Reading, PA—19604
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 $162,000, with a year-over-year change of 9.7%. This indicates that home prices in Reading, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.8%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $162,000 | 9.7% |
| Single Family | $163,000 | 8.7% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $128,000 | 6.7% |
3 Bed | $155,000 | 7.6% |
4 Bed | $169,000 | 9.0% |
| 5 Bed | $174,000 | 9.4% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Reading, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Reading, PA is $1,350, with a year-over-year rent change of 9.8%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Reading, PA is studios: $775, 1-bedrooms: $937, 2-bedrooms: $1,330, 3-bedrooms: $1,460, 4-bedrooms: $1,740. The most common rental property sizes in Reading, PA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 24.4% and 23.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,350 |
| Studio Rent | $775 | $775 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $875 | $937 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,250 | $1,330 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,460 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,700 | $1,740 |
% 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 27. This is a increase of 15.0% 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 16.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $189,000 | 10.0% |
Listing Count | 64 | 1.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.6% | 1.0% |
Days on Market | 27 | 15.0% |
Demographics — Reading, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA has a population of 29,400, which has increased by 3.8% over the past 5 years. Reading, PA is a popular place for families, as children make up 27.3% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 10.2% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 5.6% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 29,400 | 3.8% |
% Under 18 | 27.3% | -14.4% |
% Seniors | 9.5% | 15.9% |
% WFH | 5.6% | 154.5% |
% w/ College Degree | 10.2% | 6.2% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA is a predominantly hispanic area, with 72.8% of the population identifying as hispanic. The hispanic population has grown by 2.8% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Reading, PA is white, making up 19.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 25.9% of the population in Reading, PA, and this percentage has increased by 20.5% 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 | 19.4% | -10.2% |
% Black | 8.8% | 6.0% |
% Hispanic | 72.8% | 2.8% |
% Asian | 0.2% | -66.7% |
% Foreign Born | 25.9% | 20.5% |
Mortgage and Risk — Reading, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 317 mortgage originations in Reading, PA, of which 70.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 74.0%, with 50.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Reading, PA. Investor activity is low, as 6.0% of loans were by investors. 11.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 317 |
% Conventional Loans | 70.0% |
% Government Loans | 30.0% |
% Investor Loans | 6.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 11.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Reading, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Reading, PA under the Section 8 program is 5.1%. 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 and 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Reading, PA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 271 |
Total Units Section 8 | 250 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 5.1% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 91.8% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $145 | $875 | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedroom | $30 | $1,250 | $1,280 |
| 3 Bedroom | $150 | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 4 Bedroom | $0 | $1,700 | $1,700 |
Affordability — Reading, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 2.4 |
| Median Home Price | $162,000 |
| Median Household Income | $52,900 |