Reading, Massachusetts Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Reading, Massachusetts is 25,448 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 63rd-largest city in Massachusetts. The median household income is $163,725, the median home value is $741,100, and the median age is 44.1.
25,448
Population
2551
People / sq mi
$163,725
Median Income
$741,100
Median Home Value
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Reading covers 10.0 sq mi of land at 2551 people per square mile.
About Reading, MA
Among US cities, Reading stands out first on household income: a median of $163,725, above the US median of $78,538. With 25,448 residents, Reading is a city in Massachusetts.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $163,725, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US cities: a poverty rate of just 1.8%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $741,100, with typical rent around $1,722.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US cities — 65.1% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 27.7% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Reading firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US cities — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$163,725
Median Household Income
$71,474
Per Capita Income
1.8%
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$741,100
Median Home Value
$1,722
Median Rent
83.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.2%
High School+
65.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
5.1%
Drive Alone
59.6%
Public Transit
27.7%
Work From Home
30.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
18.4%
Foreign Born
88.7%
Non-English at Home
5.6%
Veterans
8.6%
With Disability
98.0%
Health Insurance
95.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 19.7% |
| Information | 11.4% |
| Manufacturing | 10.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 5.1% |
| Public Administration | 4.9% |
| Construction | 4.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 3.3% |
| Retail Trade | 2.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Massachusetts
Largest counties in Massachusetts
Part of Massachusetts
Metro areas in Massachusetts
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Reading, Massachusetts has a population of 25,448 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 63rd-largest city in Massachusetts.
The median household income in Reading, Massachusetts is $163,725, with 1.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Reading, Massachusetts is $741,100, with median monthly rent at $1,722 and a homeownership rate of 83.1%.
The median age in Reading, Massachusetts is 44.1 years. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
Where to stay in Reading
Visiting or relocating to Reading, MA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Massachusetts
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.