The Best Budget-Friendly Home Security Systems of 2026
With packages starting at around $250 and zero required monthly fees, SimpliSafe is the best-value option among the 12 low-cost security systems we tested.
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Last Updated on Feb 10, 2026
- Packages start at $250, customizable with additional equipment
- Advanced monitoring features like Intruder Intervention
- No long-term contracts and optional self-monitoring plans
- Packages as low as $100, with sensors going for less than $10 a piece
- High-tech, touch screen keypad
- Most affordable professional monitoring plans starting at $19.99 per month
- Heavily discounted equipment packages starting at $69
- Pricey but comprehensive professional monitoring plans
- Premium customer service
Editor’s Note: For our complete guide on the top home security systems of 2026 – including premium options with advanced and sophisticated features – head over to our Best Home Security Systems guide.
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to stay within your budget when shopping for home security. There are many security systems that deliver professional-grade protection through wallet-friendly packages. With the right budget-friendly system, you can get dependable equipment and around-the-clock monitoring without the financial stress caused by a premium option.
After putting dozens of low-cost security systems through their paces, we found that SimpliSafe strikes the perfect balance between affordable equipment and versatile monitoring options. Cove, Frontpoint, ADT, and Abode also deliver impressive protection without premium pricing. Let’s explore what makes these security systems smart investments for your home.
>> Read More: DIY vs Professional Home Security Installation
The Best Budget-Friendly Home Security Systems
- SimpliSafe - Best Low-Cost Equipment
- Cove - Best Affordable Monitoring
- Frontpoint - Best Customer Service
- ADT - Best Affordable Financing
- abode - Best for Affordable Smart Home Automation
Comparison of the Best Budget-Friendly Security Systems
| System |
SimpliSafe
|
Cove
|
Frontpoint
|
ADT
|
abode
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Installation | DIY or professional | DIY or professional | DIY or professional | DIY or professional | DIY or professional |
| Professional monitoring cost | $22.99 per month | $19.99 per month | $44.99 per month | $24.99 per month | $25.99 per month |
| Equipment package prices | Starting at $250.96 | Starting at $95 | Starting at $69 | Starting at $269 | Starting at $65 |
| Read Review | SimpliSafe Review | Cove Review | Frontpoint Review | ADT Review | abode Review |
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1. SimpliSafe - Best Low-Cost Equipment
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $250.96 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starts at $22.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home SimpliSafe Overview
Our SimpliSafe security starts with a base station SimpliSafe started off as a quality home security system for renters, so it was an affordable option from the get-go. SimpliSafe also offers incremental subscription plans with cloud video storage and add-on monitoring features as well as modular packages for different budgets.
>> Compare: SimpliSafe vs. Frontpoint
Did You Know: SimpliSafe’s deals can climb as high as 70 percent off new systems. That said, those savings are not worth leaving your house unprotected until next Black Friday. Instead, we recommend getting a basic system now and then using their next big sale to buy add-on equipment.
What We Like
- Modular packages let you pick exactly the devices you need
- Easy DIY installation saves you from professional installation fees
- No-contract professional monitoring; cancel anytime
What We Don’t Like
- Limited smart home capabilities, plus Alexa and Google Home integration requires a subscription
- Monitoring prices remain higher than some competitors, though no contracts provide flexibility
- Limited selection of security cameras
Equipment
SimpliSafe System Motion Sensor Here’s why SimpliSafe earned top scores for homes on a budget:
- Cheap entry point. SimpliSafe’s bare-bones, 4-piece starter package, the Foundation, retails for $250. It includes a motion sensor, door sensor, base station, and keypad controller, which could be enough for apartments.
- Modular set-up. Every SimpliSafe system requires a base station, but after that, you can build your system out à la carte, which is what we did.
- Flexible payment options. SimpliSafe offers financing through Affirm, letting you spread out payments over 3, 6, 12, 18 or 24 months with zero percent APR for qualified buyers.
