Is Phoenix or Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Reading is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 47/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 43% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Reading has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 17.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix, AZ
Reading, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Phoenix | Reading | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,125.4 | 1,772.8 | +1,352.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 800.0 | 338.2 | +461.8 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 7.2 | +1.2 |
| Rape Rate | 64.3 | 34.7 | +29.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 181.6 | 100.1 | +81.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 545.3 | 195.2 | +350.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,325.3 | 1,434.6 | +890.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 317.2 | 233.0 | +84.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,582.1 | 973.8 | +608.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 426.0 | 227.9 | +198.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phoenix or Reading safer?
Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while Reading has 338.2. Reading has lower violent crime.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 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.