Median Income
$61,815
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,600
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% 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
Population229
Median Age57.9 yrs
Density246/mi²
Male / Female25% / 75%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,815
Per Capita$38,419
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,371M
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,600
Ownership92.1%
Zillow$102,900
Housing Units133
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property518/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking24.6%
Depression33.6%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain45.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation686 ft (209 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+79.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.60
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 21%
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Reader a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Reader receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Reader stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Reader is $61,815, 18% 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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Reader is $89,600, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Reader is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 518 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Reader experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Reader has a population of 229 with a density of 246 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 57.9 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 74.7% female and 25.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 50.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.9yrs
Median Age
49% 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 $61,815, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,419. The average weekly wage is $1,065, 26% 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 453 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,815 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,419 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,065 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,519 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 453 |
| County GDP | $1,371M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,525 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Reader is $89,600, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $102,900, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $1,525 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,600 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $102,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.9% |
| Housing Units | 133 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,525 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.70% |
In Reader, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 39.6% have high blood pressure. 24.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 37.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 33.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362. The dentist ratio is 1:1,753. 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Reader vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.6% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 10.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.6% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.2% |
| Depression | 33.6% |
| Mental Distress | 25.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.1% |
| Short Sleep | 47.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,362 |
| Dentists | 1:1,753 |
| Mental Health | 1:731 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 43.7% |
| Premature Death | 15,541/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Reader has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 518 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Reader receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Reader vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 518.1/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Reader experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 686 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 686 ft (209 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 246/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5670°N, 80.7295°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wetzel County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mid-Ohio Valley Regional (PKB)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.0"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
127 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
109 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
62 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
74 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
45 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
77 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
112 km |
| Jul 30, 2013 |
12 km SSW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
82 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
50 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
60 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
77 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Jul 20, 2013 |
6 km SW of Glenville, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
76 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
7 km W of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.7 |
101 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
44 km |
| Jun 6, 2014 |
13 km NNE of Sissonville, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| May 7, 2010 |
14 km WSW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
128 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 81 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2003 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1998 |
EF2 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 1998 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1990 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1978 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Reader has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 29°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.7").
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) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $761 |
| Toddler | $723 |
| Preschool | $743 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $588 |
| Preschool | $588 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Reader
What is the population of Reader?
Reader has a population of 229 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 246 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 74.7% female and 25.3% male.
Is Reader expensive to live in?
Reader is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,815, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,600 (68% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Reader safe?
Reader is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 518 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Reader receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Reader?
Reader has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
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 $1,065. There are 453 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Reader?
The median home value in Reader is $89,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $102,900. The homeownership rate is 92.1%. The average annual property tax is $1,525.
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. 0.0% of adults in Reader hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Reader?
The obesity rate in Reader is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.6% of adults are smokers. 37.2% are physically inactive. 33.6% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,362.
What are the demographics of Reader?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Reader is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 50.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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