Crime Safety Grade

C-

Reading, PA Crime Rate

Higher crime than 59% of U.S. cities

Safety varies across 22+ neighborhoods — see the safest areas below

View Crime Map Registered Offenders

Is Reading Safe?

With an overall crime index of 118, Reading has a 18% higher crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 216. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Wyomissing earning an A grade while Callowhill Historic District rates D+.

Crime Index Comparison

Reading
118
Pennsylvania Avg
100
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
118
18% above average
Violent Crime
116
16% above average
Property Crime
129
29% above average
Safe Areas
82%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Reading

1 in 216

Property crime: 1 in 194

Where Is It Safe in Reading?

Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address

Reading Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Larceny / Theft · 39% above avg
Lowest Risk
Robbery · 6% above avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 121 ▲ 21%
Assault Violent 121 ▲ 21%
Robbery Violent 106 ▲ 6%
Burglary Property 115 ▲ 15%
Larceny / Theft Property 139 ▲ 39%
Vehicle Theft Property 134 ▲ 34%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Reading Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Wyomissing A 50
2 St. Lawrence A 68
3 Laureldale A 48
4 Shillington A 83
5 Kenhorst A 62
6 Mount Penn A 90
7 Sinking Spring A 103
8 Northmont A 74
9 Hampden Heights / College Heights A- 70
10 West Reading A- 87
11 Millmont A- 103
12 East Reading B 151
13 Queen Anne Historic District B 140
14 Glenside B 145
15 Outlet District B- 144
16 Oakbrook / Wyomissing Park B- 155
17 Centre Park Historic District B- 152
18 Southside B- 156
19 Penn's Common Historic District C- 181
20 Prince Historic District C- 182
21 6th Ward / Ricktown Arts District C- 172
22 Callowhill Historic District D+ 189

Reading Crime by Zip Code

19609
A+ Index: 74
19610
A+ Index: 53
19608
A+ Index: 56
19606
A+ Index: 58
19605
A Index: 58
19607
A Index: 91
19611
B+ Index: 122
19604
B+ Index: 119
19601
B- Index: 157
19602
C+ Index: 174

Reading Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
278,693
Median Income
$35,745
Home Value
$77,833
Median Rent
$817
Home Ownership
39%

Racial Demographics

White
67.2%
Black
10.3%
Hispanic
32.6%
Asian
2.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Reading?
Reading has an overall crime index of 118, which is above the national average of 100. Approximately 82% of neighborhoods in Reading are rated A or B for safety.
Is Reading safe to live in?
Reading has a crime safety grade of C-. High crime rate. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Reading?
The safest neighborhoods in Reading based on crime data include Wyomissing, St. Lawrence, Laureldale, Shillington, and Kenhorst. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Reading crime compare to the national average?
Reading's overall crime index is 118 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 18% higher than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Allentown, PA Lancaster, PA Reading, PA Pottstown, PA Lebanon, PA Lower Macungie, PA Spring, PA Lower Providence, PA Exeter, PA Upper Macungie, PA East Hempfield, PA Upper Providence, PA West Goshen, PA Muhlenberg, PA South Whitehall, PA Warwick, PA Limerick, PA West Whiteland, PA Uwchlan, PA Upper Saucon, PA East Lampeter, PA Phoenixville, PA North Whitehall, PA West Lampeter, PA

Crime Statistics by State

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