Reading, PA—19602
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 $132,000, with a year-over-year change of 9.5%. This indicates that home prices in Reading, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.3%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $132,000 | 9.5% |
| Single Family | $133,000 | 9.0% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $96,000 | -5.9% |
2 Bed | $100,000 | 4.2% |
3 Bed | $123,000 | 7.9% |
4 Bed | $144,000 | 9.1% |
| 5 Bed | $169,000 | 10.5% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Reading, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Reading, PA is $1,180, with a year-over-year rent change of 7.3%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Reading, PA is studios: $888, 1-bedrooms: $972, 2-bedrooms: $1,280, 3-bedrooms: $1,440, 4-bedrooms: $1,400. The most common rental property sizes in Reading, PA are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 29.3% and 25.1% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,200 | $1,180 |
| Studio Rent | $725 | $888 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $900 | $972 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,250 | $1,280 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,420 | $1,440 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,400 | $1,400 |
% 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 47. This is a increase of 12.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer 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 | $165,000 | -6.0% |
Listing Count | 52 | 65.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | 65.0% |
Days on Market | 47 | 12.0% |
Demographics — Reading, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA has a population of 18,000, which has increased by 5.5% over the past 5 years. Reading, PA is a popular place for families, as children make up 29.3% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 10.9% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 3.9% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 18,000 | 5.5% |
% Under 18 | 29.3% | 0.7% |
% Seniors | 10.6% | 1.0% |
% WFH | 3.9% | 69.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 10.9% | 22.5% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 67.6% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 4.5% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Reading, PA is white, making up 22.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 15.6% of the population in Reading, PA, and this percentage has decreased by 9.8% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 22.4% | 3.7% |
% Black | 10.0% | -24.2% |
% Hispanic | 67.6% | 4.5% |
% Asian | 0.1% | -87.5% |
% Foreign Born | 15.6% | -9.8% |
Mortgage and Risk — Reading, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 207 mortgage originations in Reading, PA, of which 71.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 76.0%, with 48.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Reading, PA. Investor activity is low, as 11.0% of loans were by investors. 4.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 207 |
% Conventional Loans | 71.0% |
% Government Loans | 29.0% |
% Investor Loans | 11.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 4.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Reading, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Reading, PA under the Section 8 program is 6.8%. 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 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 2-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 846 |
Total Units Section 8 | 341 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 6.8% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 92.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $40 | $900 | $940 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$60 | $1,250 | $1,190 |
| 3 Bedroom | $70 | $1,420 | $1,490 |
| 4 Bedroom | $190 | $1,400 | $1,590 |
Affordability — Reading, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 2.5 |
| Median Home Price | $132,000 |
| Median Household Income | $38,200 |