Reading, PA—19601
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Reading, PA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Reading, PA is $170,000, with a year-over-year change of 9.6%. This indicates that home prices in Reading, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.7%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $170,000 | 9.6% |
| Single Family | $171,000 | 9.6% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $130,000 | 8.3% |
3 Bed | $163,000 | 8.7% |
4 Bed | $166,000 | 8.5% |
| 5 Bed | $178,000 | 10.6% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Reading, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Reading, PA is $1,200, with a year-over-year rent change of 6.2%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Reading, PA is studios: $935, 1-bedrooms: $1,030, 2-bedrooms: $1,290, 3-bedrooms: $1,390, 4-bedrooms: $1,650. The most common rental property sizes in Reading, PA are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 31.0% and 28.0% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Studio Rent | $975 | $935 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $950 | $1,030 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,400 | $1,290 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,300 | $1,390 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,350 | $1,650 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Reading, PA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Reading, PA is 48. This is a decrease of -25.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 27.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $227,000 | 1.0% |
Listing Count | 45 | -7.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | -7.0% |
Days on Market | 48 | -25.0% |
Demographics — Reading, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA has a population of 36,500, which has increased by 9.3% over the past 5 years. Reading, PA is a popular place for families, as children make up 29.5% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 11.5% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 5.5% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 36,500 | 9.3% |
% Under 18 | 29.5% | -3.3% |
% Seniors | 11.0% | 19.6% |
% WFH | 5.5% | 129.2% |
% w/ College Degree | 11.5% | 36.9% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 70.2% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 1.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Reading, PA is white, making up 16.7% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 23.6% of the population in Reading, PA, and this percentage has increased by 9.3% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 16.7% | 3.1% |
% Black | 10.2% | -31.5% |
% Hispanic | 70.2% | 1.0% |
% Asian | 1.8% | 125.0% |
% Foreign Born | 23.6% | 9.3% |
Mortgage and Risk — Reading, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 301 mortgage originations in Reading, PA, of which 69.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 73.0%, with 48.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Reading, PA. Investor activity is low, as 7.0% of loans were by investors. 12.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 301 |
% Conventional Loans | 69.0% |
% Government Loans | 31.0% |
% Investor Loans | 7.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 12.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Reading, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Reading, PA under the Section 8 program is 9.6%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Reading, PA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,338 |
Total Units Section 8 | 766 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 9.6% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 91.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$10 | $950 | $940 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$210 | $1,400 | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedroom | $190 | $1,300 | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedroom | $240 | $1,350 | $1,590 |
Affordability — Reading, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.1 |
| Median Home Price | $170,000 |
| Median Household Income | $41,100 |