Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Reading, PA
Considering a move to Reading, PA? With a population just over 95,000, Reading offers affordable living with median home prices around $95,000 and rents averaging $1,070. Expect a short average commute of 23 minutes, a diverse community, and convenient access to healthcare and higher education. While crime rates are above the national average, Reading provides budget-friendly living, a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, and a moderate climate with 52% sunny days annually.
Demographics - Reading, PA
Demographics - Reading, PA
Reading, PA is home to just over 95,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 31.7 and a notably diverse population—over two-thirds identify as Hispanic or Latino and more than a third speak a language other than English at home. The city’s dense urban feel is characterized by 8,900 residents per square mile and a nearly even gender balance.
Population:
95,112
Density:
8,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.7
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
26.2%
Black:
12.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
60.3% (includes Hispanic/Latino: 67.6%)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Reading, PA?
The cost of living in Reading is quite affordable, with a cost of living index of 83.7 compared to the national average. Median home values are low at around $95,100, and renters pay an average of $1,070 per month, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$95,100
Gross Rent:
$1,070
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,570
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,190
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
45.2
Utilities:
104.8
Transportation:
94.7
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Reading, PA a safe place to live?
Reading experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with residents facing a 1 in 96 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 36 chance for property crime. While these rates are above national norms, awareness and community initiatives are in place to support neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,040
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,760
Crime Index:
3,800
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 96
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Reading, PA year-round?
Reading offers a moderate climate with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and winters dipping to lows of 22°F. The city enjoys 52% sunny days throughout the year and receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually, providing a balanced blend of seasons.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The median household income in Reading is $38,800, with about a third of residents living below the poverty line. Many households are multilingual, and the average commute is just over 23 minutes, reflecting the city’s accessible size and diverse community makeup.
Median Income:
$38,800
Household Income:
$38,800
Family Income:
$41,900
Per Capita Income:
$19,900
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$29,300
Poverty Rate:
32.8%
Non English Speakers:
34.8%
Rent:
$1,070
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
4.3%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
69.1%
Bachelors or More:
12.1%
Education
How are the schools in Reading, PA?
Reading offers a range of educational options, including large public schools like Reading Senior High School and several local colleges such as Alvernia University and Reading Area Community College. While 69% of adults have at least a high school diploma, opportunities for higher education are accessible within the city.
Public Schools
Name:
Reading Senior High School
Street:
801 N 13th St
Phone:
610-371-5705
Students:
5,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.8
Name:
Southwest Middle School
Street:
300 Chestnut St
Phone:
610-371-5803
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Berks Christian School
Street:
50 Hancock Blvd
Phone:
610-582-1000
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Alvernia University
City:
Reading
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,000
Name:
Reading Area Community College
City:
Reading
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,700
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to major hospitals like Reading Hospital and Penn State Health St. Joseph, both offering full emergency services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, healthcare resources are readily available in the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Reading Hospital - Tower Health
Address:
420 S 5th Ave, West Reading, PA 19611
Phone:
(484) 628-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Penn State Health St. Joseph
Address:
2500 Bernville Rd, Reading, PA 19605
Phone:
(610) 378-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.1%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Reading, PA?
Reading’s housing market features a median home price of $95,100 and a strong rental market with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,070. Homeownership rates are lower at 39.9%, and the city has experienced a 7.4% home appreciation rate in the past year, making it appealing for both renters and investors.
Median Home Price:
$95,100
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,070
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle and driver services for Reading residents are provided by PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The nearest full-service DMV is located in Harrisburg, with resources and information available online for convenient access to licensing and registration needs.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.