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
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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.
Reading Cdp, MA Climate
Reading Cdp, MA has an average annual temperature of 9.5°C (49°F) and receives about 1129 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.5°C
Avg Temp
1129
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 26° | 103 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 85 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 99 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 97 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 89 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 87 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 84 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 87 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 93 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 100 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 105 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 100 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Reading Cdp, MA
The most comfortable months to visit Reading Cdp, MA are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Reading
Visiting or relocating to Reading, MA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Statewide data for Massachusetts
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.