Reading, PA local economy

Reading, PA ranks in the 24th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum flat over the past 12 months.

New business applications or registrations was 4,256 in January 2025, up 7.4% from January 2024. Dwelling units authorized by permit was 109 in July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How does Reading, PA rank among United States metros?

Reading, PA ranks in the 24th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum flat over the past 12 months.

What is the new business applications or registrations in Reading, PA?

New business applications or registrations in Reading, PA was 4,256 in January 2025.

What is the dwelling units authorized by permit in Reading, PA?

Dwelling units authorized by permit in Reading, PA was 109 in July 2026.

What is the payrolled or covered employment in Reading, PA?

Payrolled or covered employment in Reading, PA was 172,669 in January 2026.

Nearby and related

• United States overview
• Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY
• York-Hanover, PA
• Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
• Yuma, AZ
• Goldsboro, NC
• Kokomo, IN
• Chambersburg, PA
• Springfield, MA
• Longview, TX
• Providence-Warwick, RI-MA

Sources and methodology

• U.S. Census Bureau — Business Formation Statistics (BFS)
• U.S. Census Bureau — Building Permits Survey (BPS), CBSA monthly
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), national all-industry

Method: 2026.09. Updated 2026-09-10. Coverage: 100% of weighted components available.

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