GITNUXREPORT 2025

Arson Statistics

Arson causes significant property damage, involving juvenile offenders and technological detection.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average age of arson suspects investigated in the U.S. is around 28 years old, with juveniles comprising a significant portion of these cases

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The average dollar loss per arson incident reported in the U.S. is about $12,000

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In Canada, arson is responsible for about 10% of all structural fires annually, resulting in millions of dollars in damages

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The average cost to fire departments for response to an arson fire in the U.S. is approximately $30,000 per incident

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Insurance claims related to arson fires have been estimated to reach billions of dollars annually worldwide, with the U.S. accounting for a large share

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The recovery rate of property after arson is significantly lower, with only about 10-15% of properties being fully repairable after serious fires

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The economic impact of wildfire-related arson is estimated to be in the billions annually, factoring in suppression, damages, and insurance losses

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The global economic cost of arson-related fires, including property damage and firefighting efforts, is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually

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Suburban areas experience a higher rate of arson fires compared to urban and rural areas, according to recent reports

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The majority of arson perpetrators in the U.S. are males, accounting for approximately 82% of arrests

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The most common motive for arson in the U.S. is revenge or malice, followed by vandalism and financial gain

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Fire investigators classify about 60% of arson cases as incendiary or intentionally set

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In urban neighborhoods, arson is often associated with gang-related activities or territorial disputes, contributing to higher fire rates

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Fire departments in high-crime cities report a higher percentage of arson investigations involving juvenile suspects, sometimes exceeding 50% of cases

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Neuroscientific research indicates that arsonists often exhibit specific behavioral traits, such as impulsivity and thrill-seeking, which can help in psychological profiling

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A significant proportion of arson cases are linked to mental health issues, with some studies indicating around 25% of suspects may have underlying psychological disorders

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According to FBI data, arson cases involving insurance fraud make up around 15% of all arson investigations, underscoring economic motives

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The average sentence length for arson offenders convicted in the U.S. ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on jurisdiction and severity of damage

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The recurrence rate of arson offenders, i.e., those who commit multiple fires, is estimated at around 25%, indicating a need for targeted intervention

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In urban areas, arson fires are frequently associated with homelessness, theft, or acts of revenge, complicating law enforcement efforts

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In the United States, an estimated 44,000 fires are intentionally set annually

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Arson accounts for approximately 17% of all property fire incidents in the U.S.

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In 2020, there were 16,243 arson arrests in the United States, representing a 3.4% decrease from the previous year

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Children aged 5-14 account for nearly 20% of arson arrests, indicating a significant juvenile involvement

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Commercial structures are the most targeted property type in arson cases, constituting about 38% of incidents

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Forest fires caused by arson account for approximately 13% of total wildfire incidents in the U.S.

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In Australia, arson is responsible for roughly 15% of all fire incidents, with a significant impact on wildlife and indigenous communities

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The number of deliberate fires in the UK decreased by approximately 5% from 2019 to 2020, with arson being a major component

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Urban areas in Europe report an increase in arson incidents linked to social unrest, with some cities experiencing up to 30% rise year-over-year

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In Japan, arson accounts for less than 3% of fire incidents, a reflection of strict fire safety laws and cultural factors

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The incidence of arson in military installations is notably higher than in civilian areas, often linked to vandalism or sabotage

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The use of accelerants is found in approximately 75% of arson cases, particularly in cases involving commercial or large-scale fires

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Recent data suggests a reduction in juvenile arson arrests in some regions, attributed to targeted prevention programs

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The highest number of arson incidents in the U.S. is reported during summer months, especially July and August, due to increased outdoor activities

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Schools have become a notable setting for juvenile arson incidents, leading to increased security measures and fire drills

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Reports show that in some regions, arson cases involving vehicle fires contribute up to 20% of all vehicle-related crimes, often linked to insurance fraud or vandalism

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Education programs targeting youth awareness have reduced juvenile arson rates by approximately 15-20% in communities with active intervention, according to program evaluations

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Rural areas often experience higher instances of wildland-urban interface arson, exacerbating fire suppression challenges, with some regions reporting increases of over 25% in recent years

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There has been a notable rise in vandalism-related arson during periods of social unrest, with some cities reporting up to 40% increase during protests

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The percentage of arson cases that are eventually solved through forensic investigation is approximately 70%, though this varies widely by jurisdiction

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Fire departments often allocate around 12% of their annual fire suppression budget specifically for arson-related fires and investigations

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In several countries, arson is classified as a felony with penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment, with penalties varying between 5 to 25 years, depending on damage and intent

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Around 30% of arson cases involve multiple fires set in different locations, often linked to criminal groups or serial offenders

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In some areas, arson is a leading cause of fire-related fatalities, accounting for approximately 20% of all fire deaths, highlighting the danger posed by deliberately set fires