FYI: We ended up paying around $500 for our SimpliSafe equipment, which included some additional motion sensors and two cameras. Compared to the $1,200 bill we saw when we tested our Vivint security system, that was a significant savings.
Subscriptions
Free self-monitoring might be tempting, but you’ll miss out on its innovative crime prevention features. SimpliSafe plans range from $22.99 to $79.99 per month. We chose the Core plan, which is $32.99 per month, to test Intruder Intervention. It allows SimpliSafe’s monitoring center to access the Wireless Indoor Camera and scare away intruders with the two-way speaker. Here are the other plans SimpliSafe offers.
Features Self-monitoring Standard Core Pro Pro Plus Self-monitoring via app Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 24/7 professional monitoring No Yes Yes Yes Yes Cellular backup No Yes Yes Yes Yes Camera recording Available for $9.99/month No 10 cameras 10 cameras 10 cameras Video verification No No Yes Yes Yes Intruder Intervention No No Yes Yes Yes Active Guard Outdoor Protection No No No Yes; limited hours Yes Price per month $0 $22.99 $32.99 $49.99 $79.99 Pro Tip: Unlike ADT and Vivint, SimpliSafe plans don’t lock you into a contract. You can cancel or change your plan any time. That’s why we think it’s one of the best contract-free security systems around.
Considerations
SimpliSafe’s keypad was easy to use, but maybe not worth the $70 price tag SimpliSafe isn’t perfect. It’s missing a few key features like home automation and third-party integration. We also weren’t fans of the keypad. It’s easy to use, but we almost never touched it since SimpliSafe has one of the best security system apps.
While we think SimpliSafe is one of the best security systems for Alexa and Google Assistant, we would like to see the functionality expanded. For example, ADT and Frontpoint let you control connected smart devices alongside your security system. We use this functionality to automatically lower our thermostat when our system is armed, so we save on heating costs when we’re out of the house.
>> Alternatives: The Best Home Security Systems for Smart Homes
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2. Cove - Best Affordable Monitoring
See Pricing Links to Covesmart.com
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Systems start at $99 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $19.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month Installation Options Professional or DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home
Cove Overview
Our complete Cove security system with hub, cameras, video doorbell, and more Even without their frequent sales, Cove stands out as one of the most budget-friendly security options available. But those attractive prices do mean accepting a smaller equipment selection and not-so-sophisticated security cameras. That’s why we often suggest Cove as an ideal security system for apartments where existing building cameras can fill any gaps.
>> Related: Best Security Cameras for Apartments
What We Like
- Affordable professional monitoring starting at $19.99
- Regular promotions offer discounts up to 70 percent off equipment
- No contracts, activation fees, and installation fees
What We Don’t Like
- Limited equipment options and security camera options
- Doesn’t work with smart home devices
- No professional installation option
Equipment
Installing our Cove door sensor in the guest bedroom Cove’s equipment proves that affordable doesn’t mean flimsy. Here’s what impressed us during testing:
- Streamlined setup. Cove’s online security assessment walks you through your home’s layout and vulnerabilities, recommending exactly what you need. Installation took us under 45 minutes — fast even for DIY systems.
- Basic equipment. Cove doesn’t try to upsell you on equipment you don’t need. It covers the core components of security systems like motion, entry, and glass break sensors, as well as a few safety-related sensors like smoke and flood detectors. Security cameras are optional.
- Budget sensors. Cove motion sensors start at just $15 each (SimpliSafe charges $34.99). This matters because comprehensive coverage means placing sensors throughout your home, so those savings add up quickly.
>> Also: How Door Sensors Work
Subscriptions
Cove keeps things simple with just two professional monitoring plans. Like SimpliSafe, camera support requires the premium tier, but we found it worthwhile since it also adds voice control and extends your equipment warranty indefinitely. Here’s how both Cove plans stack up:
Features Cove Basic Cove+ Camera support No Yes Alexa and Google Home voice control No Yes Text-based alerts Yes Yes Cellular backup Yes Yes 24/7 alarm monitoring Yes Yes Equipment warranty 1 year Lifetime (as long as you’re subscribed) Price $19.99 per month $29.99 per month Cove security systems now come with a wireless touchscreen keypad for easy control and management FYI: Cloud storage is safer for confidential data, but Cove cameras also support local storage via a microSD card if you prefer. The maximum capacity is 256 GB with the latest Cove models.
