Living in West Reading, Pennsylvania
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Reading · Census data 2020–2024
West Reading has 4,562 residents with a median age of 35.4. The median household income is $65,885 (16% lower than the Pennsylvania median), the median home value is $173,100, the median rent is $1,365/month.
West Reading at a glance
- Population
- 4,562
- Median age
- 35.4State: 40.9
- Median household income
- $65,885State: $77,971
- Median home value
- $173,100State: $254,500
- Median rent
- $1,365/moState: $1,209
- Homeowners
- 56.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 32%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is West Reading a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 32% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%.
Cons: Median household income 16% lower than the Pennsylvania median; a poverty rate of 14.8%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in West Reading
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Reading the median home value is $173,100, 48% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,365 per month, which is 33.3% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,329 a month in housing costs.
West Reading median household income
The median household income in West Reading is $65,885 and the income per person is $48,664. 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line (Pennsylvania: 11.7%).
Housing in West Reading: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,750
- Owner-occupied
- 56.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 43.9%
- Vacant
- 2.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1938
- Average household size
- 2.44
West Reading demographics
- Population
- 4,562
- Median age
- 35.4
- Under 18
- 21.3%
- 65 and older
- 12%
- Households
- 1,708
- Foreign-born
- 3.4%
- Veterans
- 5.3%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Reading ›
Education in West Reading
32% of adults 25 and older in West Reading have a bachelor's degree or higher (Pennsylvania: 35.2%), and 15.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Reading
- Unemployment rate
- 4.6%State: 5.3%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 7.5%
- Drive alone
- 72.7%
- Public transit
- 0.5%
- Walk to work
- 12%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.6%
West Reading vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Reading | 4,562 | $65,885 | $173,100 | $1,365 |
| Wyomissing | 11,172 | $93,203 | $339,900 | $1,781 |
| Reading | 95,242 | $44,091 | $121,300 | $1,067 |
| Kenhorst | 3,009 | $86,705 | $195,900 | $1,419 |
| Colony Park | 1,175 | $80,333 | $358,300 | $1,644 |
| Greenfields | 986 | $78,830 | $268,500 | $2,015 |
| Shillington | 5,492 | $79,922 | $203,500 | $1,387 |
| West Lawn | 1,384 | $69,688 | $192,600 | $1,155 |
| Grill | 1,903 | $144,457 | $261,400 | — |
More for people moving to West Reading
West Reading ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Reading: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Reading, PA?
The median household income in West Reading is $65,885, 16% lower than the Pennsylvania median of $77,971 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Reading?
The median home value in West Reading is $173,100, compared with $254,500 in Pennsylvania.
How much is rent in West Reading?
The median gross rent in West Reading is $1,365 per month, about 33.3% of household income.
Is West Reading, PA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 32% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 4.6%. Minuses: median household income 16% lower than the Pennsylvania median; a poverty rate of 14.8%.
What is the median age in West Reading?
The median age in West Reading is 35.4 years (Pennsylvania: 40.9).
How long is the commute in West Reading?
The average commute to work in West Reading is 22 minutes; 7.5% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Reading?
The unemployment rate in West Reading is 4.6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Reading?
32% of adults in West Reading have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
Last updated: