Is North Reading or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, North Reading is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 93/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 472 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 91% lower. North Reading has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where North Reading has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 93.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
North Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
North Reading, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | North Reading | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 471.8 | 5,458.5 | -4,986.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 66.5 | 910.3 | -843.8 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 16.9 | -16.9 |
| Rape Rate | 6.1 | 46.1 | -40.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 6.1 | 273.2 | -267.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 54.4 | 572.5 | -518.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 405.3 | 4,548.2 | -4,142.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 48.4 | 319.0 | -270.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 338.8 | 3,223.6 | -2,884.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 18.2 | 1,005.6 | -987.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Reading or Philadelphia safer?
North Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 472 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 91% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
North Reading has a violent crime rate of 66.5 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. North Reading has lower violent crime.
About North Reading, MA
North Reading, a Middlesex County town, is largely residential, with its center near the Ipswich River. Incorporated in 1853, it retains a semi-rural character, despite its proximity to Boston. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,531, North Reading has a total crime rate of 471.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.