Reading, MA
Population 25,448 · Massachusetts
About Reading, MA
Reading is a mid-sized city located in Massachusetts with a population of 25,448 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $163,725 per year, which is 118% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Reading features a median home value of $741,100, which is 203% above the national median of $244,900. This places Reading in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,722, 48% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,882 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (7,956 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (1,618 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Reading shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Reading have an average one-way commute time of 30.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
65.1% of Reading residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 8.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Reading Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Reading, MA
Compared to national averages, Reading has a median household income of $163,725 (118% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $741,100, which is 203% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,722 is 48% above the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Reading's income is 55% above the state average of $105,630, and home values are 32% above the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Reading, MA?
Reading offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $163,725, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and a well-educated community where 65.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $741,100. However, Reading’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Reading has a population of 25,448 with a median age of 44.1 years. Compare Reading with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
Similar Cities Near Reading
Cities in Massachusetts with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dedham | 25,109 | $124,375 | $630,400 | Compare |
| Burlington | 26,223 | $142,207 | $679,400 | Compare |
| Belmont | 27,009 | $178,188 | $1,108,800 | Compare |
| Wakefield | 27,284 | $130,320 | $670,100 | Compare |
| Wilmington | 23,195 | $161,473 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Stoneham | 22,986 | $112,635 | $629,000 | Compare |
| Milford | 27,919 | $88,992 | $429,800 | Compare |
| Danvers | 27,924 | $117,072 | $611,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Reading With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Reading
What is the population of Reading, MA?
The population of Reading, MA is 25,448 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Reading?
The median household income in Reading, MA is $163,725 per year, which is 118% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Reading?
The median home value in Reading, MA is $741,100, which is 203% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Reading?
The median monthly rent in Reading, MA is $1,722, which is 48% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Reading?
The unemployment rate in Reading, MA is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Reading, MA a good place to live?
Reading offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 25,448 and a median age of 44.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Reading, MA?
65.1% of residents in Reading aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Reading?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Reading, MA: median home value is $741,100 (203% above national), median rent is $1,722/month, and median household income is $163,725. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Reading?
The poverty rate in Reading, MA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Reading, MA?
Reading's population is 0.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 8.9% of residents are foreign-born.