Considerations
While Cove works as expected, its equipment feels like an afterthought, especially their cameras. They promise advanced specs like 2K HD video quality, but in testing, we found that they are subpar compared to security camera options from brands like ADT and SimpliSafe. We recommend Cove best for budget-friendly, sensor-centric home security monitoring.
Pro Tip: While it’s most ideal to get your security cameras from your home security provider, getting standalone security cameras that can work independently of your security system also works well. Here’s our guide on the most affordable security cameras.
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3. Frontpoint - Best Customer Service
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Starting at $69.00 Monitoring Options Professional only Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $44.99 Contract Lengths 1-36 months Installation Options DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home Frontpoint Overview
A look at the Frontpoint yard sign that comes with all Frontpoint packages. Frontpoint isn’t yet a household name like ADT, but we found in our tests that their equipment and monitoring services are reliable. However, the user experience is really what sets Frontpoint apart. They ship all devices pre-configured to make DIY installation as easy as possible and they offer award-winning customer service.
What We Like
- Affordable equipment packages starting at $69
- Offers a self-monitoring option with video storage for $14.99 monthly
- Strong home automation capabilities
What We Don’t Like
- You must call to subscribe to cheaper monitoring plans
- A contract may be required
- Touch screen control panel costs extra
Equipment
Frontpoint delivers solid security across the board, with these standout features:
- Rock-bottom packages. The Frontpoint starter package costs just $69 — significantly less than SimpliSafe’s $250 entry point.
- Extremely easy DIY installation. We had the bulk of our Frontpoint system up and running in about a half hour.
- Instant customer support. When we ran into a snag connecting our equipment to our hub, a Frontpoint agent was immediately available by phone to help us out.
Budget Tip: Frontpoint is always running a sale, typically with a 40 percent discount on add-on equipment. Their packages come with even bigger discounts, so we recommend expanding your initial package with all the equipment you need.
Subscriptions
A basic Frontpoint package without cameras costs a rock-bottom $69 Like our number two pick Cove, Frontpoint equipment requires a subscription. Plans range from $4.99 to $49.99 per month, putting Frontpoint on par with some of the more expensive security systems we’ve tested, like Vivint and ADT.
The $49.99 Ultimate plan delivers comprehensive protection with cellular backup, automated system diagnostics, and video verification. Frontpoint’s geofencing capability particularly impressed us. It sent timely reminders whenever we forgot to arm the system before leaving home, a mistake we could quickly correct through the app.
>> Compare: Vivint vs. ADT Self Setup
Considerations
While we appreciate Frontpoint’s equipment and monitoring quality, customization isn’t as straightforward as with SimpliSafe or Cove. Only the Ultimate Plan appears online. Accessing the more affordable Safety Button ($4.99), Video-Only ($14.99) and Interactive ($44.99) plans requires calling their sales team. This phone-only approach feels outdated when competitors let you customize everything online.
Choosing a cheaper Frontpoint monitoring plan required a phone call -
4. ADT - Best Affordable Financing
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $269 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monthly Monitoring Costs Starting at $24.99 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or 36 months and up Installation Options Professional and DIY Smart Platform Integration Alexa and Google Home ADT Overview
Just having the ADT yard sign outside our house gave us extra peace of mind SimpliSafe, Cove, and Frontpoint are affordable if you want to pay for a security system upfront. ADT’s packages are available in monthly installments of $7.47 per month for 36 months through financing. If you want to save money by avoiding self-monitoring and installing your own equipment, you can with the ADT Self Setup systems we reviewed.
