Reading

Reading RG2 Postcode Insights

The RG1 postcode is located within the Borough of Reading in the English county of Berkshire.

It is one of six postcode areas which cover the Borough of Reading, with the others being RG2, RG3, RG4, RG5, and RG6.

The area consists of the central parts of Reading town including the Oracle Shopping Centre, the University of Reading and Broad Street.

It also encompasses a number of residential areas such as Caversham, East Reading, Katesgrove, Newtown, Park, Southcote and Whitley Wood.RG1 is located in the north-west corner of the Borough of Reading and is conveniently located along the Reading mainline railway line for easy access to the city's urban centre.

The postcode is home to major shopping centres, businesses, schools and universities.

The Oracle Shopping Centre is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike and has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.

Reading University is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK and is situated within the RG1 postcode area.

In terms of housing, the RG1 postcode area is comprised of a mixture of traditional town and suburban housing, in particular terraced and semi-detached properties, as well as more exclusive residential areas such as the gated estate between Wokingham Road and Whitley.

The area is home to a number of parks and open spaces, including Prospect Park, Palmer Park, Rivermead Leisure Complex and the Reading Riverside Walk.

Other amenities in the area include the Royal Berkshire Hospital and South Reading Leisure Centre, offering a variety of sports and leisure facilities.

The Museum of Reading and The Hexagon theatre are also located within the RG1 postcode area, as well as a number of churches and places of worship.

The area is known for the Reading Festival, a large music festival which is held each summer in the area.

RG1 is also home to a number of independent retailers and eateries, in addition to larger supermarkets and national chains.

It is a vibrant, diverse area with excellent transport links to the rest of Reading and the wider region.

Miscellaneous

RG2 is home to a variety of amenities, including parks, shopping centres, and cultural events, such as the East Reading Festival. The presence of educational institutions, including the University of Reading, adds to the area's appeal. With a mix of residential options, good transport links, and a vibrant community, RG2 presents an attractive option for potential residents.

Deprivation

The age distribution in our postcode area offers a snapshot of its population composition, highlighting trends and diversity across different age groups.

Households by Deprivation Dimension

"Households by Deprivation Dimension" in the Census 2021 looks at how many households are deprived in one or more areas such as employment, education, health, or housing. It measures how many of these basic needs aren't fully met within a household, highlighting different levels of disadvantage.

Zero deprivation

38.1%

1 dimension

35.7%

2 dimensions

19.1%

3 dimensions

6.5%

4 dimensions

0.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Reading Rg2 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape of RG2 reveals a community with a range of occupations. About 17.6% of residents work in higher managerial and professional roles, while 22% are in lower managerial positions. The area also has a notable percentage of residents in routine occupations (10.6%) and those who have never worked (5.9%). This diversity in employment reflects the area's accessibility to various job sectors.

Income Levels

The average salary in RG2 is £35,986, which is significantly higher than the UK average of £29,669. This higher income level may contribute to the area's robust housing market and general quality of life, allowing residents to enjoy a wide range of amenities and services.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

5%

of the RG2 population

Occupation

"Occupation" in the Census 2021 refers to the type of job a person does, including their role or profession. It categorises people based on the kind of work they perform, such as being a manager, skilled tradesperson, machine operative etc, helping to understand the workforce's makeup.

Managers, directors and senior officials

9%

Professional occupations

19.1%

Associate professional and technical occupations

10.1%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

6.9%

Skilled trades occupations

8.3%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

11.8%

Sales and customer service occupations

9.4%

Process, plant and machine operatives

7.6%

Elementary occupations

17.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Hours Worked

"Hours Worked" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of hours a person usually works each week in their job. It includes categories like full-time (usually 31 or more hours) and part-time (less than 31 hours), helping to understand work patterns in the population.

Part time

30.1%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

12%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

18.1%

Full time

69.9%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

61.1%

Full time (49+ hrs)

8.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 5% of the population of Reading RG2 aged 16 or older who were listed as being unemployed on Census Day (21st March 2021) by whether and when they were last empllyed.

Unemployed (less than 1 yr)

19.5%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

47.5%

Unemployed (never worked)

33%

 Line shows UK average.

