Reader, WV
Population 229 · West Virginia
About Reader, WV
Reader is a small community located in West Virginia with a population of 229 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,815 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.9 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 Reader features a median home value of $89,600, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Reader one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 151 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (139 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (12 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Reader shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Reader have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Reader 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Reader, WV
Compared to national averages, Reader has a median household income of $61,815 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,600, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Reader's income is 14% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 30% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Reader, WV?
Reader offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,815) that falls below the national average. However, Reader’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Reader has a population of 229 with a median age of 57.9 years. Compare Reader with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
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Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Reader
What is the population of Reader, WV?
The population of Reader, WV is 229 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Reader?
The median household income in Reader, WV is $61,815 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Reader?
The median home value in Reader, WV is $89,600, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Reader?
The median monthly rent in Reader, WV is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Reader?
The unemployment rate in Reader, WV is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Reader, WV a good place to live?
Reader offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 229 and a median age of 57.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Reader, WV?
0.0% of residents in Reader 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 Reader?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Reader, WV: median home value is $89,600 (63% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $61,815. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Reader?
The poverty rate in Reader, WV is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Reader, WV?
Reader's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.