| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Reading/100k people | Massachusetts/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 148 | n/a (estimate) | 572 | 1,427 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 15.5 | 27.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 36.0 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 6 | n/a | 23.2 | 249.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 10 | n/a (estimate) | 39 | 315 | 359 |
| Burglary | 20 | n/a | 77.3 | 130.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 113 | n/a | 436.8 | 876.3 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 5 | n/a | 19.3 | 105.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 138 | n/a (estimate) | 533 | 1,112 | 1,760 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Reading crime rate is lower than the national average by 73%. Specifically, there were 10 violent crimes in Reading, equivalent to 39 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 89.2%. Furthermore, Reading recorded 138 property crimes, amounting to 533 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 69.7%.
Boasting a crime rate of 572, well below the national average of 2119, Reading emerges as a standout destination for those seeking a secure place to reside in the United States. This crime rate is derived from the total occurrences of both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents, underscoring the unwavering dedication of Reading to ensure a safe living environment for its residents.
Reading shines as one of the safest cities in the United States, thanks to its remarkably low rate of only 39 violent incidents per 100,000 residents. This impressive safety record has made Reading an attractive choice for individuals seeking a secure and hospitable community to call home.
During the most recently reported crime year, Reading experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Since 1990, property crime rates per 100,000 people in the United States have steadily decreased. Recently, the average did increase slightly. Having said that, Reading has a property crime rate that is well below the national average with only 533 reported property crimes compared to the national average of 1760. Based on this report, Reading remains a very safe place to live with regards to property crime.
AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Reading to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 73% of people answered that there was very little crime in Reading and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 27% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Determining whether Reading is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Reading has an overall crime rate that is 73% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.41 daily occurrences, comprising 0.03 violent crimes and 0.38 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Reading as a potential place to establish residency.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Reading has increased by 13.9%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Reading, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 11.1%, while property crime has increased by 14.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Reading is a safe place to live.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Reading crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Reading has an unemployment rate of 2%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Reading, the cost of living is 65.44% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Reading are $2,074, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Reading | Massachusetts | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 52 | 11,659 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.1 | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Massachusetts /100K | National /100K |
| Massachusetts | 4,551 | 72 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Boxford, MA | 3,040 | 0 | 145 | 145 |
| Topsfield, MA | 3,158 | 0 | 255 | 255 |
| Rowley, MA | 1,844 | 58 | 204 | 262 |
| Lexington, MA | 34,058 | 52 | 335 | 387 |
| Winchester, MA | 23,430 | 17 | 383 | 400 |
| Ipswich, MA | 4,988 | 134 | 274 | 408 |
| Cochituate, MA | 6,978 | 102 | 362 | 464 |
| Reading, MA | 26,111 | 39 | 533 | 572 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Zanesville, OH | 26,125 | 333 | 2,840 | 3,174 |
| Austin, MN | 26,125 | 191 | 1,602 | 1,793 |
| Coral Terrace, FL | 26,129 | 115 | 613 | 729 |
| Dedham, MA | 26,137 | 272 | 1,325 | 1,597 |
| Watertown, NY | 26,084 | 599 | 3,929 | 4,528 |
| Reading, MA | 26,111 | 39 | 533 | 572 |
Here are the best places to live in Massachusetts
These are the largest cities in Massachusetts
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Massachusetts
Most Dangerous States In The US