Reading, PA—19605
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 $284,000, with a year-over-year change of 4.6%. This indicates that home prices in Reading, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.4%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $284,000 | 4.6% |
| Single Family | $287,000 | 4.0% |
| Condos | $233,000 | 2.6% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $124,000 | 2.5% |
2 Bed | $224,000 | 5.2% |
3 Bed | $276,000 | 4.5% |
4 Bed | $374,000 | 3.6% |
| 5 Bed | $329,000 | 4.8% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Reading, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Reading, PA is $1,680, with a year-over-year rent change of -5.1%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Reading, PA is studios: $825, 1-bedrooms: $1,150, 2-bedrooms: $1,560, 3-bedrooms: $2,500, 4-bedrooms: $2,400. The most common rental property sizes in Reading, PA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 33.1% and 32.4% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,680 |
| Studio Rent | $825 | $825 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,000 | $1,150 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,560 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $2,400 |
% 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 35. This is a decrease of -13.0% 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 0.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $330,000 | -15.0% |
Listing Count | 62 | -14.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | -14.0% |
Days on Market | 35 | -13.0% |
Demographics — Reading, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA has a population of 20,900, which has increased by 6.7% over the past 5 years. Reading, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 21.9% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 27.1% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 6.4% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 20,900 | 6.7% |
% Under 18 | 21.9% | 2.3% |
% Seniors | 18.8% | -7.4% |
% WFH | 6.4% | 128.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 27.1% | 26.6% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA is a predominantly white area, with 60.0% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 15.7% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Reading, PA is hispanic, making up 29.0% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 12.3% of the population in Reading, PA, and this percentage has increased by 53.7% 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 | 60.0% | -15.7% |
% Black | 7.4% | -10.8% |
% Hispanic | 29.0% | 61.1% |
% Asian | 1.6% | -20.0% |
% Foreign Born | 12.3% | 53.7% |
Mortgage and Risk — Reading, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 538 mortgage originations in Reading, PA, of which 81.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 58.0%, with 30.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Reading, PA. Investor activity is low, as 1.0% of loans were by investors. 10.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 538 |
% Conventional Loans | 81.0% |
% Government Loans | 19.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 10.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Reading, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Reading, PA under the Section 8 program is 10.1%. 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. 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Reading, PA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 136 |
Total Units Section 8 | 112 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 10.1% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 82.2% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $200 | $1,000 | $1,200 |
| 2 Bedroom | $60 | $1,450 | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$610 | $2,500 | $1,890 |
| 4 Bedroom | $0 | $2,000 | $2,000 |
Affordability — Reading, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 2.8 |
| Median Home Price | $284,000 |
| Median Household Income | $85,800 |