Reading, PA
Population 94,836 · Pennsylvania
About Reading, PA
Reading is a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania with a population of 94,836 residents. The median household income is $45,599 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Reading is 31.7 years.
Housing in Reading has a median home value of $109,800 and median monthly rent of $1,018. Of the 36,289 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 13,067 owner-occupied and 19,832 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Reading is 12.1% and the poverty rate is 27.0%. 11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.6 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Reading
What is the population of Reading, PA?
The population of Reading, PA is 94,836 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Reading?
The median household income in Reading, PA is $45,599 per year.
What is the median home value in Reading?
The median home value in Reading, PA is $109,800.
What is the average rent in Reading?
The median monthly rent in Reading, PA is $1,018.
What is the unemployment rate in Reading?
The unemployment rate in Reading, PA is 12.1%.