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Lancaster, PA vs Reading, PA Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Lancaster crime rate · Reading crime rate

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Is Lancaster, PA or Reading, PA Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Reading, PA is safer than Lancaster, PA (Safety Score 47/100 vs 43/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 1,914 for Lancaster, PA — 7% lower. Lancaster has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 72% lower rate.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Lancaster, PA?

Lancaster — 4-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Reading — 5-Year Trend

Decreasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA
Safety Score 43/100
Coverage 56,890
Total Crime Rate 1,914.2
Category Wins 4/7

Reading, PA

Reading, PA
Safety Score 47/100
Coverage 97,868
Total Crime Rate 1,772.8
Category Wins 3/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Lancaster Reading Difference
Total Crime Rate 1,914.2 1,772.8 +141.4
Violent Crime Rate 462.3 338.2 +124.1
Murder Rate 3.5 7.2 -3.6
Rape Rate 31.6 34.7 -3.1
Robbery Rate 28.1 100.1 -72.0
Aggravated Assault Rate 397.3 195.2 +202.1
Property Crime Rate 1,451.9 1,434.6 +17.3
Burglary Rate 107.2 233.0 -125.8
Larceny-Theft Rate 1,181.2 973.8 +207.5
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 163.5 227.9 -64.4

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Lancaster, PA to Reading, PA?

The Moving Checklist Planner turns your move-in date into a dated checklist, packing inventory and budget — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lancaster or Reading safer?

Reading, PA is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 1,914 for Lancaster, PA — a 7% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Lancaster has a violent crime rate of 462.3 per 100K while Reading has 338.2. Reading has lower violent crime.

About Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA, known as the Red Rose City, is a historic city in south-central Pennsylvania. Its diverse population of nearly 60,000 residents includes a significant Amish presence, contributing to its unique cultural landscape. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 56,890, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 1,914.2 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.

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