Reading, OH Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Reading, OH

The Reading crime rates are 19.3% 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 28 violent crimes in Reading (251 per 100,000 people), which is 32.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 282 property crimes (2523 per 100,000 residents) which is 29.1% higher than average.

In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Reading reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Reading?

AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Reading to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 33% of people answered that there was very little crime in Reading and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 67% 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.

Is Reading a Safe Place to Live?

Is Reading a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Reading has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 19%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.85 daily incidents, encompassing 0.08 violent crimes and 0.77 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Reading as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Reading Increased Since Last Year?

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 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 Reading has increased by 15.7% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 12.5% and property crime has increased by 19.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Reading

In Reading, 84.5% 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.

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 8.76% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In Reading, the average monthly rent stands at $743, while the national average is $949 per month.

Reading crime map