Reading is located in southeastern Pennsylvania at coordinates 40°20′30′′N N 75°55′35′′W W, positioned approximately 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers a total area of 10.1 square miles, consisting of 9.8 square miles of land and 0.2 square miles of water (2.39%).
Prominent geographic features define the city’s natural boundaries. The Schuylkill River forms Reading’s western boundary, Mount Penn establishes the eastern border, and Neversink Mountain creates the southern boundary. These natural landmarks define the city’s limits and contribute to its scenic character and recreational opportunities.
Reading sits within the Reading Prong, a mountain range that extends northeast into New Jersey. This geological formation is associated with naturally occurring radon gas, though Reading homes are not disproportionately affected compared to other areas in the region.
The surrounding Berks County landscape is characterized by many family-owned farms, reflecting the area’s strong agricultural heritage and contributing to the region’s rural-urban blend.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, Reading had a population of 95,112 residents. The city’s demographic composition reflects significant diversity:
- 68.9% Hispanic or Latino
- 18.9% Non-Hispanic White
- 8.5% Non-Hispanic Black
- 0.7% Asian
- 0.1% Native American or Pacific Islander
- 2.9% Mixed race or other ethnicities
Household Characteristics
Based on census data, Reading contained 30,113 households with the following characteristics:
- 33.7% had children under 18 living at home
- 34.4% were married couples living together
- 20.2% had a female householder without a husband present
- 38.8% were non-family households
- 31.7% consisted of individuals living alone
- 12.4% included someone 65 years of age or older
The average household size was 2.63 people, while the average family size was 3.33.
Age Distribution
Reading’s population shows a relatively young demographic profile:
- 29.9% under 18 years old
- 11.7% between 18 and 24 years old
- 28.9% between 25 and 44 years old
- 17.0% between 45 and 64 years old
- 12.4% 65 years old and older
The median age was 31 years. The gender distribution showed 93.3 males for every 100 females overall, and 88.5 males for every 100 females aged 18 and older.
