Is Pittsburgh or Reading Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Reading is safer than Pittsburgh (Safety Score 47/100 vs 24/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 2,709 for Pittsburgh — 35% lower. Pittsburgh has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Reading has a 37% lower rate.
Note: Pittsburgh is 3.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Reading — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Pittsburgh, PA
Reading, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Pittsburgh | Reading | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,708.6 | 1,772.8 | +935.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 428.5 | 338.2 | +90.3 |
| Murder Rate | 11.4 | 7.2 | +4.2 |
| Rape Rate | 51.7 | 34.7 | +17.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 124.2 | 100.1 | +24.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 239.9 | 195.2 | +44.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,280.1 | 1,434.6 | +845.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 232.7 | 233.0 | -0.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.4 | 973.8 | +730.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 343.0 | 227.9 | +115.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh or Reading safer?
Reading is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 2,709 for Pittsburgh — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Pittsburgh has a violent crime rate of 428.5 per 100K while Reading has 338.2. Reading has lower violent crime.
About Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 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.