Reading

Reading, Pennsylvania Overview

Reading faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (45.7/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in Pennsylvania. Even so, the city scores 78/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 7/100.

Income & Employment in Reading

Reading’s median income of $38,814 is 47% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.7% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%.

Safety in Reading

Reading’s violent crime rate of 464.3 per 100,000 runs above the Pennsylvania average of 313. The property crime rate is 1712.9 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Reading

Reading has a cost of living index of 96 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $109,800. Median monthly rent is $1,018. Renters allocate 31.5% of income to rent — above the 30% affordability threshold.

Education & Schools in Reading

Reading has a high school graduation rate of 78.7%. The student-teacher ratio is 15.6:1. Per-pupil spending is $14,925. The city has 31 public schools serving 25,559 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Reading

Reading enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 56.6°F. Summers average 73.7°F. Winters average 41.3°F. Annual precipitation is 47.3 inches.

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