Chester, PA vs Reading, PA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Reading
74.9
#536 nationally
Reading leads in crime level (9.2 vs 22.8). Reading leads in walk score (72 vs 60). Chester leads in average commute (21.7 min vs 24.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 94,903 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $268,328 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $42,852 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 24.3 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 72 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 9.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | R+12.2 |
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Score
Chester, PA
Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal
Population
33,595
Crime
High
Walk Score
60
Median Income
$39,193
Northeast
View Chester, PA →
C
74.9 Score
Reading, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$268,328
Population
94,903
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
72
Northeast
View Reading, PA →