Reading, PA vs Shelby, NC
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
Shelby
70.8
#1062 nationally
Reading leads in crime level (9.2 vs 28.6). Reading leads in walk score (72 vs 28). Shelby leads in average commute (22.4 min vs 24.3 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Reading, PA | Shelby, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.9 (#536) | 70.8 (#1062) |
| Population | 94,903 | 22,010 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $268,328 | $214,559 |
| Median Household Income | $42,852 | $46,176 |
| Average Commute | 24.3 min | 22.4 min |
| Walk Score | 72 | 28 |
| Crime Level | 9.2 | 28.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 90 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+12.2 | R+35.0 |
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 →
C-
70.8 Score
Shelby, NC
Small North Carolina city with local appeal
Median Home
$214,559
Population
22,010
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
28
Southeast
View Shelby, NC →