Reading, Massachusetts

Reading, Massachusetts

Reading, Massachusetts, in Middlesex county, is 7 miles N of Malden, Massachusetts (center to center) and 11 miles N of Boston, Massachusetts. The town is part of the Boston metropolitan statistical area (MSA). About 23,708 people people live in Reading.

The People and Families of Reading

In Reading, about 63% of adults are married. Homes in Reading tend to contain married couples.

Wealth and Education

In 2000, Reading had a median family income of $89,076. Overall, families in Reading are likely to be financially secure. Not many of the people of the town are below middle class. Reading does not have a large underclass. It turns out that people in the town tend to be educated, and a lot of them are college grads. It turns out that Reading is home to a lot of successful single people.

Political Inclinations

In 2004, John Kerry garnered more political contributions ($27,100) in Reading than did the other Presidential candidates. The Democratic party was the top fund-raiser among political parties in the town.

Crime and Safety

Residents of Reading enjoy its low crime rate.

Reading Housing

Of the houses, apartments, etc. in Reading, about 82% are lived in by their owners, not renters. The average year in which most residences in the town were built is earlier than in most places. The average property tax bill in Reading is higher than that of most other communities in Massachusetts.

Commuting

In Reading, 89% of commuters drive to work. One alternative to driving in the town is the public transportation system.

High Points

Reading strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Massachusetts):

Category	Trophy
Low Property Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 3%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. Peers)	Top 6%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Median Family Income (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
Low Rate of Poverty (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
College Educated Adults (vs. Peers)	Top 10%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 13%
Low Violent Crime (vs. Peers)	Top 14%

Comparative Profile of Reading, MA

Comparing Reading to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Massachusetts (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Female Share of the Population
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty
Median Family Income
College Educated Adults

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Housing Recently Built
Affordability of Property Taxes
Seasonal and Vacation Housing

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Reading Almanac

Reading Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Reading Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Reading residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Nearby Cities and Towns

Starbucks in Reading

Reading High Schools (2004)

READING MEMORIAL HIGH
62 OAKLAND RD
781-944-8200
Serves 1,241 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.5

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