Reading, PA Census Data
The 4th largest city in Pennsylvania by population · 10 cities ranked
Reading is the 4th largest city in Pennsylvania by population and ranks 9th of 10 for median household income. With 94,836 residents, its poverty rate of 27.0% ranks among the higher rates in Pennsylvania. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
94,836
48.6% male · 51.4% female
Median Age
31.7
7.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$45,599
$32,939 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
11.7%
23.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 72.7%
Poverty Rate
27.0%
14.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.3%
Broadband Access
90.6%
0.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$109,800
Median rent: $1,018 · 40% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
12.1%
Labor force participation: 54.4%
Per Capita Income
$31,064
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.4%
Disability rate: 18.7%
How Reading Compares to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Rankings among all 10 Pennsylvania cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 10 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 9th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 10th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Reading, PA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Reading, PA?
The population of Reading, PA is 94,836 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 31.7 years.
What is the median household income in Reading?
The median household income in Reading, PA is $45,599, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $31,064.
What is the poverty rate in Reading?
The poverty rate in Reading, PA is 27.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Reading residents have a college degree?
11.7% of adults (25+) in Reading hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 72.7% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Reading?
The median home value in Reading, PA is $109,800. Median rent is $1,018 per month, with 40% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Reading?
Reading's population is 30.2% White, 10.0% Black, 68.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Reading rank among Pennsylvania cities?
Reading is the 4th largest city in Pennsylvania by population, the 9th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 10 ranked Pennsylvania cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Reading?
The unemployment rate in Reading, PA is 12.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.4%. Per capita income is $31,064.
Cities Similar to Reading
Other Pennsylvania cities with comparable population and income levels.