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City Report · OH

Reading

Pop. 10,502·114th most expensive in Ohio·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,060/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.1%
Month-over-Month
-4.9%
vs US Median
-$902
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Reading · $1,060
More affordable than 96% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
50/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Reading's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,060/mo
Expected by trend
$1,059/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Reading's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$879
1 BR
$821
2 BR
$1,033
3 BR
$1,187
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,033/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,060 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$12,720/yr
At $1,060/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 4.1% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.1% YoY, -4.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Reading, OH is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 24.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
10,502
Median income
$61,866
Median age
45.3
Renters
41.5%
Age distribution
17.8%
21.4%
21.9%
20%
18.9%
Under 1817.8%
18–3421.4%
35–5421.9%
55–6420%
65+18.9%
Gender
47.2%
52.8%
Male47.2%
Female52.8%
Race & ethnicity
79%
White79%
Black9.3%
Hispanic3.7%
Asian0.9%
Other7.1%
Education (25+)
39%
29.4%
24.5%
No HS diploma7.1%
HS diploma39%
Some college29.4%
Bachelor's+24.5%
Housing tenure
58.5%
41.5%
Owner58.5%
Renter41.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Reading, OH has changed in 5 years

Rent
$985 → $1,060
up 7.6%
Income
$56,929 → $61,866
up 8.7%
Population
10,525 → 10,502
down 0.2%
Renter share
39.6% → 41.5%
+1.9 pts
Bachelor's+
22.6% → 24.5%
+1.9 pts
Median age
44.4 → 45.3
+0.9 yrs

The median rent in Reading, OH stood at $985 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,060, reflecting a 7.6% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Reading, OH now reports about $61,866, up from $56,929 in 2021. Renters now make up 41.5% of households, compared with 39.6% five years ago. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Reading, OH reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Reading rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Reading on your salary?

At $1,060/mo, how Reading rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Reading rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Reading. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Reading

About renting in Reading, OH

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Reading is $1,060/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $879/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,033/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $821/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,187/mo.

At 21% of local median household income ($61,866/yr), Reading ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Reading an affordable city for renters?

Reading is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,060/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($61,866/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Reading falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Reading?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $42,000/year (~$20/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,060/mo in Reading. The local median household income is $61,866/yr, meaning the typical Reading household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Reading?

Rent in Reading has increased 4.1% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Reading rent compare to other cities in Ohio?

Reading is one of the more affordable cities in Ohio for rent, ranking #114 out of 124 tracked cities at $1,060/mo.

What percentage of Reading residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.5% of Reading households are renters, while 58.5% are owner-occupied. Reading leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Reading rent compare to the national average?

Reading's median rent of $1,060/mo is $902 (46%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Ohio, it ranks #114 out of 124 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,060/mo, rent takes ~21% of Reading's median household income ($61,866/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Reading 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.75–3.5%
Run the Reading affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Reading, OH

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