Reading, PA

Census Place

Add Comparison

2024 Population

95,242

US Senator

John Fetterman

Democratic Party

US Senator

Dave McCormick

Republican Party

2024 Median Age

31.9

0.631% 1-year increase

2024 Poverty Rate

28.7%

6.3% 1-year increase

2024 Median Household Income

$44,091

3.31% 1-year decline

2024 Median Property Value

$121,300

10.5% 1-year growth

2024 Employed Population

38,505

0.0856% 1-year decline

About

None of the households in Reading, PA reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

84% of the residents in Reading, PA are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Reading, PA are Alvernia University (651 degrees awarded in 2024), Reading Area Community College (504 degrees), and Albright College (355 degrees).

In 2024, the median property value in Reading, PA was $121,300, and the homeownership rate was 40.6%.

Most people in Reading, PA drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 24.1 minutes. The average car ownership in Reading, PA was 1 car per household.

About the photo: The Pagoda, Reading, PA

Photo by Jack

United States Pennsylvania Berks County, PA Reading, PA Berks County (Northwest)--Wyomissing Borough PUMA, PA Berks County (Southwest)--Reading City PUMA, PA

Population & Diversity

Reading, PA is home to a population of 95.2k people, from which 84% are citizens. As of 2024, 25.4% of Reading, PA residents were born outside of the country (24.2k people).

In 2024, there were 1.07 times more Other (Hispanic) residents (23.1k people) in Reading, PA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 21.6k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) and 17.6k White (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

84%

2024 Citizenship

87.4%

2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 84% of Reading, PA residents were US citizens, which is lower than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Reading, PA was 87.4%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Reading, PA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Reading, PA

Other (Hispanic)
23.1k ± 2.19k
Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
21.6k ± 2.14k
White (Non-Hispanic)
17.6k ± 1.33k

70.8%

Hispanic Population

67.4k people

70.8% of the people in Reading, PA are hispanic (67.4k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Reading, PA as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Pennsylvania.

Most Common Origin

Dominican Republic
103,235 ± 7,857 people
India
102,082 ± 7,813 people
China
73,024 ± 6,616 people

In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Pennsylvania was Dominican Republic, the natal country of 103,235 Pennsylvania residents, followed by India with 102,082 and China with 73,024.

Foreign-Born Population

25.4%

2024 Foreign-Born Population

24.2k people

21.4%

2023 Foreign-Born Population

20.3k people

As of 2024, 25.4% of Reading, PA residents (24.2k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Reading, PA was 21.4%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Reading, PA compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Gulf War (2001-)
543 ± 196
Vietnam
498 ± 151
Gulf War (1990s)
312 ± 163

Reading, PA has a large population of military personnel who served in Gulf War (2001-), 1.09 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Reading, PA.

Health

85.3% of the population of Reading, PA has health coverage, with 27% on employee plans, 43.8% on Medicaid, 6.73% on Medicare, 7.23% on non-group plans, and 0.497% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Pennsylvania see 1,265 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,265 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1400 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 345 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.1% were men and 51.9% were women.

Coverage

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 30.4% under 18 years, 24% between 18 and 34 years, 35.1% between 35 and 64 years, and 10.5% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.1% were men and 51.9% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

14.7%

Uninsured

27%

Employer Coverage

43.8%

Medicaid

6.73%

Medicare

7.23%

Non-Group

0.497%

Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Reading, PA grew by 19.7% from 12.3% to 14.7%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Reading, PA changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Economy

The economy of Reading, PA employs 38.5k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Reading, PA were Manufacturing (8,043 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (6,678 people), and Retail Trade (4,202 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($66,875), Public Administration ($54,815), and Finance & Insurance ($47,129).

Employment

Occupations

38.5k

2024 Value

± 1,810

−0.0856%

1 Year decline

± 6.47%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Reading, PA declined at a rate of −0.0856%, from 38.5k employees to 38.5k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Reading, PA, are Production Occupations (6,822 people), Material Moving Occupations (4,590 people), and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (3,789 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Reading, PA.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Pennsylvania.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Pennsylvania (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

Industries

Employment by Industries

38.5k

2024 Value

± 1,810

−0.0856%

1 Year decline

± 6.47%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Reading, PA declined at a rate of −0.0856%, from 38.5k employees to 38.5k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Reading, PA, are Manufacturing (8,043 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (6,678 people), and Retail Trade (4,202 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Reading, PA, though some of these residents may live in Reading, PA and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$37,884

Median earning men ± $2,110

$31,015

Median earning women ± $1,126

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Public Administration ($54,209), Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($46,910), and Manufacturing ($45,518).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Construction ($60,648), Public Administration ($57,675), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($46,534).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Pennsylvania.