>> Compare: ADT vs. SimpliSafe
FYI: ADT’s DIY packages now start at $269 if you’re ready to pay upfront or finance short-term through Affirm. Their 36-month financing requires a professionally installed system starting at $599. They’ll also perform a soft credit check that won’t impact your credit score.
What We Like
- Wireless equipment designed for either DIY or professional installation
- Security cameras from Google Nest include facial recognition
- Great quality app
What We Don’t Like
- A contract may be required, especially with financed equipment
- Higher monitoring rates if you opt for professional installation
- Lacks a touch screen keypad
Equipment
ADT has streamlined their systems for affordability while maintaining these core strengths that built their reputation:
- Customization. ADT offers packages, but like SimpliSafe, those packages can be customized to fit your budget.
- Professional installation. ADT is hands-down the best professionally installed security system we’ve tested. The service starts at $100 for standard homes, although it’s no longer required.
- Smart home automations. ADT’s Google partnership means you can integrate affordable Google smart devices like the Google Nest Doorbell, one our top video doorbell picks, into your ADT system. Bundle deals often include free Google devices, helping you take advantage of lower ADT costs while building out your smart home.
FYI: Nest cameras work exclusively with ADT, but only when you subscribe to ADT’s top monitoring plan. That plan includes Nest Aware, enabling familiar face detection, 30 days of event history, and custom activity zones.
>> Also: This Year’s Best Indoor Security Cameras
Subscriptions
We set up our ADT system ourselves this time, but still signed up for professional monitoring To access ADT’s system features, you need a monitoring plan. Prices start at $24.99 for DIY Self Setup systems with a $49.99 monthly ceiling if your system is professionally installed. That’s more expensive than Cove and SimpliSafe. We think the extra price is worth it for ADT’s industry-best 12 redundant facilities, ensuring continuous protection even during local outages.
ADT’s SMART monitoring service also helps justify the price. It sends instant group SMS alerts to you and your emergency contacts during alarms. That way, anyone in your house can confirm or disregard the alarm. This aims to speed up responses and cut down on false alerts sent to your local emergency services.
Did You Know: If the police respond to false alarms at your home repeatedly, the fines can be substantial. Many cities charge $50 to $500 per false alarm after one or two warnings. So reducing false alarms is in both your and ADT’s interests.
Considerations
Financing your equipment means committing to 36 months with ADT. For contract-free service, you’ll need to pay everything upfront or finance through Affirm. Also remember that professionally installed systems become permanent fixtures — you can’t easily take them when moving.
FYI: To soften the blow of their long-term contracts, ADT offers the longest money-back guarantee in the industry at six months. That goes for their self-installed systems that don’t require a contract too.
Our ADT window sensor placed discreetly on our side window -
5. abode - Best for Affordable Smart Home Automation
Product Specs
Equipment Costs Packages starting at $65 Monitoring Options Professional and DIY Monitoring Costs Starting at $6.25 per month Contract Lengths Month-to-month or Yearly Installation Options DIY or professional Smart Platform Integration Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit
abode Overview
Our Abode Iota security system included a keypad and door sensor Abode delivers premium smart home capabilities without the premium price tag. It seamlessly connects with major platforms and thousands of third-party devices. During testing, we integrated smart lighting and climate control directly into the Abode app. Think of it as Vivint’s functionality at SimpliSafe’s price point.
What We Like
- Works with hundreds of third-party smart home devices
- Great at automating homes thanks to the CUE feature
- Affordable starter packages
What We Don’t Like
- Confusing hub options
- CUE home automation engine requires a paid plan
- Only one security camera available
Equipment
Similar to the other DIY systems on this list, pre-built Abode packages and custom à la carte systems are available. Here’s what sets abode apart:
- Smart. Abode was designed as a smart hub for its own equipment and for third-party integrations. Unlike ADT’s smart plans, Abode plans don’t require extra video storage or monitoring fees.
- Local video storage. Abode doesn’t lock your video behind an extra monthly subscription. You can livestream via the Abode app.
- Solid design. Usually, designy security products are more expensive, but Abode equipment earns points for both style and affordability.
