Reading
Aerial view of the downtown and railway station of Reading, Berkshire, UK
Reading (RG) Postcode Area
Reading: Historic market town, bustling shopping district, picturesque riverside, vibrant cultural scene, and convenient transport links to London. A town with a blend of heritage, commerce, and creativity in Berkshire.
Reading Postcode Area includes:
Reading, Henley On Thames, Bracknell, Newbury, Hungerford, Thatcham, Basingstoke, Tadley, Hook, Whitchurch, Wokingham, Crowthorne.
Discover everything you need to know about Reading with PostcodeArea. Scroll down to uncover demographics, property prices, crime stats, amenities and more.
Most Desirable Postcodes
Here are the top 10 most desirable postcode areas in Reading (RG), based on a unique scoring system that weighs key factors like safety, schools, diversity, and affordability.
Whether you're a renter, homebuyer, or property investor, this tool lets you customise the score to focus on what matters most to you, helping you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
How are Desirability Scores calculated?
Our custom algorithm calculates a unique "Desirability Score" for any UK postcode by analysing a range of factors - including Census 2021 data, third-party insights, and socio-economic knowledge, to provide a tailored rating.
Explain more
Primary Industries
What makes Reading tick? Find out with this list of the four dominant industries shaping the business landscape in this area.
Professional & Scientific
Reading has a large proportion of professional and scientific businesses, which makes it a hub for specialised industries like law firms, consulting agencies, tech companies, or research labs. This suggests a high level of expertise and innovation, attracting professionals such as engineers, scientists, lawyers, and consultants. The Reading area might have a more polished, business-focused atmosphere, with modern offices and co-working spaces. It's often well-connected, with good transport links and amenities to support a skilled workforce. Property prices could be higher, as these areas tend to attract well-paid professionals. It might not be the most vibrant or social place, but it will have a reputation for being smart, efficient, and future-focused.
Construction
Reading has a strong presence of construction businesses, which usually means there's a lot of building going on - whether it's new homes, commercial spaces, or infrastructure. This can be a good sign that the Reading area is growing and attracting investment. It could also mean there's a strong local economy, with plenty of work available for builders and tradespeople. On the flip side, it might suggest there's a fair bit of property in need of repair or updating. Either way, it tells you the Reading area is pretty active and could be on the up.
Information & Communication
Reading has a large percentage of Information & Communication businesses, making it a tech-savvy, modern, and highly connected place. These industries include IT services, telecommunications, media, and software development companies, so the area might have a strong digital infrastructure and attract tech professionals, creatives, and innovators. It suggests the Reading area is dynamic and forward-thinking, often with a mix of startups and established firms working in cutting-edge fields like software, digital marketing, or broadcasting. You'll likely find a lot of modern office spaces, co-working hubs, and good transport links to support these businesses. The vibe could feel energetic and entrepreneurial, but also professional, with a focus on innovation and staying connected.
Business Administration
If a postcode area such as RG has a lot of business administration services, such as accounting firms, HR consultancies, and management services, it's likely a centre for corporate and operational support. These businesses help other companies run smoothly, so the area might be more business-centric, attracting professionals like administrators, accountants, and consultants. The local economy could be quite strong, driven by a steady demand for services that keep companies ticking over. It's not necessarily the most exciting or creative environment, but it would be efficient, organised, and perhaps well-connected with reliable transport links. You'd expect to see a lot of office spaces in Reading and maybe even shared workspaces catering to small and medium-sized businesses. The area could feel more formal and professional, with less of a residential or leisure focus.
Data showing the activity, size and location is from the Inter Departmental Business Register 2024, produced by the ONS.
Key Statistics
Reading RG, part of the ceremonial county of Berkshire in England, presents a substantial geographical area with 30 outward codes (the first half of a postcode, e.g. RG 1AA). Its population stands at 860,553 individuals, reflecting a density of 2,215 people per square kilometre. The average household income here is £62,372 , which is 78.2% higher than the average UK median household income (£35,000), indicating a stable economic profile within the region.
Postcode Area
Reading
Total Outward Codes
Postcodes
Population
People
Population Density
People/km2
Average Income
Per household
What's Reading like to live and work in?
Aerial view of the downtown and railway station of Reading, Berkshire, UK
Adobe Stock
Reading, located in Berkshire, has a population of around 230,000. It boasts excellent transport links, including trains to London Paddington in about 25 minutes and easy access to the M4 motorway.
The town's demographics are diverse, featuring a mix of students, young professionals, families, and retirees, partly due to the presence of the University of Reading.
Reading offers a range of amenities, including extensive shopping areas, restaurants, and cultural attractions such as the Reading Museum and the annual Reading Festival.
The town has several well-regarded schools and healthcare facilities, making it family-friendly. Green spaces like Forbury Gardens and Prospect Park provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
This page contains a list of postcode districts for Reading area. Select a postcode to see the map location, demographics, house prices, local information, tourist guides and statistics:
Reading (RG) Postcode Districts
Reading RG postcode area contains 30 postcode districts within its boundary.
Click on an outward postal code (the first half of a postcode, i.e. RG*) to explore information about the area.
House Prices in Reading
How are property price trends?
The ONS (Office for National Statistics) regularly tracks and records average house prices and rents in this area (E06000038). Note that these estimates are based on local authority rather than postcode area. For more information about current house prices, choose an individual postcode below.
