Median Income
$27,891
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
138/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.5%
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.9%
46% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Reader Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population78
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density33/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 45%
Veterans66.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$27,891
Per Capita$12,145
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$318M
Commute24 min
Housing
Ownership9.1%
Zillow$112,680
Housing Units22
Rent Burden34.7%
Crime
F
Violent138/100K
Property1,292/100K
Health
Obesity46.9%
Smoking19.9%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain56.6 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.61
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute24 min
Broadband33.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Reader a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Reader receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Reader has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Reader is $27,891, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Reader is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
27.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Reader enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Reader has a population of 78 with a density of 33 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59% female and 41% male. The city is predominantly Black (55.1%), with 44.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 66.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 90.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Reader is $27,891, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $12,145 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 188 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,891 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,145 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $45,124 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 188 |
| County GDP | $318M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,680. Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 9.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 22 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $1,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 34.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 9.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Housing Units | 22 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
In Reader, 46.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 47.4% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.5% report binge drinking. 39.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.4% report depression. 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,094. 47.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Reader vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.9% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.4% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.8% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 48.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:4,094 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,160 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.2% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 13,042/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Reader has a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Reader receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Reader vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 138.4/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,291.5/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Reader enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 56.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 197 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 197 ft (60 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 33/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.7516°N, 93.1012°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Nevada County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Arkansas Regional At Goodwin Field (ELD)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.6"
49% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jan 18, 2025.
| Jan 18, 2025 |
0 km WSW of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Mar 16, 1997 |
6 km SSE of Amity, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
59 km |
| Aug 4, 2001 |
16 km SW of Lake Hamilton, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
66 km |
| Jun 10, 1994 |
4 km E of Junction City, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
91 km |
| Jan 6, 2025 |
4 km ESE of Mooringsport, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| May 16, 2007 |
5 km SW of Calion, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
69 km |
| Mar 3, 2001 |
2 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
75 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 |
18 km W of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Jan 9, 1997 |
6 km E of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
77 km |
| Dec 17, 2001 |
3 km WSW of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
72 km |
| Feb 24, 2020 |
12 km ENE of Junction City, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| May 11, 2020 |
13 km SSE of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
8 km SSE of Doyline, Louisiana |
M2.7 |
146 km |
| Oct 18, 2009 |
9 km SE of Redfield, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Dec 24, 1997 |
7 km W of El Dorado, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
69 km |
| Nov 11, 1998 |
22 km NW of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
117 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
17 km SSE of Plainview, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Jan 12, 2017 |
9 km E of Leola, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
74 km |
| Aug 4, 1991 |
10 km SW of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Laura (2020, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 2 |
195 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
428 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 463 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
27 km |
6 |
| Mar 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
94 km |
7 |
| Dec 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
47 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
90 km |
7 |
| Apr 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Feb 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1996 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1984 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1982 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1982 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1982 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST END BEAR MOUNTAIN (4,472 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
EAST END BEAR MOUNTAIN |
4,472 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,109 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
CW CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN |
3,943 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
CW SHARP TOP 1 |
3,539 |
85 km |
| 2024 |
RX EAST END BEAR MTN |
3,498 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
RX SHARP TOP 1 |
3,423 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
HICKORY NUT MOUNTAIN |
3,262 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
RX CRYSTAL MTN CHARLTON EASTERN 1 NORTH |
3,218 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
RX HICKORY NUT MTN GAP CREEK 12 13 14 |
3,214 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
SULPHUR MOUNTAIN |
3,050 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
RX - AVANT BLOCKS 2 3 4 6 |
3,021 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,925 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,864 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,778 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,705 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
CANEY C 11-14 |
2,323 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,066 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,059 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
5.1 in |
|
Reader has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 42°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and August the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Reader. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Reader
What is the population of Reader?
Reader has a population of 78 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 33 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59% female and 41% male.
Is Reader expensive to live in?
Reader is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $27,891, 63% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Reader safe?
Reader is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 138 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Reader receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Reader?
Reader enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.6 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Reader?
The job market in Reader is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 188 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Reader?
Schools in Reader have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 27.5% of adults in Reader hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Reader?
The obesity rate in Reader is 46.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 39.8% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 47.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,094.
What is transportation like in Reader?
The average commute in Reader is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Reader?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Reader is 44.9% White, 55.1% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 66.0% of the population are military veterans. 90.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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