Southside Neighborhood, Reading
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Reading
Safety at a Glance
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in Reading
Is Southside Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Southside in Reading, PA has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 156, which is 56% above the national average of 100. Southside is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Reading.
Compared to the Reading average (crime index 118), Southside is 38% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, larceny / theft is the most elevated concern (index: 167, 67% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 102). Property crime is more prevalent than violent crime here, consistent with broader national patterns.
Southside Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Reading city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
139 | +39% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
144 | +44% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
140 | +40% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
102 | +2% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
160 | +60% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
159 | +59% | High | |
How Southside Compares
Crime index by category: Southside vs Reading average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Southside Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Southside Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Southside, Reading?
Southside in Reading, PA has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 156, which is 56% above the national average. Compared to the Reading average, crime in Southside is 38% higher. Southside is safer than 18% of neighborhoods in Reading.
Is Southside a safe neighborhood in Reading?
Southside is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Reading, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Larceny / Theft (index: 167), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 102).
How does Southside compare to the rest of Reading?
Southside's overall crime index is 156, compared to the Reading average of 118. This means crime in Southside is 38% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 131, and for property crime it is 162. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Southside?
The most prevalent crime type in Southside is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 167 (67% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Southside?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Millmont, East Reading, Kenhorst and Mount Penn. These areas are close to Southside and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Southside?
Southside has a population of approximately 7,482. The median household income is $37,671. The median home value is $66,566. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Southside crime compare to the national average?
Southside's overall crime rate is 56% above the national average (index 156 vs 100). Within Reading, it is safer than 18% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.