Y-Axis

2.78%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 6.03M people employed in Pennsylvania. This represents a 2.78% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 18.1%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Pennsylvania.

Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Pennsylvania went to Donald J. Trump with 50.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (48.7%), followed by Jill Stein (0.491%).

John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are the senators currently representing the state of Pennsylvania. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Pennsylvania is currently represented by 17 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Reading, PA. Showing the available data for Pennsylvania.

2024 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (50.4%)
Republican Party
Kamala Harris (48.7%)
Democratic Party
Jill Stein (0.491%)
Green Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Pennsylvania went to Donald J. Trump with 50.4% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (48.7%), followed by Jill Stein (0.491%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Pennsylvania for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Pennsylvania

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Pennsylvania.

John Fetterman

Senator from Pennsylvania

Assumed office on January 3, 2023

Dave McCormick

Senator from Pennsylvania

Assumed office on January 3, 2025

John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are the senators currently representing Pennsylvania.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Pennsylvania over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

Education

In 2024, universities in Reading, PA awarded 1,759 degrees. The student population of Reading, PA in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 3,433 male students and 6,510 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Reading, PA are White (993 and 57.5%), Hispanic or Latino (406 and 23.5%), Black or African American (186 and 10.8%), and Two or More Races (67 and 3.88%).

The largest universities in Reading, PA by number of degrees awarded are Alvernia University (651 and 37%), Reading Area Community College (504 and 28.7%), and Albright College (355 and 20.2%).

The most popular majors in Reading, PA are Registered Nursing (170 and 9.66%), General Business Administration & Management (143 and 8.13%), and General Health Services (112 and 6.37%).

The median tuition cost for private four year colleges is $35,418.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University

Measure

In 2024 in Reading, PA, the percentage of applicants admitted was 66.9%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 10.3%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 9,943 (34.5% men and 65.5% women).

The line chart shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2024 there were 9,943 students enrolled in Reading, PA, 34.5% men and 65.5% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 4,848 records, of which 65.6% were women and 34.4% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

General Business Administration & Management
71 degrees awarded
Registered Nursing
70 degrees awarded
General Health Services
44 degrees awarded

In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Reading, PA was General Business Administration & Management with 71 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Reading, PA according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

Alvernia University
651 degrees awarded
Reading Area Community College
504 degrees awarded
Albright College
355 degrees awarded

In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Alvernia University with 651 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

University

In 2024, 560 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Reading, PA, which is 0.467 times less than the 1,199 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 993 degrees mean that there were 2.45 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino, with 406 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($35,418) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

Private not-for-profit, 2-year ($2,585) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

Public, 2-year ($1,800) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Reading, PA was $121,300 in 2024, which is 0.365 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $109,800 to $121,300, a 10.5% increase. The homeownership rate in Reading, PA is 40.6%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Reading, PA have an average commute time of 24.1 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Reading, PA is lower than the national average, with an average of 1 car per household.

Housing

Property

$121,300

Median Property Value 2024

±$5,310

$13,474

Median Property Taxes

±$983

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Reading, PA the largest share of households pay taxes in the $800 - $1,499 range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Reading, PA compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

40.6%

Homeownership

2024

63.9%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2024

In 2024, 40.6% of the housing units in Reading, PA were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 39.7%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Reading, PA compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$44,091

Median Household Income

± $3,478

33.2k

Number of Households

± 1,602

In 2024, the median household income of the 33.2k households in Reading, PA declined from $44,091 from the previous year's value of $45,599.

The following chart displays the households in Reading, PA distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Reading, PA is from Pennsylvania.

0.463

2024 Wage GINI in Pennsylvania

0.463

2023 Wage GINI in Pennsylvania

In 2024, the income inequality in Pennsylvania was 0.463 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.0903% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Pennsylvania was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Pennsylvania in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Pennsylvania across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024

Drove Alone (61.6%)
Carpooled (18.1%)
Worked At Home (6.43%)

In 2024, 61.6% of workers in Reading, PA drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (18.1%) and those who worked at home (6.43%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

24.1 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Reading, PA have a shorter commute time (24.1 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 1.28% of the workforce in Reading, PA have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Reading, PA compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

1 car

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Reading, PA distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Reading, PA have 1 car.

Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

28.7% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Reading, PA (26.5k out of 92.4k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 35 - 44, followed by Females 25 - 34 and then Females 6 - 11.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Reading, PA is Hispanic, followed by Two Or More and Other.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.