Subscriptions
Our abode mini door sensor was pretty cheap at $17.99 Budget systems often nickel-and-dime you with subscriptions, but Abode takes a refreshingly different approach. Their free plan includes full smart home integration — something competitors charge extra for. Meanwhile, professional monitoring costs just $25.99 monthly. Here’s the complete breakdown:
Feature Basic Standard Pro Smart home integrations Yes Yes Yes Customizable notifications No Yes Yes Unlimited users No Yes Yes Days of cloud storage 0 10 10 Timeline access No Yes Yes Home automation features No Yes Yes Cellular backup No No Yes 24/7 professional monitoring No No Yes Access to deals and discounts No No Yes Monthly price $0 $7.99 $25.99 Heads Up: If you’re willing to pay for a year upfront, Abode offers big discounts. For the first year, you can get the Pro plan for $199 ($16.58 per month). After that, it goes up to $239.99 per year ($20 per month). The Standard plan costs $74.99 per year ($6.25 per month).
Considerations
Abode’s main weakness is complexity. Unlike straightforward competitors, Abode offers three different hub options, each supporting different features and device limits. This choice paralysis can overwhelm first-time buyers.
We recommend the Iota hub if your budget allows. While priciest upfront, it delivers the most capabilities, including a built-in camera that doubles as a privacy-conscious room monitor.
>> Compare: abode vs. SimpliSafe
Summary: Cost Comparison of The Top Budget-Friendly Security Systems (Updated 2026)
Now that we’ve introduced our top five low-cost, high-value security system picks, let’s do a cost breakdown. Below you’ll find each of their minimum equipment package cost, monitoring cost, and total first year ownership cost.
| Costs | SimpliSafe | Cove | Frontpoint | ADT | Abode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Equipment Package | $250 | $95 | $69 | $269 | $65 |
| Cheapest Professional Monitoring Plan | $22.99 | $19.99 | $49.99 | $24.99 | $25.99 |
| Professional Monitoring Required? | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Professional Installation Required? | No | No | No | No | No |
| First Year Ownership Cost (With Professional Monitoring) | $525.88 | $334.88 | $668.88 | $568.88 | $376.88 |
Tips for Keeping Home Security System Costs Low
Buying an affordable security system is one way to keep home security costs low. Here are a few additional tips.
- DIY installations are cheaper than professional ones. Don’t worry if you’re not particularly handy, the best DIY security systems are designed for complete beginners.
- Self-monitoring is cheaper than professional monitoring. Although professionally monitored systems offer more peace of mind, the best self-monitored systems offer better savings.
- Understanding your security needs will save you in the long run. Figuring out exactly what security equipment you need for your house before you commit to a system will cut out unnecessary purchases.
- If you want to avoid big upfront costs, try financing. Many of us don’t have hundreds — or thousands — of dollars on hand to spend on a security system. Some of the more traditional providers offer financing to help out.
- Wait for deals. Security companies offer their steepest discounts during Black Friday, Prime Day events, and end-of-year sales. If you can wait, these savings are worth it.
By following these tips, you can get a full security system that can keep your home safe for $100 to $200. If you opt for a provider that requires a subscription like Cove or Frontpoint, you can even keep your equipment costs under $100.
Do I Really Need a Home Security System?
Property crimes have been declining steadily in recent years, but in many areas, burglaries remain more common than violent crime. We can’t do anything about where we live, but we can make our homes less attractive to criminals. In some cases, even a decent outdoor camera, alarm, and motion-activated spotlight can help boost our home security.
>> Related: The Most Dangerous U.S. Cities
Fortunately, acquiring those security basics isn’t out of reach for most budgets. In fact, most average-sized homes can be outfitted with a reasonable security system for around $300 to $600. If this is something you can afford, we recommend purchasing one.
>> Learn More: A Step-by-Step Guide to Burglar-Proofing Your Home
FYI: Some security companies offer free self-monitoring, which means you’ll need to call for help yourself. That’s why we recommend budgeting for professional monitoring to ensure every alarm gets a response. It typically costs $10 to $50 per month, depending on features.
