| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | West Reading/100k people | Pennsylvania/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 135 | n/a (estimate) | 2,972 | 1,681 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 22.0 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 19 | n/a | 418.3 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 20 | n/a (estimate) | 440 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 176.1 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 94 | n/a | 2,069.6 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 286.2 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 115 | n/a (estimate) | 2,532 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
The West Reading crime rates are 40.3% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 20 violent crimes in West Reading (440 per 100,000 people), which is 22.6% higher than the national average and there were a total of 115 property crimes (2532 per 100,000 residents) which is 43.9% higher than average.
During the most recently reported crime year, West 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.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of West Reading residents. Out of the respondents (6 in total), 33% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in West Reading were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 67% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if West 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. West Reading has a total crime rate that is 40% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.37 daily crimes (0.05 violent daily crimes and 0.32 daily property crimes) in West Reading.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in West Reading crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in West Reading has decreased by 14.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 33.3% and property crime has decreased by 10.2%.
In West Reading, the current unemployment rate stands at 0.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall West Reading crime rates.
In West Reading, 85.6% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
West Reading has an average rental rate of $1,512 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | West Reading | Pennsylvania | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 15 | 14,701 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 1.8 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Pennsylvania /100K | National /100K |
| Pennsylvania | 21,558 | 176 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bernville, PA | 903 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Womelsdorf, PA | 2,997 | 35 | 69 | 104 |
| Spring Ridge, PA | 1,030 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Alleghenyville, PA | 1,045 | 35 | 201 | 236 |
| Elverson, PA | 1,408 | 44 | 259 | 304 |
| Mohnton, PA | 3,123 | 34 | 309 | 343 |
| Muhlenberg Park, PA | 1,354 | 55 | 323 | 378 |
| West Reading, PA | 4,455 | 440 | 2,532 | 2,972 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Del Mar, CA | 4,455 | 130 | 1,432 | 1,562 |
| Ottawa, OH | 4,455 | 161 | 851 | 1,012 |
| Cornwall, PA | 4,455 | 44 | 29 | 73 |
| Puhi, HI | 4,454 | 155 | 1,387 | 1,542 |
| El Jebel, CO | 4,453 | 124 | 674 | 797 |
| West Reading, PA | 4,455 | 440 | 2,532 | 2,972 |
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