Reading ZIP Codes — Hillsdale County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Reading, Michigan and it is 49274. Area code: 517.

ZIP codes

61.66

sq mi land

0.84

sq mi water

517

area code

Reading, MI ZIP code map

About Reading, MI

Reading is a quaint city located in Hillsdale County in the state of Michigan, known for its picturesque landscape and close-knit community. With only one ZIP code, 49274, it serves as a charming hub for its residents and visitors alike. The city's welcoming atmosphere and commitment to preserving its local culture make it a delightful place to explore.

Location & geography

Reading sits in the south-central part of Michigan, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful natural scenery. It is conveniently located near several cities, including Hillsdale, approximately 12 miles to the northeast, Coldwater, about 17 miles to the south, and Jonesville, roughly 7 miles to the north. The total land area of Reading is 61.66 square miles, complemented by a water area of 0.84 square miles, making it a spacious locale for both land and recreational water activities.

Community & economy

The character of Reading is defined by its friendly residents and an engaging community spirit. A mix of agriculture and small local businesses characterizes the local economy, contributing to a vibrant daily life. The close-knit community often gathers for local events, festivals, and farmers markets, enhancing the town's communal bonds.

Transportation

Reading is accessible via several major highways, with U.S. Route 12 running through the city and providing connections to nearby towns and cities. The nearest named airport is the Branch County Memorial Airport, located about 20 miles south, which accommodates general aviation traffic. Public transportation options are limited, reinforcing the need for personal vehicles in this rural setting.

History

Reading was founded in the mid-19th century, benefiting from the area's rich agricultural landscape. Key industries have historically included farming and local manufacturing, which played a significant role in shaping the community's identity. Notable events in the city's history include the establishment of local fairs and agricultural shows that celebrate the region's farming heritage.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Reading is that it hosts the annual Reading Michigan Bluegrass Festival, a popular regional event that attracts music lovers from across the state. Additionally, the city is known for its beautiful parks, which offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, including fishing and hiking.

ZIP codes for Reading, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
49274	Reading	Hillsdale	View map

Demographics & statistics

3,727

Population

41.1

Median age

$55,333

Median household income

$28,196

Per capita income

$158,800

Median home value

$761

Median monthly rent

80.1%

Home ownership

23.6%

Poverty rate

2.5%

Unemployment

1,638

Housing units

20.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

140

Under 5

142

175

5–9

178

102

10–14

103

15–19

20–24

205

25–34

209

210

35–44

214

205

45–54

209

153

55–59

155

167

60–64

169

249

65–74

253

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	954	25.6%
18 and over	2,773	74.4%
65 and over	700	18.8%
Median age	41.1 years

Race & ethnicity

White 95.7%

Two or more races 1.9%

Hispanic or Latino 1.4%

Asian 0.4%

Black or African American 0.3%

Other race 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	3,619	95.7%
Two or more races	71	1.9%
Hispanic or Latino	53	1.4%
Asian	17	0.4%
Black or African American	10	0.3%
Other race	10	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 3.5%

$10k–$15k 7.3%

$15k–$25k 8.5%

$25k–$35k 8.9%

$35k–$50k 16.1%

$50k–$75k 20.4%

$75k–$100k 12.3%

$100k–$150k 14.2%

$150k–$200k 6.0%

$200k+ 2.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.5%
$10k–$15k	7.3%
$15k–$25k	8.5%
$25k–$35k	8.9%
$35k–$50k	16.1%
$50k–$75k	20.4%
$75k–$100k	12.3%
$100k–$150k	14.2%
$150k–$200k	6.0%
$200k+	2.7%
Median income	$55,333

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 7.5%

$50k–$100k 22.1%

$100k–$150k 16.6%

$150k–$200k 14.4%

$200k–$300k 22.0%

$300k–$500k 13.4%

$500k–$1M 3.8%

$1M+ 0.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$158,800
Median rent / month	$761
Owner occupied	80.1%
Renter occupied	19.9%
Vacant	25.5%
Single-family detached	87.2%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	9.5%
Median rooms	6.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.60

