Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Reading, PA
Considering a move to West Reading, PA? With a friendly population of 4,553 and a walkable community feel, the city offers affordable living—median home prices are just $165,000 and average rents around $1,120. Commute times are a quick 22 minutes on average, and crime rates are moderate for the region. West Reading boasts excellent healthcare with the renowned Reading Hospital, a strong public school system, and a lively local vibe, making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - West Reading, PA
Demographics - West Reading, PA
West Reading is a compact, diverse borough of 4,553 residents, where the median age is 35.8 and the community is predominantly White, with significant representation from other backgrounds. The area has a balanced gender ratio and nearly 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town’s multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
4,553
Density:
7,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.4%
Black:
7.3%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
25.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Reading, PA?
Living in West Reading is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values at $165,000. Housing and everyday expenses, like groceries and utilities, remain accessible, making this area appealing for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$165,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,175
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,235
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$525
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
73.1
Utilities:
101.4
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
96.6
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is West Reading, PA a safe place to live?
West Reading experiences moderate crime rates, with violent crime significantly lower than the national average and a property crime rate of 1 in 64. Residents generally feel safe, though it’s wise to take standard precautions to protect property.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
182
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,570
Crime Index:
1,752
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 550
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 64
Weather
What is the weather like in West Reading, PA year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring cold winters with average lows in the 20s and warm summers reaching the mid-80s. With 54% sunny days and around 45 inches of annual rainfall, West Reading offers a pleasant climate for year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Households in West Reading benefit from a median income of $58,400 and a relatively low unemployment rate. The community is well-educated, with over 90% holding a high school diploma or higher, and most residents enjoy short, manageable commutes.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$58,400
Family Income:
$68,100
Per Capita Income:
$30,600
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
17.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.4%
Bachelors or More:
28.6%
Education
How are the schools in West Reading, PA?
Families benefit from strong educational options in West Reading, including well-regarded public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and several private schools. Higher education is easily accessible, with both Alvernia University and Reading Area Community College located just a few miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
West Reading Elementary Center
Street:
421 Chestnut St
Phone:
610-374-0739
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School
Street:
630 Evans Ave
Phone:
610-374-0739
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
701 Franklin St
Phone:
610-373-3316
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Alvernia University
City:
Reading
State:
PA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,000
Name:
Reading Area Community College
City:
Reading
State:
PA
Distance:
1 mile
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by Reading Hospital – Tower Health, a major medical center offering comprehensive emergency and general care. Most people are insured, and the area maintains a favorable ratio of physicians to residents.
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Reading, PA?
West Reading’s housing market is attractive, with a median home price of $165,000 and steady home appreciation. About half of residents own their homes, while rental options are also widely available and affordable, making it an accessible market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for West Reading are managed by PennDOT, with a convenient office in nearby Reading. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services locally or online through the state’s website.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
3301 North 5th Street Hwy, Reading, PA 19605
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
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.