Reading Public RecordsPennsylvania

As of the 2020 Census, Reading city, Berks County, PA, had a population of 95,112. The city’s median age is about 31.5 years. Females make up 50.8% and males 49.2% of the population. Racial and ethnic composition is 23% White (non-Hispanic), 11% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 66% Hispanic or Latino, mainly of Puerto Rican descent, making it one of the most Hispanic-majority cities in Pennsylvania.

Reading, PA features a median home value of around $120,000, with homeownership rates at approximately 40% and median rents near $1,100/month. The city offers row homes, single-family houses, and apartments, with neighborhoods like Centre Park Historic District and Glenside. Recent property value trends show 7% annual growth, attracting both buyers and investors. The property tax rate is about 3.8%, higher than the national average. Affordable prices and diverse housing types make Reading accessible, though taxes factor heavily in total costs.

Reading, PA (Berks County) hosts the Reading School District, including Reading Senior High with an enrollment of over 5,000 students. The city has approximately 25 public schools and several private institutions. About 67% of residents over 25 are high school graduates, while 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Major adult education programs include Reading Area Community College. School safety scores have improved, yet challenges remain, with recent state rankings placing Reading schools below average (GreatSchools scores averaging 3/10). Educational programs emphasize English language support and career readiness.

Reading, Pennsylvania, is served primarily by private vehicles, with about 74% of commuters driving alone and only 3% using public transit, according to ACS 2022 data. The median commute time is approximately 23 minutes. BARTA operates local bus service, but public transit utilization is limited. Nearly 12% of households lack vehicle access. The city lies at the junction of US Route 222 and PA Route 61, facilitating regional travel. Major employment centers include Reading Hospital, East Penn Manufacturing, and public sector employers, with most jobs located within a 10-mile radius of downtown.

Reading, Berks County, PA, is served by major hospitals such as Reading Hospital (714 beds)—one of Pennsylvania's largest—and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center (204 beds), along with numerous clinics and federally qualified health centers. Around 9.2% of residents are uninsured, while 36% have Medicaid; the population is 64% Hispanic/Latino. Common health issues include diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. The city faces physician shortages, with about 1 primary care doctor per 1,400 residents. Despite robust hospital networks, healthcare access disparities persist for lower-income and minority populations.