Michigan
Reading is a small town in Michigan with a population of 1,241. Residents earn $48,804 per year, which is 35% below the national average.
Based on current data, Reading receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Reading offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Reading is $48,804, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 26.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Reading is $103,300, 63% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
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 1,976 per 100,000, near the national average.
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Reading experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 79.9% |
| 2% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 20.1% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,804 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $19,431 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,886 |
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% |
| 112% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $2,202M |
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 123 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,053 |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.92% |
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
| Census Median | $103,300 |
| 63% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,349 |
| $/Sq Ft | $73 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
| Census Median Rent | $741 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,053 |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.92% |
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 10.3% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 32.6% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 72.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,807/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
| Total Property | 1,975.5/100K |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,975.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 39.5 inches |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 44.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,194 ft (364 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,229/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8396°N, 84.7478°W |
| County FIPS | 26059 |
Winner: Republican by 51.4 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 10.6% |
| 69% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 80.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,229/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.0 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 9 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Retail Stores | 123 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Commute | 19.6 min |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |