Reading, PA Crime Rate & Safety

Reading, PA has a crime safety grade of D+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 104% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 145 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 22 chance for property crime. Reading has higher crime than 96% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Reading has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D+. Approximately 82% of the city's 22 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Wyomissing is one of the safest areas, while Callowhill Historic District has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Reading is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Reading are Wyomissing, St. Lawrence, Laureldale, Shillington, and Kenhorst. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Reading include Callowhill Historic District, 6th Ward / Ricktown Arts District, Prince Historic District, Penn's Common Historic District, and Southside. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Reading is 687.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 81% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 145 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 9.8 per 100K (96% above average); aggravated assault at 487.9 per 100K (82% above average); robbery at 142.6 per 100K (93% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Reading is 4,497.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 145% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 22 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 532.0 per 100K (97% above average); larceny/theft at 3,270.6 per 100K (133% above average); vehicle theft at 695.1 per 100K (118% above average).

Reading's overall crime rate is 104% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (133% above average), while rape is 42% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Reading has higher crime than 96% of them.

Visitors to Reading should be cautious, especially in high-crime neighborhoods. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 145% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Wyomissing, St. Lawrence, Laureldale.

Pennsylvania as a whole has crime that is 0% below the national average. Reading's crime rate is 104% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Pennsylvania city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Reading, with an estimated rate of 3,270.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 133% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (4,498 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (688 per 100K) in Reading, which is consistent with national trends.