Reading, PA—19608
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 $382,000, with a year-over-year change of 3.9%. This indicates that home prices in Reading, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.9%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $382,000 | 3.9% |
| Single Family | $387,000 | 3.5% |
| Condos | $249,000 | 3.8% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $261,000 | 4.0% |
3 Bed | $317,000 | 3.3% |
4 Bed | $458,000 | 3.9% |
| 5 Bed | $596,000 | 3.7% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Reading, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Reading, PA is $1,910, with a year-over-year rent change of -4.0%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Reading, PA is studios: $1,300, 1-bedrooms: $1,640, 2-bedrooms: $1,490, 3-bedrooms: $2,100, 4-bedrooms: $4,500. The most common rental property sizes in Reading, PA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 39.7% and 31.4% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,720 | $1,910 |
| Studio Rent | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,640 | $1,640 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,400 | $1,490 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,100 | $2,100 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $4,500 | $4,500 |
% 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 46. This is a decrease of -11.0% 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 11.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $491,000 | 7.0% |
Listing Count | 53 | 33.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | 33.0% |
Days on Market | 46 | -11.0% |
Demographics — Reading, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA has a population of 24,000, which has increased by 5.7% over the past 5 years. Reading, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 21.7% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 46.4% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 10.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 24,000 | 5.7% |
% Under 18 | 21.7% | -13.2% |
% Seniors | 17.8% | 11.9% |
% WFH | 10.1% | 146.3% |
% w/ College Degree | 46.4% | 19.9% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Reading, PA is a predominantly white area, with 78.0% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 1.4% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Reading, PA is hispanic, making up 11.3% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 9.0% of the population in Reading, PA, and this percentage has increased by 45.2% 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 | 78.0% | -1.4% |
% Black | 4.3% | -44.2% |
% Hispanic | 11.3% | 18.9% |
% Asian | 4.5% | 36.4% |
% Foreign Born | 9.0% | 45.2% |
Mortgage and Risk — Reading, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 574 mortgage originations in Reading, PA, of which 89.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 53.0%, with 18.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Reading, PA. Investor activity is low, as 2.0% 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 | 574 |
% Conventional Loans | 89.0% |
% Government Loans | 11.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% 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 1.1%. 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. 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 1-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 47 |
Total Units Section 8 | 21 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 1.1% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 72.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$190 | $1,640 | $1,450 |
| 2 Bedroom | $430 | $1,400 | $1,830 |
| 3 Bedroom | $180 | $2,100 | $2,280 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$2,070 | $4,500 | $2,430 |
Affordability — Reading, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3 |
| Median Home Price | $382,000 |
| Median Household Income | $112,000 |