What does this measure?

The number of reported drug abuse offenses in a geographic area, presented per 1,000 people.

Why is this important?

Drug use, sale and other illegal drug-related activity can have immediate as well as long-term negative health, social and economic consequences for individuals, neighborhoods and communities.

How is our county performing?

In 2017, there were 5.7 drug-related offenses reported per 1,000 residents in Berks County, above the state rate. Since 2000, drug abuse offenses in Berks fluctuated year-to-year until 2010, when the rate dropped to a low of 3.0. The rate then rose 91% over the next 7 years - the 2017 rate was up 67% over 2000, higher than the state's increase of 54%.

Berks' drug abuse offense rate in 2017 was higher than in all surrounding counties except Schuylkill, at 5.9 per 1,000 residents. Others ranged from 3.6 in Lancaster to 5.1 in Montgomery and Lehigh. From 2000 to 2017, rates increased significantly in all counties.

Notes about the data

Drug abuse offenses include all violations of state laws and local ordinances relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacture, and making of narcotic drugs. Data are from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report. Crime reports are never complete because not all crimes are reported. 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.

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