Reading, PA
Population 94,836 · Pennsylvania
About Reading, PA
Reading is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 94,836 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,599 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Reading features a median home value of $109,800, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Reading one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,018, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 36,289 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (13,067 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (19,832 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Reading shows an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Reading have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.7% of Reading residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 31.6% Black or African American, and 26.1% Asian residents, with 21.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Reading Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Reading, PA
Compared to national averages, Reading has a median household income of $45,599 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,800, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,018 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Reading's income is 38% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 42% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Reading, PA?
Reading offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,018/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,599) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Reading provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Reading has a population of 94,836 with a median age of 31.7 years. Compare Reading with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Reading
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | 94,156 | $43,397 | $108,200 | Compare |
| Bethlehem | 77,069 | $66,443 | $236,500 | Compare |
| Scranton | 76,074 | $49,531 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Allentown | 125,320 | $53,403 | $188,900 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | $63,421 | $203,700 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Reading, PA is 94,836 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Reading?
The median household income in Reading, PA is $45,599 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Reading?
The median home value in Reading, PA is $109,800, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Reading?
The median monthly rent in Reading, PA is $1,018, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Reading?
The unemployment rate in Reading, PA is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Reading, PA a good place to live?
Reading offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 94,836 and a median age of 31.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Reading, PA?
11.7% of residents in Reading aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Reading?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Reading, PA: median home value is $109,800 (55% below national), median rent is $1,018/month, and median household income is $45,599. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Reading?
The poverty rate in Reading, PA is 27.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Reading, PA?
Reading's population is 10.3% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 31.6% Black or African American, 26.1% Asian, and 7.8% two or more races. 21.5% of residents are foreign-born.