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	2.8%
2000–2009	13.5%
1990–1999	12.0%
1980–1989	7.7%
1970–1979	14.7%
1960–1969	9.5%
1950–1959	5.8%
1940–1949	7.5%
1939 or earlier	26.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.4%
1 bedroom	5.1%
2 bedrooms	25.7%
3 bedrooms	43.7%
4 bedrooms	20.4%
5+ bedrooms	4.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	9.3%
1 vehicle	28.3%
2 vehicles	41.1%
3 or more	21.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	24.5%
Electricity	6.3%
Propane / LP gas	50.6%
Fuel oil	4.0%
Wood	12.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	728	50.8%
Cohabiting couple	107	7.5%
Male householder, no spouse	313	21.8%
Female householder, no spouse	286	19.9%
Households with children under 18	356	24.8%
Households with seniors (65+)	485	33.8%
Average household size	2.59

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	27.4%	24.2%
Married	54.1%	51.2%
Separated	0.8%	0.8%
Widowed	2.4%	9.1%
Divorced	15.4%	14.6%

Education

Less than 9th grade 8.7%

Some HS, no diploma 3.9%

HS graduate 35.4%

Some college, no degree 23.8%

Associate's degree 8.2%

Bachelor's degree 14.0%

Graduate / professional 6.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	87.4%
Bachelor's or higher	20.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	32	4.8%
Kindergarten	37	5.5%
Elementary school	363	53.9%
High school	143	21.2%
College / grad school	98	14.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 24.2%

Education & healthcare 24.0%

Retail trade 10.8%

Construction 8.1%

Professional & management 5.3%

Public administration 5.2%

Agriculture & mining 4.9%

Transportation & utilities 4.9%

Other services 4.1%

Finance & real estate 2.9%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.8%

Wholesale trade 1.6%

Information 1.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	26.1%
Service	11.3%
Sales & office	21.8%
Natural resources & construction	14.5%
Production & transportation	26.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	73.4%
Government	14.1%
Self-employed	12.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.2%
Carpool	7.7%
Public transit	0.1%
Walk	1.4%
Other means	2.2%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.2

Poverty

All people 23.6%

Under 18 years 49.6%

18 and over 15.0%

Married-couple families 11.0%

Female-led households 39.6%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	35.1%
Retirement income	29.1%
Supplemental Security	5.8%
Cash public assistance	1.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	7.9%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.5%
High cholesterol	36.2%
Heart disease	7.9%
Stroke	3.7%
Asthma	11.4%
Arthritis	32.5%
Kidney disease	3.3%
Pulmonary disease	9.7%
Cancer	7.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	17.8%
No physical activity	23.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	35.8%
Fair or poor health	17.1%
Poor mental health	16.9%
Poor physical health	12.7%
No health insurance	10.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.9%
Visited dentist	65.6%
Cholesterol screening	90.7%
Teeth loss	15.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	322	11.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.8%
Under 18	1.8%
18–64 years	12.4%
65 and over	29.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	60.6%
Public insurance	37.2%
Uninsured under 19	40.7%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	3,445	92.4%
Spanish	221	6.4%
Other Indo-European	7	0.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	214	6.2%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	3,683	98.8%
Born in same state	3,672	98.5%
Born in different state	2,848	76.4%
Foreign born	11	0.3%
Naturalized citizen	44	1.2%
Not a US citizen	34	77.3%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	445	11.9%
Italian	290	7.8%
Arab	231	6.2%
English	71	1.9%
Norwegian	22	0.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	13	0.3%
Irish	13	0.3%
Dutch	13	0.3%
Polish	5	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	38.5%
Internet access	85.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Reading, MI have?

Reading, MI has one ZIP code: 49274. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.