Other Affordable Ways to Protect Your Home
Property installed home security systems reduce your chances of falling victim to burglary, but that’s not the only security step we recommend taking. To keep thieves away, you should also:
- Install motion-activated lighting
- Keep your yard tidy
- Carry in your trash cans after garbage pick-up
- Pick up mail and packages regularly
- Consider a dog or at least a “beware of dog” sign
- Keep windows and doors locked when you’re out
- Install locks on sheds and garages
- Keep your blinds closed so snoops can’t see inside
The goal is making your property the least attractive option on the block. Usually, that simply means maintaining the appearance that someone’s always home.
Methodology
Whenever we recommend security systems to our readers, we make sure they meet the highest standards of quality and service. Here are the criteria we used to to judge our top affordable home security systems:
- Cost: You can outfit the average home with quality security equipment for under $600 with any of these systems, minus subscription fees.
- Features: Cheap security equipment means nothing if it doesn’t work. Our top picks offer top-shelf equipment with the core and optional features you need to protect your home from intruders.
- Installation: The majority of the providers on this list are DIY. We’ve personally installed each of these five systems to guarantee that they are easy to install and don’t require any specialized knowledge or tools.
- Contracts: We know that long-term contracts are tough for tight budgets, which is why most of the providers we’ve chosen offer month-to-month subscriptions.
Every system included in this list was personally tested by one of our home security experts, each of whom has at least four years of experience in the home security industry. They followed a defined process to run their tests, ensuring unbiased and comparable results across testers. We used their tests to score each system and create this list of the best affordable security systems.
Recap
Home security doesn’t require emptying your savings account. Our testing proves you can achieve professional-grade protection for under $500 in equipment costs. Here’s how this year’s most budget-conscious systems performed:
- SimpliSafe. Our top overall choice combines modular packages, effortless installation, and flexible monitoring starting at free self-monitoring.
- Cove. The most affordable professional monitoring we tested, paired with rock-bottom sensor prices.
- Frontpoint. Ultra-cheap starter packages backed by exceptional customer support, though cheaper plans require phone orders.
- ADT. DIY options slash installation costs while financing makes premium features accessible.
- Abode. The smart home enthusiast’s bargain, offering advanced automation without premium pricing.
Which security provider is best for you depends on your specific circumstances. That said, any of the above security systems will make your home a safer environment for you and your family. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
Affordable Home Security Systems FAQ
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Are there security systems that don’t require subscriptions?
Yes, there are a number of security systems that don’t require subscriptions. SimpliSafe, abode, and Ring all allow self-monitoring.
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What’s the cheapest home security system?
As cliché as it sounds, no two homes have the same security needs. But we can say that with any of the brands on this list you should be able to outfit your home with a first-rate security system for around $500, minus subscriptions fees.
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Do security companies offer discounts?
Yes, most security companies run regular promotions. SimpliSafe, ADT, and Frontpoint frequently discount equipment by 40 to 60 percent, with the deepest cuts during Black Friday, Prime Day, and year-end sales.
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Are budget security systems reliable?
No, not all budget security systems are reliable; for instance, we recommend staying clear of these three shoddy alarms. But our top picks are not only reliable, they’re among the best on the market.
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Do I need professional monitoring for my security system?
While not required, we strongly recommend professional monitoring if possible. Self-monitoring means handling emergencies yourself, while professional monitoring creates a direct connection to first responders. A crucial layer of protection when every second matters.
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Can I install my security system myself?
Yes, all of the brands on this list have DIY options, and most of them are DIY by design.
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Deep Sentinel. (March 7, 2024). False Alarm Fines in Major U.S. Cities.
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FBI. (September 30, 2025). FBI Releases 2024 Quarterly Crime Report and Use-of-Force Data Update.
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Pew Research. (April 24, 2024). What the data says about crime in the U.S.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/04/24/what-the-data-says-about-crime-in-the-us/
