Berks County Crime & Safety

Berks County, Pennsylvania

Safety Score

65/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

Average

Total Crime Rate

824.8

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

146.1

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

678.7

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

65/100

Higher = safer

State avg 62/100

State Safety Rank

#35

of 67 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Berks County, Pennsylvania

Berks County maintains strong security

Berks County maintains a strong safety score of 98.7, placing it well above national norms. The county's total crime rate of 824.8 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Safer than the average Pennsylvania county

Berks County is safer than the average Pennsylvania county, with a safety score of 98.7 versus the state's 98.5. Its total crime rate of 824.8 is also notably lower than the state average.

Effective safety management for its size

Monitored by 41 reporting agencies, Berks County manages its public safety effectively for a mid-sized county. It balances a significant population with a crime rate that remains below statewide averages.

Low frequency of violent crime incidents

The crime profile includes 146.1 violent crimes and 678.7 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime in Berks is nearly three times less frequent than the national average.

Proactive steps for home security

Residents can help sustain the county’s 98.7 safety score by staying alert to property-related risks. Implementing smart home security systems is a proactive way to address the local property crime rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Berks County, PA?

Berks County has a total crime rate of 824.8 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (146.1 per 100K) and property crimes (678.7 per 100K).

Is Berks County, PA safe?

Berks County has a safety score of 65/100, rated "Average". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #35 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania for safety (1 = safest).

How does Berks County crime compare to the Pennsylvania average?

Berks County is safer than the average Pennsylvania county, with a safety score of 98.7 versus the state's 98.5. Its total crime rate of 824.8 is also notably lower than the state average.

What types of crime are most common in Berks County?

The crime profile includes 146.1 violent crimes and 678.7 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime in Berks is nearly three times less frequent than the national average.

How is crime data measured and reported for Berks County?

Crime data for Berks County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

Why is Berks County safer than the Pennsylvania average?

Berks County has a safety score of 65/100, which is above the Pennsylvania average of 62/100. Factors such as local law enforcement effectiveness, community programs, socioeconomic conditions, and population density all contribute to lower crime rates in certain counties.