What does this measure?

The number of property crimes, per 1,000 residents. These crimes include arson, burglary, theft, fraud, embezzlement, and destruction/vandalism.

Why is this important?

Crime affects quality of life for those who directly experience and witness it, sometimes resulting in long-lasting trauma. Indirectly, it also affects the lives of others in the community, as well housing stability and a community's perceived attractiveness as a place to live, work and do business.

How is our county performing?

In 2018, there were 13 property crimes reported per 1,000 residents in Berks County. This was just below the state rate of 15. Since 2005, the county's property crime rate has declined 52%, a larger decrease than the state and nation, which dropped 34% and 36% respectively during the same period. Berks' property crime rate dropped most dramatically from 2012 to 2018, accounting for more than two-thirds of the decline since 2005. Reading City has seen an even bigger decline (62% since 2005) than Berks County as a whole, though it still had a high level of property crime with a rate of 22 property crimes reported per 1,000 residents.

Among surrounding counties in 2018, the property crime rate was higher than Berks in Lehigh, at 16. Rates in Montgomery were on par with Berks while all other counties were lower. The drop in Berks' property crime rate from 2005 to 2018 was larger than declines in any other county.

Notes about the data

Crime reports are never complete because not all crimes are reported, and some crimes in particular, such as rape and assault, are believed to be underreported. Data are from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report. It should be noted that this indicator represents crime penetration. Because areas vary in population, counts of criminal incidents do not accurately measure impact. By presenting crimes per 1,000 residents, it is possible to compare rural and urban areas of the state.

There may be additional research available on this topic. Click on Reports and Resources to learn more.