| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Reading/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 129 | n/a (estimate) | 513 | 1,415 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 2.1 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 8.0 | 27.3 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 4.0 | 36.6 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 15.9 | 248.3 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 7 | n/a (estimate) | 28 | 314 | 364 |
| Burglary | 15 | n/a | 59.7 | 131.8 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 103 | n/a | 409.8 | 852.3 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 4 | n/a | 15.9 | 116.6 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 122 | n/a (estimate) | 485 | 1,101 | 1,917 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Reading crime rate is 74% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Reading, there were 4 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 16 per 100,000 individuals, 95.7% lower than the national average. Additionally, Reading recorded 147 property crimes, amounting to 588 per 100,000 residents, 69.9% lower than the U.S. average.
Reading has a crime rate of 604, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Reading being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.
Reading shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 16 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Reading an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
In the latest reported crime year, Reading recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Reading maintains a property crime rate of 588 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1954. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Reading as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Reading residents. Out of the respondents (13 in total), 69% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Reading were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 31% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Determining whether Reading is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Reading has an overall crime rate that is 74% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.41 daily occurrences, comprising 0.01 violent crimes and 0.4 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Reading as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Reading crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Reading has increased by 16.2% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 55.6% and property crime has increased by 21.5%.
Reading has a poverty rate that stands at 3, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Reading crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.
In Reading, the cost of living is 50.93% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Reading, the average monthly rent stands at $1,363, while the national average is $949 per month.
| Item | Reading | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 52 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boxford, MA | 2,925 | 0 | 185 | 185 |
| Rowley, MA | 1,803 | 63 | 220 | 283 |
| Nahant, MA | 3,512 | 91 | 213 | 305 |
| Lexington, MA | 33,304 | 29 | 294 | 323 |
| Ipswich, MA | 4,826 | 65 | 323 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 22,760 | 22 | 403 | 425 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,730 | 102 | 358 | 460 |
| Reading, MA | 25,236 | 28 | 485 | 513 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Zanesville, OH | 25,246 | 330 | 3,778 | 4,108 |
| Watertown, NY | 25,224 | 504 | 4,087 | 4,591 |
| Hazelwood, MO | 25,222 | 535 | 2,884 | 3,419 |
| Suitland, MD | 25,273 | 527 | 2,563 | 3,090 |
| Franklin, IN | 25,276 | 73 | 1,197 | 1,270 |
| Reading, MA | 25,236 | 28 | 485 | 513 |
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