Is Philadelphia or Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Reading is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 47/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 68% lower. Philadelphia has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Reading has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Philadelphia is 15.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia, PA
Reading, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Philadelphia | Reading | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,458.5 | 1,772.8 | +3,685.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 910.3 | 338.2 | +572.1 |
| Murder Rate | 16.9 | 7.2 | +9.8 |
| Rape Rate | 46.1 | 34.7 | +11.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 273.2 | 100.1 | +173.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 572.5 | 195.2 | +377.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,548.2 | 1,434.6 | +3,113.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 319.0 | 233.0 | +86.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,223.6 | 973.8 | +2,249.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,005.6 | 227.9 | +777.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia or Reading safer?
Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 68% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Philadelphia has a violent crime rate of 910.3 per 100K while Reading has 338.2. Reading has lower violent crime.
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.
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.