With the rapid growth of e-commerce, package deliveries have become part of daily life. But so has the rise of "porch piracy", where thieves snatch deliveries from doorsteps, apartment lobbies, and porches.
According to a 2024 SafeWise report, however, certain cities stand out for their low package theft rates, making them some of the safest places in the U.S. for package storage and delivery.
"Safe cities for package storage” typically refers to cities or areas that exhibit several favorable characteristics when it comes to preventing package theft and ensuring secure deliveries.
In practical terms, storing or sending packages in these cities reduces the risk of them being stolen.
Package receiving services like Stowfly, which offer package storage and pickup services enhance the package delivery experience even in low- risk areas, making it smarter, more efficient and seamless.
Let Stowfly simplify your deliveries. Get started today with one month of free package receiving service.
Based on SafeWise's 2024 annual package theft report, the following metro areas reported the lowest package theft rates in the country:
These rankings are based on a combination of FBI crime statistics, independent safety surveys, and proprietary data analyzed by SafeWise.
Based on 2024 the Package Theft Annual Report and Statistics from Security.org, the following U.S. states reported the lowest rates of package theft. To better understand the geographical distribution of safety, here is a pie chart illustrating the top 10 states with the lowest package theft rates in 2024:
While each state is represented equally for visual simplicity, this chart emphasizes their prominence in providing secure environments for package deliveries.
1. Low Package Theft Rates
Residents in these areas report fewer incidents of stolen packages, indicating that deliveries are more likely to arrive and remain safely at their destination. For example, Michigan (where Detroit is located) reported a package theft rate of just 1% in the past three months, with a median package value of $80.
2. Low Property Crime Rates
Generally, cities with lower burglary, vandalism, and theft rates offer a safer environment overall. This creates a natural deterrent for porch pirates who target neighborhoods where they can operate unnoticed.
3. Secure Delivery Infrastructure
Many of these metro areas have implemented smart delivery solutions, including:
These tools reduce the risk of stolen packages and make it easier for residents and businesses to manage deliveries securely.
4. Community Vigilance
Neighborhood watch programs, active local social media groups (like Nextdoor), and the widespread use of doorbell cameras and surveillance systems contribute to higher community awareness. This makes would-be porch pirates think twice.
5. Effective Law Enforcement Response
In these cities, law enforcement agencies are more proactive in addressing property crimes, including package theft. Faster response times and community policing initiatives make a significant difference.
It’s worth noting that three of the top four metro areas on the SafeWise list are in Florida:
Statewide statistics support this: Florida’s package theft rate is just 3%, and only 9% of residents say they don’t always lock their doors when away, indicating a generally cautious and prepared population.
Here are a few more insights based on state-level data from SafeWise:
These statistics further validate the metro-level findings and help explain why these areas lead the list for safest package storage.
If you're someone who frequently shops online, living in one of these cities significantly lowers the risk of losing packages. But beyond individual convenience, the implications for businesses, especially those involved in logistics, retail, or storage, are notable.
Customers can benefit significantly from using package receiving services by Stowfly, even in cities with safe package deliveries. Here's how:
1. Added Convenience
Even in low-package theft areas, not everyone is home during delivery windows. Stowfly provides flexible, reliable package pickup locations that fit the customer’s schedule, reducing missed deliveries or the need to reschedule.
2. Protection from Misdeliveries and Weather
Packages can still be misdelivered, left exposed to rain, snow, or heat, or damaged even in “safe” cities. Stowfly offers secure, indoor package storage locations, until the customer is ready to pick up the package at their convenience.
3. Increased Privacy
Some customers may prefer not to disclose their home address for deliveries, especially for sensitive items. Stowfly acts as an alternate package receiving address, maintaining customer privacy.
4. Support for Multi-Location Lifestyles
For people who travel frequently, live in apartments without doormen, or split time between homes, Stowfly ensures they have a stable, secure pickup point, regardless of their location within a city.
5. Peace of Mind
Even in low-risk areas, package theft can happen. Using Stowfly adds a layer of reliability and confidence, especially for valuable, time-sensitive, or business-related shipments.
6. Ideal for Businesses and Freelancers
Small business owners, freelancers, or side hustlers benefit from a professional package receiving service, reducing the risk of business-critical deliveries being delayed or stolen.
In safe cities, Stowfly enhances convenience, privacy, flexibility, and reliability—making package delivery easier and more secure, regardless of the crime rate. It's not just about package theft prevention; it's about optimizing the entire last-mile delivery experience.