Reading, MA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
25,612
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$165,912/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,951
0.7% year-over-year change

Reading population

How many people live in Reading

Reading is home to 25,612 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Reading locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
25,612
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
12,377
Female
51.7%
13,235
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,377 48.3% 1.3%
Female 13,235 51.7% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Reading is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.8% are children under 15, then 10.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 27.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.8%
15 to 24
10.1%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
27.7%
Over 65
20.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,812 18.8% -0.7%
15 to 24 2,598 10.1% -1.1%
25 to 44 5,828 22.8% 3.4%
45 to 64 7,085 27.7% -0.7%
Over 65 5,289 20.6% 1.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Reading, 89.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 6.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,994 89.8% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,783 7% 9.1%
Non-citizens 835 3.3% 7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
85.5%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
6.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.8%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 21,889 85.5%
Black or African American 122 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0.1%
Asian 1,611 6.3%
Two or more races 1,731 6.8%
Other 243 1%

Households in Reading

A peek inside Reading households

Reading has 9,740 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.6% are families, while the remaining 28.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,740
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,766
Family households
6,974
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,766 28.4% 7.4%
Family households 6,974 71.6% -0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Reading

The housing landscape of Reading

Reading's housing consists of 9,951 units, with 71.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
9,951
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,085 71.2%
1 unit, attached 310 3.1%
2 units 377 3.8%
3 or 4 units 323 3.2%
5 to 9 units 286 2.9%
10 to 19 units 438 4.4%
20 to 49 units 618 6.2%
50 or more units 514 5.2%
Homes built since 2020
43
34.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Reading

In Reading, the median construction year is 1960. About 26.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,679 26.9% -2.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 888 8.9% 1.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,472 14.8% 8.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,316 13.2% 4.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,083 10.9% -9.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 383 3.8% -7.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 647 6.5% 3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 478 4.8% -6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 962 9.7% 13.2%
Built in 2020 or later 43 0.4% 34.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Reading occupancy rates

Out of the 9,740 occupied housing units in Reading, 82.4% are owner-occupied, while 17.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,740
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,712
Owner occupied
8,028
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,712 17.6% 5.8%
Owner occupied 8,028 82.4% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
2.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Reading housing costs

Housing costs in Reading come to a median of $2,541 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,991.

Median housing costs per month
$2,541/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Reading
$1,991/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Reading

Reading education at a glance

About 18.2% of the population in Reading went to high school, while 9.3% pursued college studies. Another 5.6% earned an associate degree and 34% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 30.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 486 2.5% -1.6%
High school diploma 3,598 18.2% -1.5%
College diploma 1,833 9.3% -7.1%
Associate degree 1,105 5.6% 5.7%
Bachelor's degree 6,724 34% -1.0%
Graduate degree 6,038 30.5% 8.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Reading

How much people earn in Reading

The average annual household income in Reading was $195,473 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $165,912, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Reading
$195,473/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Reading
$165,912/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Reading income by age

In Reading, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $228,594. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $180,352 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $111,957, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $85,707 in earnings. Overall, 96.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $111,957 2.7%
25 - 44 $228,594 5.2%
45 - 64 $180,352 -4.8%
Over 65 $85,707 5.8%
Above poverty level
24,265
Below poverty level
804
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 24,265 96.8% -0.0%
Below poverty level 804 3.2% 18.6%

Average renter income in Reading

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Reading, their median household income was $68,274 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$68,274
Rent-to-income ratio
35%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Reading

Workforce and job types in Reading

The job market in Reading is powered by 13,300 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 91.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 62.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,300
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
12,200
Blue collar
1,100
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,200 91.7% -1.6%
Blue collar 1,100 8.3% 10.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
62.3%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
13.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,201 9% 26.6%
Private companies 8,287 62.3% -0.4%
Governmental workers 1,964 14.8% -10.1%
Not for profit companies 1,848 13.9% -4.8%
Unemployment rate
3.3%
8.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Reading stands at 3.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Reading

How people get around in Reading

Commuting methods vary: 63.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 8,441 63.9% -3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 18 0.1% -51.4%
Subway or elevated 112 0.8% N/A
Railroad 413 3.1% -13.1%
Motorcycle 16 0.1% N/A
Walk 139 1% -15.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Reading demographics 

What is the total population of Reading?

Reading has a total population of 25,612 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Reading?

The gender ratio in Reading is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (12,377 residents)
  • 51.7% females (13,235 residents)

What is the median age in Reading?

The median age in Reading is 43.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Reading?

The age distribution in Reading is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.8% (4,812 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.1% (2,598 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (5,828 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.7% (7,085 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.6% (5,289 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Reading?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Reading is as follows:
  • White: 85.5% (21,889 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (122 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 6.3% (1,611 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.8% (1,731 residents)
  • Other: 1% (243 residents)

What percentage of the population in Reading are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.8% of the population in Reading.

How many housing units are there in Reading?

There are 9,951 housing units in Reading, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Reading and what is the average household size?

Reading has a total of 9,740 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Reading?

Reading has a median household income of $165,912, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Reading?

The employment rate is 96.7% in Reading, with a workforce of 13,300 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.7% (12,200 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.3% (1,100 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (1,201 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.3% (8,287 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (1,964 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.9% (1,848 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025