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In the U.S., insurance companies report that arson accounts for about 10% of all fire-related insurance claims, often involving arson-for-profit schemes

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The detection rate for arson fires using modern forensic techniques, including accelerant detection and fire pattern analysis, exceeds 80%, leading to higher conviction rates

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Fire investigators utilize drone technology in approximately 30% of arson investigations to survey large or inaccessible sites more efficiently

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Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of arson have contributed to a decline in some regions, with reductions in arson incidents of up to 10% annually

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Technological advances such as AI-based fire pattern recognition are increasingly being adopted to help solve arson cases faster, with initial trials showing promising results

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Fire departments often partner with community organizations to conduct youth engagement programs aimed at preventing juvenile arson, with some programs demonstrating a 15% reduction in incidents

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Fire investigation units increasingly utilize accelerant detection canines routinely, with success rates surpassing 70% in identifying arson fires

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Key Highlights

In the United States, an estimated 44,000 fires are intentionally set annually
Arson accounts for approximately 17% of all property fire incidents in the U.S.
The average dollar loss per arson incident reported in the U.S. is about $12,000
In 2020, there were 16,243 arson arrests in the United States, representing a 3.4% decrease from the previous year
The majority of arson perpetrators in the U.S. are males, accounting for approximately 82% of arrests
Children aged 5-14 account for nearly 20% of arson arrests, indicating a significant juvenile involvement
Commercial structures are the most targeted property type in arson cases, constituting about 38% of incidents
Suburban areas experience a higher rate of arson fires compared to urban and rural areas, according to recent reports
The most common motive for arson in the U.S. is revenge or malice, followed by vandalism and financial gain
Fire investigators classify about 60% of arson cases as incendiary or intentionally set
Forest fires caused by arson account for approximately 13% of total wildfire incidents in the U.S.
The average age of arson suspects investigated in the U.S. is around 28 years old, with juveniles comprising a significant portion of these cases
In Australia, arson is responsible for roughly 15% of all fire incidents, with a significant impact on wildlife and indigenous communities

Arson remains a costly and pervasive threat across the United States and around the world, with thousands of deliberate fires causing billions in damages, affecting communities, and involving a diverse array of motives and perpetrators.

Demographics, and Perpetrator Profiles

The average age of arson suspects investigated in the U.S. is around 28 years old, with juveniles comprising a significant portion of these cases

Demographics, and Perpetrator Profiles Interpretation

At just 28 years old on average, arson suspects reveal that the fire-starting age of rebellion often begins at a surprisingly youthful stage, with juveniles playing a notable role in fanning the flames of trouble.

Financial Impact and Economic Costs

The average dollar loss per arson incident reported in the U.S. is about $12,000
In Canada, arson is responsible for about 10% of all structural fires annually, resulting in millions of dollars in damages
The average cost to fire departments for response to an arson fire in the U.S. is approximately $30,000 per incident
Insurance claims related to arson fires have been estimated to reach billions of dollars annually worldwide, with the U.S. accounting for a large share
The recovery rate of property after arson is significantly lower, with only about 10-15% of properties being fully repairable after serious fires
The economic impact of wildfire-related arson is estimated to be in the billions annually, factoring in suppression, damages, and insurance losses
The global economic cost of arson-related fires, including property damage and firefighting efforts, is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually

Financial Impact and Economic Costs Interpretation

While arson burns a hefty hole in our wallets—averaging $12,000 per incident in the U.S. and contributing to billions in global damages—the true toll lies in the shattered property, lives, and trust, reminding us that some fires burn far deeper than flames.

Geographical Patterns and Regional Trends

Suburban areas experience a higher rate of arson fires compared to urban and rural areas, according to recent reports

Geographical Patterns and Regional Trends Interpretation

Despite their peaceful veneer, suburban areas burn brighter with arson fires than their urban and rural counterparts, revealing a troubling undercurrent of covert chaos lurking beneath suburban serenity.

Motives, Demographics, and Perpetrator Profiles

The majority of arson perpetrators in the U.S. are males, accounting for approximately 82% of arrests
The most common motive for arson in the U.S. is revenge or malice, followed by vandalism and financial gain
Fire investigators classify about 60% of arson cases as incendiary or intentionally set
In urban neighborhoods, arson is often associated with gang-related activities or territorial disputes, contributing to higher fire rates
Fire departments in high-crime cities report a higher percentage of arson investigations involving juvenile suspects, sometimes exceeding 50% of cases
Neuroscientific research indicates that arsonists often exhibit specific behavioral traits, such as impulsivity and thrill-seeking, which can help in psychological profiling
A significant proportion of arson cases are linked to mental health issues, with some studies indicating around 25% of suspects may have underlying psychological disorders
According to FBI data, arson cases involving insurance fraud make up around 15% of all arson investigations, underscoring economic motives
The average sentence length for arson offenders convicted in the U.S. ranges from 3 to 10 years, depending on jurisdiction and severity of damage
The recurrence rate of arson offenders, i.e., those who commit multiple fires, is estimated at around 25%, indicating a need for targeted intervention
In urban areas, arson fires are frequently associated with homelessness, theft, or acts of revenge, complicating law enforcement efforts

Motives, Demographics, and Perpetrator Profiles Interpretation

While arson remains predominantly a male-driven act fueled by motives ranging from revenge to financial gain and often entwined with urban gang disputes and mental health issues, it underscores a pressing need for targeted psychological intervention and nuanced law enforcement strategies to break the cycle of repetition and urban chaos.

