Median Income
$60,167
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,200
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.8%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$871
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How Reading Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,490
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density3,630/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,167
Per Capita$35,102
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$107,275M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,200
Rent$871
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$228,882
Health
Obesity35.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F
AQI43 (Good)
Elevation754 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.8%
High School+91.0%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 42% / D 57%
Commute18 min
Libraries41
Is Reading a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Reading receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. 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 $60,167, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Reading is $184,200, 35% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
24.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Reading experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Reading has a population of 10,490 with a density of 3,630 people per square mile. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (83.6%), with 2% Hispanic, 5.5% Black.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 93.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Spanish | 6.3% |
| 53% below US avg |
The median household income in Reading is $60,167, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,167 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,102 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,479 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,169 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 27,215 |
| County GDP | $107,275M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 2,075 |
| Healthcare | 2,590 |
| Retail | 2,526 |
| Manufacturing | 920 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,087 |
| 160% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.3 min |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Reading is $184,200, 35% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $871 (25% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,882.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,200 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,882 |
| Median List Price | $244,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $244,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.1% |
| Price Drops | 10.5% |
| Inventory | 19 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $871 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,089 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,087 |
| 160% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.93% |
In Reading, 35.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.1% report depression. 25.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Reading vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,669/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 98.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,590 |
Crime Rates: Reading vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 75 |
Safety Score
Reading has an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 754 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,630/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2242°N, 84.4333°W |
| County FIPS | 39061 |