Median Income
$65,938
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$47,700
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Reading Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population195
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density929/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans17.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,938
Per Capita$31,870
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$417M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$47,700
Rent$675
Ownership80.7%
Zillow$274,701
Housing Units79
Rent Burden21.9%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.1%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.9 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,092 ft (333 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute28 min
Broadband83.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Reading a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Reading receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Reading offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Reading is $65,938, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Reading is $47,700, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Reading 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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Reading experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.9 inches, including 10.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Reading has a population of 195 with a density of 929 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.2%), with 5.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below 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 Reading is $65,938, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,870 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $746, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (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 370 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,938 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,870 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $746 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,496 |
| Gini Index | 0.384 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 370 |
| County GDP | $417M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Reading is $47,700, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,701, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $3,914. 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $47,700 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,701 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.3% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.21% |
In Reading, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768. The dentist ratio is 1:7,827. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Reading vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:15,768 |
| Dentists | 1:7,827 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,912 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,634/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Reading has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters.
Crime Rates: Reading vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Reading experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.9 inches. The area receives 10.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,092 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.3°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,092 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 929/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5191°N, 95.9574°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Topeka Regional (FOE) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.9"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.55"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
79 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
69 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
91 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
98 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 |
5 km NNE of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
4 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
5 km W of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jan 15, 2022 |
5 km SW of Gypsum, Kansas |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
581 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,242 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
45 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
41 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
25 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
4 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
55 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
96 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
53 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
69 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
81 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
47 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
36 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
44 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
87 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
45 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
56 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
71 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Reading has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Reading. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading
What is the population of Reading?
Reading has a population of 195 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 929 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Reading expensive to live in?
Reading is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,938, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $47,700 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Reading safe?
Reading 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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Reading?
Reading has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.9 inches, with 10.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Reading?
The job market in Reading is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $746. There are 370 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Reading?
The median home value in Reading is $47,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,701. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,914.
How are the schools in Reading?
Schools in Reading score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in Reading hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Reading?
The obesity rate in Reading is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:15,768.
What is transportation like in Reading?
The average commute in Reading is 28 minutes. 93.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Reading?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Reading is 88.2% White, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.