Reading City, located in Pennsylvania, holds the position of the fifth-largest city in the state and serves as the county seat of Berks County. Its renown stems from a rich historical and cultural legacy, notably as the place of origin of the Reading Railroad and as the backdrop for the Monopoly board game.
Nonetheless, certain neighborhoods within Reading City have gained infamy due to their elevated instances of criminal activity and violence. Drawing from data provided by NeighborhoodScout, CrimeGrade, and Information Visualization, the following list presents the top five most perilous neighborhoods in Reading City, Pennsylvania, as of the year 2022:
Central Reading:
Central Reading serves as the downtown hub of the city, hosting the majority of business, government, and entertainment affairs. This district also boasts the highest population density, accommodating around 30,000 residents. However, it, unfortunately, exhibits the city’s most elevated crime statistics, with 28.88 crimes occurring per 1,000 residents.
Disturbingly, the violent crime rate stands at 7.28 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by more than double. The property crime rate is even more concerning at 21.6 per 1,000 residents, which is over three times the national average. Regrettably, individuals in this neighborhood face a 1 in 7 likelihood of falling victim to criminal activity.
Also Read:
Southwest Reading:
Southwest Reading stands as a neighborhood nestled in the city’s southwestern region, close to the Schuylkill River. It is home to approximately 15,000 residents, primarily of Hispanic and African American origin. This neighborhood records the city’s second-highest crime rate, tallying 25.5 crimes for every 1,000 residents.
The rate of violent crime reaches 4 per 1,000 residents, a bit under the national average. In contrast, the property crime rate hits 21.5 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by over threefold. Statistically, there exists a 1 in 10 likelihood of falling victim to crime within this community.
Also Read:
Northwest Reading:
Northwest Reading represents a neighborhood situated in the northwestern segment of the city, adjacent to Tulpehocken Creek. Housing around 10,000 inhabitants, the majority of the population has Hispanic and African American origins. The area bears the distinction of having the city’s third-highest crime rate, tallying 23 crimes for every 1,000 residents.
Notably, the occurrence of violent crimes stands at 6 for every 1,000 residents, which surpasses the national average by more than two-fold. Additionally, property crime stands at 17 per 1,000 residents, again exceeding the national average by over two times. Statistically, there exists a 1 in 11 likelihood of falling victim to a crime within this particular neighborhood.
Also Read:
Northeast Reading:
Northeast Reading constitutes a neighborhood situated in the northeastern section of the city, in proximity to Neversink Mountain. This area is home to roughly 12,000 inhabitants, predominantly of Hispanic and African American heritage. In terms of crime statistics, it holds the city’s fourth-highest crime rate, registering 22 crimes per 1,000 residents.
The incidence of violent crimes stands at 3 per 1,000 residents, a figure lower than the national average. However, the rate of property-related crimes is notably higher at 19 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average by more than twofold. Consequently, the likelihood of falling victim to a crime within this neighborhood is approximately 1 in 12.
Also Read:
Southeast Reading:
Southeast Reading stands as a community situated in the southeastern portion of the city, adjacent to the Millmont Reservoir. Its population comprises around 8,000 individuals, primarily of Hispanic and African American origin. Notably, it bears the city’s fifth-highest crime rate, tallying 21 crimes for every 1,000 residents.
The occurrence of violent crimes stands at 4 per 1,000 residents, slightly below the nationwide average. Conversely, the incidence of property-related crimes is 17 per 1,000 residents, more than double the national average. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to crime in this neighborhood is calculated at 1 in 13.
Also Read:
Conclusion
These five Neighborhoods make up roughly 50% of Reading City’s entire population. However, they are responsible for approximately 80% of all reported crimes in the city during 2020. Additionally, these neighborhoods are some of the least affluent and most ethnically varied regions within the city.
While multiple elements contribute to the presence of crime and violence in these areas, including insufficient access to education, job prospects, social support, and communal amenities, it is evident that they require increased focus and intervention from both governing bodies and society at large to enhance their safety and overall well-being.
