Median Income
$48,804
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$741
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.3%
112% higher than US avg
How Reading Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,241
Median Age31.0 yrs
Density1,229/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$48,804
Per Capita$19,431
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty26.3%
County GDP$2,202M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,300
Rent$741
Ownership65.3%
Zillow$164,349
Housing Units411
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking21.2%
Depression32.6%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,194 ft (364 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+80.2%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score4.64
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Reading a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Reading receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
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
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 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Reading has a population of 1,241 with a density of 1,229 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 31.0 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.9% of residents, while 20.1% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 72.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.0yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.9%
2% above US avg
Spanish
20.1%
50% above US avg
The median household income in Reading is $48,804, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,431 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $991, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 880 business establishments, including 71 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,804 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,431 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $991 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,886 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 880 |
| County GDP | $2,202M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 71 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 123 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,053 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Reading is $103,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,349, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $741 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 411 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,053 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,349 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $73 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $741 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.7% |
| Housing Units | 411 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,053 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.92% |
In Reading, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,061. The dentist ratio is 1:2,692. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Reading vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 32.6% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 72.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,061 |
| Dentists | 1:2,692 |
| Mental Health | 1:570 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,807/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Reading has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Reading vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| 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 |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Reading experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.5 inches. The area receives 44.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,194 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Hillsdale County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
71 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
107 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
42 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
68 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
98 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
110 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
130 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
404 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 114 fatalities, 1,761 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
5 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
4 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
99 km |
17 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
5 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Reading has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $539 |
| Toddler | $539 |
| Preschool | $446 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $626 |
| Toddler | $626 |
| Preschool | $604 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Reading
What is the population of Reading?
Reading has a population of 1,241 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,229 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Reading expensive to live in?
Reading has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $48,804, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $741 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, 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 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Reading?
Reading has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $991. There are 880 business establishments in the area, including 71 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 11.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Reading?
The median home value in Reading is $103,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,349. For renters, the median monthly rent is $741. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,053.
How are the schools in Reading?
Schools in Reading have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.6% of adults in Reading hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.2% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Reading?
The obesity rate in Reading is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 32.6% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,061.
What is transportation like in Reading?
The average commute in Reading is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Reading?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Reading is 97.7% White. 79.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.1% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 72.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