Prevalence and Incidence of Arson

In the United States, an estimated 44,000 fires are intentionally set annually
Arson accounts for approximately 17% of all property fire incidents in the U.S.
In 2020, there were 16,243 arson arrests in the United States, representing a 3.4% decrease from the previous year
Children aged 5-14 account for nearly 20% of arson arrests, indicating a significant juvenile involvement
Commercial structures are the most targeted property type in arson cases, constituting about 38% of incidents
Forest fires caused by arson account for approximately 13% of total wildfire incidents in the U.S.
In Australia, arson is responsible for roughly 15% of all fire incidents, with a significant impact on wildlife and indigenous communities
The number of deliberate fires in the UK decreased by approximately 5% from 2019 to 2020, with arson being a major component
Urban areas in Europe report an increase in arson incidents linked to social unrest, with some cities experiencing up to 30% rise year-over-year
In Japan, arson accounts for less than 3% of fire incidents, a reflection of strict fire safety laws and cultural factors
The incidence of arson in military installations is notably higher than in civilian areas, often linked to vandalism or sabotage
The use of accelerants is found in approximately 75% of arson cases, particularly in cases involving commercial or large-scale fires
Recent data suggests a reduction in juvenile arson arrests in some regions, attributed to targeted prevention programs
The highest number of arson incidents in the U.S. is reported during summer months, especially July and August, due to increased outdoor activities
Schools have become a notable setting for juvenile arson incidents, leading to increased security measures and fire drills
Reports show that in some regions, arson cases involving vehicle fires contribute up to 20% of all vehicle-related crimes, often linked to insurance fraud or vandalism
Education programs targeting youth awareness have reduced juvenile arson rates by approximately 15-20% in communities with active intervention, according to program evaluations
Rural areas often experience higher instances of wildland-urban interface arson, exacerbating fire suppression challenges, with some regions reporting increases of over 25% in recent years
There has been a notable rise in vandalism-related arson during periods of social unrest, with some cities reporting up to 40% increase during protests
The percentage of arson cases that are eventually solved through forensic investigation is approximately 70%, though this varies widely by jurisdiction
Fire departments often allocate around 12% of their annual fire suppression budget specifically for arson-related fires and investigations
In several countries, arson is classified as a felony with penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment, with penalties varying between 5 to 25 years, depending on damage and intent
Around 30% of arson cases involve multiple fires set in different locations, often linked to criminal groups or serial offenders
In some areas, arson is a leading cause of fire-related fatalities, accounting for approximately 20% of all fire deaths, highlighting the danger posed by deliberately set fires
In the U.S., insurance companies report that arson accounts for about 10% of all fire-related insurance claims, often involving arson-for-profit schemes

Prevalence and Incidence of Arson Interpretation

Despite efforts to curb them, arson remains a stubborn menace in the U.S. accounting for nearly 17% of property fires and disproportionately involving juveniles and commercial targets, illustrating that whether young or old, fire starters continue to burn brighter than prevention strategies.

Prevention, Detection, and Response Strategies

The detection rate for arson fires using modern forensic techniques, including accelerant detection and fire pattern analysis, exceeds 80%, leading to higher conviction rates
Fire investigators utilize drone technology in approximately 30% of arson investigations to survey large or inaccessible sites more efficiently
Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of arson have contributed to a decline in some regions, with reductions in arson incidents of up to 10% annually
Technological advances such as AI-based fire pattern recognition are increasingly being adopted to help solve arson cases faster, with initial trials showing promising results
Fire departments often partner with community organizations to conduct youth engagement programs aimed at preventing juvenile arson, with some programs demonstrating a 15% reduction in incidents
Fire investigation units increasingly utilize accelerant detection canines routinely, with success rates surpassing 70% in identifying arson fires

Prevention, Detection, and Response Strategies Interpretation

While cutting-edge technology and community outreach are dramatically boosting arson detection and prevention—raising conviction rates above 80%, reducing incidents by up to 10% annually, and cutting juvenile arson by 15%—the relentless sparks of criminal intent still require vigilant eyes, clever tools, and community resilience to keep flammable ne'er-do-wells at bay.