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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Reading

Affordable Housing in Reading, PA

Reading has 29 income-based residential properties with 1,778 total units, giving renters a range of options across the city. With a median market rent of $1,067 per month (Census ACS 5-Year) and a largely renter-occupied housing stock, affordable housing here plays a meaningful role in the local rental market.

29
Properties
1,778
Total units
90/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,067/mo

Affordability in Reading, PA

Reading has a median household income of $44,091 and a median asking rent of $1,067 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 59% of residents renting, demand for affordable housing options in the city is substantial.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
338 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Reading Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 338 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how agencies classify and report incidents.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 80 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Reading

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Reading rates 80 (Very Walkable), meaning most errands can be accomplished on foot. The Bike Score is 55, indicating some biking infrastructure is available. These scores reflect conditions near the income-based and HUD-assisted properties listed on this page.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
32 schools · 5 districts

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 32 public schools across 5 districts serve Reading, including 18 elementary, 9 middle, and 5 high schools. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$44,091 median income

Cost of Living in Reading, PA

The median household income in Reading is $44,091 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median asking rent citywide is $1,067 per month, which means housing costs can take up a significant share of a typical household budget -- making income-restricted housing an important resource here.

With 1,108 income-restricted units across 8 HUD-assisted properties in Reading, renters who qualify for affordable housing programs may find meaningful relief compared to market-rate rents.

  • Median household income: $44,091/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,067/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 59% of occupied units (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Income-restricted units in Reading: 1,108 across 8 properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 8 HUD-assisted properties in Reading were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to HUD flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 90/100(7 of 29 scored)
90+ (4)70–89 (3)No score (22)

29 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 29 affordable apartments in Reading→

Other cities in PA

› Affordable housing in Aliquippa› Allentown income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Altoona› Bethlehem affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Butler› Affordable housing in Erie› Greensburg income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Harrisburg› Lancaster affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Mckeesport› Affordable housing in Meadville› New Castle income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in PA› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Reading, PA

Reading is a predominantly renter household city -- according to Census ACS 5-Year data, 59 percent of households rent, and the median rent sits at $1,067 per month. For renters seeking assisted housing, Lease Lantern has identified 8 HUD-assisted or income-based properties totaling 1,108 units across the city.

Of the 7 properties with inspection scores on file, 4 rated excellent and 3 rated good, with an average score of 90, according to HUD inspection data. None of the 8 mapped properties fall in a high-risk flood zone.

Reading scores 80 (Very Walkable) according to Walk Score, making it relatively easy to get around on foot. The city is served by 32 public schools across 5 districts, including 18 elementary, 9 middle, and 5 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data.

The median household income is $44,091 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The violent crime rate in Reading was 251 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer (Reading Police Department).

Eligibility & how to apply

Pennsylvania income limits (2026)Pennsylvania public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Pennsylvania

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →