexico has gained notoriety as the most dangerous state for Airbnb hosts, topping the list with a shocking crime rate. Hosts in New Mexico face the constant threat of property destruction, vandalism, and burglary. The state records a staggering 1,370.65 incidents of property destruction per 100,000 residents. Burglary follows closely behind, with 529.60 incidents per 100,000 people. This creates a nightmare scenario for hosts. Empty homes are prime targets for thieves and vandals, particularly when travelers leave for extended periods. Darren Nix, CEO at Steadily, emphasized that during the holiday season, the risk to properties becomes even greater. A surge in travel and late-night celebrations make Airbnb rentals an easy target. To mitigate these risks, it’s crucial for hosts to adopt high-security measures, including motion-sensor cameras, secure lockboxes, and comprehensive insurance that covers holiday-specific risks.

2. Washington: A High-Risk State for Airbnb Hosts

Washington ranks as the second most dangerous state for Airbnb hosts, with a risk index score of 80.19. Much like New Mexico, Washington faces high rates of property destruction and burglary. In 2023 alone, Washington experienced over 1,000 incidents of destruction and vandalism per 100,000 residents, along with a high burglary rate of 467.78 incidents per 100,000 people. Airbnb hosts in Washington are advised to take extra precautions, especially during busy travel seasons. Installing visible security cameras and utilizing smart locks are excellent ways to safeguard your property. As with other high-risk states, staying proactive is key to avoiding costly damage and theft.

3. Oregon: High Arson and Theft Rates Raise Alarm for Hosts

Oregon may not have the highest burglary rates, but its arson rate is truly alarming. With 31.87 incidents of arson per 100,000 residents, Oregon stands out as a state where Airbnb hosts face a unique threat. In addition to arson, the state ranks third in the country for theft from buildings, with 151.95 incidents per 100,000 residents. The high rates of arson and property theft make Oregon a risky location for short-term rentals. Hosts need to ensure they have comprehensive property insurance that covers arson and vandalism. Security measures such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire-resistant materials are essential to protect your investment.

4. Colorado: Destruction of Property Hits High Levels

Colorado ranks fourth with a risk score of 75.25, driven by high rates of property destruction. With 929.37 incidents of property damage per 100,000 residents, Airbnb hosts in Colorado are at risk of significant losses. Colorado also faces a high rate of robbery, with 65.23 incidents per 100,000 people, which adds another layer of risk for property owners. During busy holiday seasons, the risk of vandalism and theft increases. For Airbnb hosts in Colorado, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and use the latest security technology, such as smart doorbells and security cameras. Regularly checking your property for damage and securing valuables will go a long way in protecting your home.

5. Nevada: A State Vulnerable to Burglary and Destruction of Property

Nevada, with a risk score of 72.51, ranks as the fifth most dangerous state for Airbnb hosts. Known for its high levels of burglary, Nevada records 403.86 burglary incidents per 100,000 residents. The state also sees high levels of property destruction, with 760.32 incidents per 100,000 people. Nevada’s high crime rates make it a state where Airbnb hosts must go the extra mile to protect their property. For hosts in Nevada, it’s essential to equip properties with advanced security systems. This can include motion sensors, security cameras, and alarm systems. Additionally, consider securing high-value items in locked storage areas to reduce the risk of theft during guests’ stays.

6. Arkansas: Another High-Risk State for Airbnb Hosts

Arkansas ranks sixth on the list with a score of 70.88, largely due to its high burglary rate of 409.43 incidents per 100,000 residents. Theft from buildings is also a significant issue in Arkansas, with 150.21 incidents per 100,000 residents. These crime rates make Arkansas one of the most dangerous states for Airbnb hosts. To safeguard against burglary and theft, Airbnb hosts in Arkansas should invest in high-tech security systems, such as smart locks and surveillance cameras. Additionally, it’s important to inform guests about security protocols, including how to lock doors and windows during their stay.

7. Oklahoma: A State with Alarming Burglary Rates

Oklahoma ranks seventh, with a score of 70.36. The state has a high burglary rate, with 446.49 incidents per 100,000 residents, the third-highest in the country. Along with property destruction, these crime rates make Oklahoma a risky state for Airbnb hosts. For those hosting in Oklahoma, securing the premises with high-end locks and surveillance cameras is a must. Investing in renter’s insurance and ensuring that guests understand their responsibilities regarding property security can also mitigate potential risks.

8. Tennessee: A Dangerous State for Airbnb Hosts Due to Theft

Tennessee is eighth on the list, with a risk score of 70.16. The state has a particularly high rate of theft from buildings, with 198.75 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it the second-highest in the country. This puts Airbnb hosts at a significant risk of property loss. To prevent theft, hosts in Tennessee should focus on implementing robust security measures such as secure storage areas, alarm systems, and camera monitoring. Educating guests on the importance of locking windows and doors also helps to reduce risks.

9. New York: The Risk of Robbery Is High for Airbnb Hosts

New York ranks ninth with a score of 69.04, driven by its alarming robbery rate. The state experiences the highest robbery rate in the country, with 139.26 incidents per 100,000 residents. Although the risk of theft may seem concentrated in certain areas, Airbnb hosts in New York should still be cautious. To protect their property, Airbnb hosts should install alarm systems and ensure they have insurance that covers robbery and theft. As New York sees a high volume of visitors, staying alert during busy tourist seasons can help prevent robberies.

10. Kansas: High Rates of Property Destruction Make It a Risky State

Kansas rounds out the top 10 with a risk score of 67.88, largely due to its high rate of property destruction. With 962.58 incidents per 100,000 residents, Kansas poses a significant threat to Airbnb hosts who might experience significant property damage. Hosts in Kansas need to invest in high-quality locks, surveillance cameras, and secure storage. Additionally, ensuring that guests are aware of their responsibilities regarding property care can help mitigate the risk of damage.

Safest States for Airbnb Hosts: Idaho, West Virginia, and Maine Lead the Pack

While New Mexico, Washington, and Oregon dominate the list of dangerous states, other states like Idaho, West Virginia, and Maine offer a much safer environment for Airbnb hosts. Idaho, in particular, stands out as the safest state with a risk score of just 30.40. The state has the lowest robbery rate in the nation, with only 9.50 incidents per 100,000 residents. West Virginia and Maine also follow closely behind, with low rates of theft and burglary. These states offer peace of mind for Airbnb hosts, with fewer concerns about property damage and crime.

Airbnb Hosts Must Stay Vigilant in High-Risk States

If you’re an Airbnb host, your location can make all the difference in terms of risk. States like New Mexico, Washington, and Oregon present a heightened danger due to high rates of property destruction, burglary, and theft. To protect your property, investing in security systems and comprehensive insurance is essential, especially during peak travel seasons. As we head into the New Year, hosts must remain vigilant, as holiday travel often brings an uptick in crime. Make sure to equip your property with visible security measures and consider additional insurance to cover holiday-specific risks. By staying proactive, you can protect your property and ensure a safe and profitable hosting experience.