Is Allentown or Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Reading is safer than Allentown (Safety Score 47/100 vs 45/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 1,841 for Allentown — 4% lower. Allentown has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Allentown has a 55% lower rate.
Allentown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Allentown, PA
Reading, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Allentown | Reading | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,841.1 | 1,772.8 | +68.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 272.1 | 338.2 | -66.1 |
| Murder Rate | 3.2 | 7.2 | -3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 26.5 | 34.7 | -8.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.0 | 100.1 | -43.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 185.4 | 195.2 | -9.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,569.0 | 1,434.6 | +134.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 121.2 | 233.0 | -111.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,252.0 | 973.8 | +278.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 195.8 | 227.9 | -32.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown or Reading safer?
Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 1,841 for Allentown — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Allentown has a violent crime rate of 272.1 per 100K while Reading has 338.2. Allentown has lower violent crime.
About Allentown, PA
Allentown, a former industrial hub in eastern Pennsylvania, is the third-largest city in the state. Home to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, it sits along the Lehigh River with a diverse population. With a safety score of 45/100 and a population coverage of 124,599, Allentown has a total crime rate of 1,841.1 per 100,000 residents.
About Reading, PA
Reading, a city in southeastern Pennsylvania, is known for its historic Pagoda overlooking the city. Once a major railroad hub, it now has a diverse population with a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 97,868, Reading has a total crime rate of 1,772.8 per 100,000 residents.