| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Reading/100k people | Michigan/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5 | n/a (estimate) | 462 | 1,813 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 56.5 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 31.3 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 3 | n/a | 277.3 | 341.3 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 3 | n/a (estimate) | 277 | 434 | 359 |
| Burglary | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 184.2 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2 | n/a | 184.8 | 963.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 231.0 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2 | n/a (estimate) | 185 | 1,379 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Reading is 78.2% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Reading, there were 3 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 277 per 100,000 individuals, 22.8% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 2 property crimes, amounting to 185 per 100,000 residents, 89.5% lower than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 462, significantly below the national average of 2119, Reading stands out as one of the safest places to reside in the United States. This distinction is primarily attributed to the calculation of total crimes, which encompasses both violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents.
Reading showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
Property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have exhibited a consistent decrease of about 50% since 1990, with a minor upturn observed in recent years. According to the latest crime data, Reading maintains a property crime rate of 185 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the national average of 1760. This serves as a strong indication of the status of Reading as a secure and desirable place to reside, emphasizing its commitment to safety and well-being within the community.
The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Reading was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.
To determine if Reading is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Reading has a total crime rate that is 78% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.01 daily crimes (0.01 violent daily crimes and 0.01 daily property crimes) in Reading.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Reading crime rates. In Reading, the poverty rate stands at 13.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Reading currently has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Reading, the cost of living is 19.5% lower than the national average.
| Item | Reading | Michigan | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 1 | 10,515 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 0.9 | 2.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Michigan /100K | National /100K |
| Michigan | 40,460 | 414 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Litchfield, MI | 1,280 | 0 | 434 | 434 |
| Fremont, IN | 2,397 | 289 | 386 | 675 |
| Clear Lake, IN | 408 | 126 | 557 | 684 |
| Quincy, MI | 1,470 | 193 | 615 | 808 |
| Hillsdale, MI | 8,376 | 288 | 639 | 927 |
| Pioneer, OH | 1,528 | 71 | 1,496 | 1,567 |
| Coldwater, MI | 12,463 | 239 | 1,343 | 1,581 |
| Reading, MI | 991 | 277 | 185 | 462 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Mifflintown, PA | 991 | 339 | 1,980 | 2,320 |
| Pleasantville, OH | 991 | 359 | 1,894 | 2,253 |
| Klamath, CA | 991 | 690 | 2,950 | 3,641 |
| Grass Valley, NV | 991 | 376 | 2,053 | 2,428 |
| North Hornell, NY | 991 | 462 | 2,090 | 2,551 |
| Reading, MI | 991 | 277 | 185 | 462 |