PennsylvaniaPop. 95,242Smaller cities
Is Reading a Good Place to Live? Reading, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Reading ranks #1177 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #485 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($121,300, #13 of 524) and low rents ($1,067/mo, #72 of 524), and trails on low household income ($44,091, #518 of 524) and high poverty (28.7%, #514 of 524).
Reading by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Reading's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Reading?
Reading's cost of living index is 97.1, 3% below the US level of 100 and #552 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,067/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,494, 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Reading | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 97.1#552 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $267,494#291 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,439/mo#290 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $121,300#34 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,067/mo#283 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 29%#1228 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Reading housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Reading is in the Reading, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Reading safe?
Reading recorded 258 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% below the US rate of 328 and 14% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #478 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #219 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Reading Police Department. Property crime runs 1,285 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Reading | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 258#478 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,285#347 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Reading?
The median household in Reading earns $44,091, 47% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 28.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Reading | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $44,091#1289 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.7%#957 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 28.7%#1284 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Reading?
The median resident of Reading is 31.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 11.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1296 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Reading | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 31.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 11.4%#1296 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 40.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Reading's schools and health?
Reading's 20 public schools graduate 71.6% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $14,548 spent per pupil. 42.6% of adults are obese and 15.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Reading | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 71.6%#1025 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,548#641 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 42.6%#1229 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.9%#1211 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 24.2%#1260 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,972 students are enrolled in Reading's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Reading?
The average commute in Reading is 24.1 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 3.4% of workers take transit and 6.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Reading scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74°F and winters 33.2°F, with 45.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Reading | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.9%#825 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 61.6% | 68.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.4% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 4.7% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.4% | 13.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.1#812 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38.6 | 23 | 3 |
| Feb | 41.9 | 24.4 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 51 | 31.9 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 63.4 | 41.7 | 3.4 |
| May | 73.5 | 51.5 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 82 | 61.2 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 86.5 | 65.8 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 84.4 | 64.1 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 77.1 | 56.6 | 4.9 |
| Oct | 65.4 | 45 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 35.4 | 3 |
| Dec | 43.4 | 28 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Reading Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Reading | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 33.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Reading Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Reading?
Berks County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Berks County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Reading | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#208 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Berks County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Berks County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.01% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0047% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0045% | 35% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Reading compare with similar-size cities?
Reading is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #485 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 95,242.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #1177 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 | 24.1 min |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #637 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 | 19.8 min |
| Fort Myers, FLPop. 95,051 | #913 | 51.5 | $63,732 | $1,580/mo | 444 | 25.2 min |
| Arden-Arcade, CAPop. 94,994 | #1002 | 50.0 | $77,321 | $1,588/mo | no data | 25.9 min |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #419 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #902 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 | 18.2 min |
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #350 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 | 22.7 min |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #225 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Reading compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Reading ranks #19 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 45.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 43% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Reading's score calculated?
Reading scores 45.8 out of 100, #1177 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Reading. Similar-size median 55.5.
29.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Reading's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
81.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Reading. Similar-size median 58.9.
27.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Reading's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
42.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Reading's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Reading. Similar-size median 56.1.
6.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Reading. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Reading. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Reading's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
42.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
70.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Reading's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Reading has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Reading
Is Reading, PA a good place to live?
Reading ranks #1177 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #485 of 524 smaller cities and #19 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($121,300, #13 of 524) and low rents ($1,067/mo, #72 of 524), and trails on low household income ($44,091, #518 of 524) and high poverty (28.7%, #514 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Reading?
Reading's cost of living index is 97.1, 3% below the US level of 100 and #552 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,067/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $267,494, 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Reading?
Reading recorded 258 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% below the US rate of 328 and 14% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #478 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #219 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Reading Police Department. Property crime runs 1,285 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Reading?
The median household in Reading earns $44,091, 47% below the US figure of $83,163 and 43% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 28.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Reading?
Median rent in Reading is $1,067/mo (Census), #283 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,439/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Reading?
The typical home value in Reading is $267,494, up 3.8% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $121,300.
How are the public schools in Reading?
Reading's 20 public schools graduate 71.6% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 15.4 students per teacher and $14,548 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Reading?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 6.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Reading?
Reading averages 53.7°F over the year, 74°F in summer and 33.2°F in winter, with 45.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Reading walkable?
Reading scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Reading at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Berks County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Reading?
Berks County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Reading?
Reading has 95,242 residents. The median resident of Reading is 31.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 11.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1296 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Reading compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Reading ranks #19 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 45.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 43% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 14% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Reading?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Reading's population of 95,242 are Lawrence, KS (#637 overall), Fort Myers, FL (#913 overall), Arden-Arcade, CA (#1002 overall), Toms River, NJ (#419 overall), and Asheville, NC (#902 overall). Reading is #1177.