Berkshire
The wider county
If you're tiring of your current social circle and think your friends are all a bit 'riff raff' for your liking then where else should you head but Berkshire? Home to Prime Ministers and Royals, bankers and fund managers Berkshire has been turning out young toffs n Tories (as well as the royal family), since the 11th century.
From the world famous college town of Eton and its even more famous public school to Windsor Castle, favourite residence of the Queen, Berkshire is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Great Britain.
Read more about Berkshire
Local Transport
Transport in the RG Postal Area
The RG postal area, covering Reading and surrounding towns, offers a range of transport options to suit various commuting needs. If you're considering moving here, you’ll be pleased to know that the RG area is well connected.
Rail
Reading Station is a major hub with frequent services to London Paddington, taking just around 25 minutes. There are also direct trains to Oxford, Bristol, and further afield, making rail travel a convenient option for both daily commutes and occasional trips.
Air
For air travel, Heathrow Airport is about a 40-minute drive from Reading, or you can hop on a direct RailAir coach service. Gatwick Airport is also accessible via train and car, offering various options for international travel.
Commuting by Car
The M4 motorway runs through the RG area, providing a direct route to London, Bristol, and South Wales. A network of A-roads also ensures easy access to neighbouring towns and villages.
Buses
Local bus services are comprehensive, with Reading Buses and other operators offering routes throughout the area. Whether you're commuting to work or heading out for leisure, there are plentiful options to get around conveniently.
Train Stations
The following railway stations are within the RG postcode region:
Aldermaston Railway Station
Basingstoke Railway Station
Bracknell Railway Station
Bramley (Hampshire) Railway Station
Crowthorne Railway Station
Earley Railway Station
Goring & Streatley Railway Station
Henley-On-Thames Railway Station
Hook Railway Station
Hungerford Railway Station
Kintbury Railway Station
Martins Heron Railway Station
Midgham Railway Station
Mortimer Railway Station
Newbury Railway Station
Newbury Racecourse Railway Station
Overton Railway Station
Pangbourne Railway Station
Reading Railway Station
Reading West Railway Station
Shiplake Railway Station
Thatcham Railway Station
Theale Railway Station
Tilehurst Railway Station
Twyford Railway Station
Wargrave Railway Station
Whitchurch (Hampshire) Railway Station
Winchfield Railway Station
Winnersh Railway Station
Winnersh Triangle Railway Station
Wokingham Railway Station
Local Authorities
RG Postcode area
Local Authorities are government organisations responsible for providing local services and facilities such as education, housing, and social services within a specific area. The RG postcode area includes the following local authorities:
Basingstoke and Deane
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is committed to promoting economic growth and community well-being through strategic planning and the provision of high-quality public services.
Bracknell Forest
Bracknell Forest Council focuses on sustainable urban development and community welfare, providing essential public services to support residents' quality of life.
East Hampshire
East Hampshire District Council strives to enhance community well-being and economic vitality through sustainable development and the delivery of effective public services.
+ 10 more
East Hampshire
Hart
Reading
South Oxfordshire
Test Valley
Vale of White Horse
West Berkshire
Wiltshire
Windsor and Maidenhead
Wokingham
Wycombe
View all Local AuthoritiesGDP (Gross Domestic Product)
Economic Output
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) measures the total economic output of a country, region, or Local Authority. It tells us how much money is being made within a particular area. This includes everything from a business selling cars or consumers getting their hair cut.
This list of the Local Authorities within the Reading (RG) postcode town gives us a snapshot of how much money is being generated at current market prices, based on what people are spending and earning. It's an important way to understand the economic health and activity levels across the UK.
For comparison purposes, we've included the top and bottom two local authorities across the UK in terms of GDP.
Local Authority
GDP (£)
GDP trends over time
The graph below shows the total GDP values for all Local Authorities within the Reading (RG) area:
When we talk about GDP at current market prices, we're looking at the total value of all goods and services produced in an area, but the key bit here is "current market prices." This means it includes the value of goods and services as they're bought and sold right now, without adjusting for inflation or changes in prices over time.
So, for example a figure of £1,350 GDP means that, on average, each person within an area contributes this amount to the UK economy each year.
Republished from the ONS regional gross domestic product: local authorities under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Latest available data: April 2022.
Education
Highest Rated Schools in RG
As rated by Ofsted
- Compton C.E. Primary School
School Road, Newbury, RG20 6QU
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Crowthorne Church of England Primary School
Duke's Ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6ND
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Enborne C.E. Primary School
Enborne, Newbury, RG20 0JU
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior School
Belle Vue Road, Basingstoke, RG24 7DE
Primary School (7-11)Outstanding - Theale C.E. Primary School
Englefield Road, Reading, RG7 5AS
Primary School (3-11)Outstanding - Maiden Erlegh School
Silverdale Rd, Reading, RG6 7HS
Secondary School (11-18)Outstanding - St Paul's CofE Junior School
Oxford Road, Wokingham, RG41 2YJ
Primary School (7-11)Outstanding - King's Academy Oakwood
Chiltern View, Bracknell, RG42 4FY
Primary School (4-11)Outstanding - Priors Court School
Prior's Court Road, Thatcham, RG18 9NU
Secondary School (5-20)Outstanding - Kennet School
Stoney Lane, Thatcham, RG19 4LL
Secondary School (11-18)Outstanding
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