Economic Activity Status

"Economic Activity Status" in the Census 2021 refers to whether people are working, looking for work, studying, retired, or otherwise not in the workforce. It shows who is employed, unemployed, self-employed, a student, retired, or unable to work, giving insight into the economic engagement of the population.

Economically active (exc students)

64.7%

Economically active (inc students)

3.8%

Retired

14%

Student

6.7%

Looking after home/family

4.5%

Sick or disabled

2.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Reading (RG2) district who have previously served in the UK Armed Forces. Note that the data excludes people who were currently serving in the UK armed forces on Census Day, 21st March 2021.

Previously served

64.7%

Reserve forces

61.1%

Reserve + regular forces

53.5%

Never served

12.1%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Reading RG2, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

10.6%

Lower Managerial

13.7%

Intermediate Occupations

8.5%

Small Employers

7.5%

Lower Supervisory

4.8%

Semi Routine

11.3%

Routine

13.9%

Unemployed

8.9%

Full Time Students

20.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Reading RG2 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

The average house price in RG2 is £400,830, which is higher than the UK average of £288,000. This indicates a competitive housing market, likely driven by the area's amenities and transport links. Potential homebuyers should consider their budget in relation to the average salary of £35,986 in the area.

Housing and Property Types

In RG2, the housing market is diverse, with 39.8% of homes being 3-bed houses, followed by 24.2% for 2-bed houses and 26.6% for 4+ bed houses. Property types include 27.3% detached houses, 28.1% semi-detached, 26.6% terraced houses, and 14.8% flats. This variety caters to different family sizes and preferences, making it an attractive area for homebuyers.

Tenure of Homes

The tenure of homes in RG2 shows a mix of ownership and rental options. Approximately 28.9% of homes are owned outright, while 34.4% are mortgaged. Social renting accounts for 18.8% of the housing stock, and 16.4% of homes are privately rented. This mix indicates a balanced housing market, appealing to both buyers and renters.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Reading (RG2).

Detached

10.1%

Semi-Detached

32.6%

Terraced

28.3%

Flats

21.7%

Bedsits

3.9%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Reading (RG2), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Reading.

1 Bedroom

15.4%

2 Bedrooms

29.3%

3 Bedrooms

41%

4+ Bedrooms

14.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Reading RG2 area. A room can be any room in a house apart from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, halls/landings/conservatories and rooms used for storage.

1 room

3%

2 rooms

12%

3 rooms

21.2%

4 rooms

28.7%

5 rooms

25.1%

6 rooms

4.8%

7 rooms

2.7%

8 rooms

1.4%

9+ rooms

1.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Reading (RG2) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

23.9%

Mortgaged

22.3%

Shared Ownership

0.8%

Rented

24.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Reading (RG2) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

28.6%

3 People

27%

4 People

16.3%

5 People

14.5%

6 People

7.6%

7 People

3.3%

8 People

1.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)

"Occupancy Rating (Bedrooms)" in the Census 2021 measures whether a household has more, fewer, or just the right number of bedrooms compared to what's needed for the number of people living there. A positive rating means extra bedrooms, zero means just enough, and a negative rating can indicate overcrowding.

Occupancy: +2 or more

22.5%

Occupancy: +1

27.4%

Occupancy: 0

38.9%

Occupancy: -1

8.6%

Occupancy: -2 or less

2.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Second Address Indicator

"Second Address Indicator" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a person has another address where they regularly stay, apart from their main home. This could include a second home, a place they stay for work, or a partner's home, indicating how people split their time between different locations.

No second address

90.7%

Second address in the UK

7.1%

Second address outside UK

2.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Car or Van Availability

"Car or Van Availability" in the Census 2021 refers to the number of cars or vans available for use by members of a household. It indicates whether a household has access to one or more vehicles, or none at all, providing insight into transport options and dependency on personal vehicles.

No cars or vans

28.8%

1 car or van

43.6%

2 cars or vans

20.8%

3+ cars or vans

6.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Central Heating

"Central Heating" in the Census 2021 refers to whether a household has a central heating system and what type it is, such as gas, electric, or another source. It shows how homes are heated, indicating the comfort and energy efficiency of the housing.

No central heating

2.5%

Mains gas only

70.4%

Tank or bottled gas only

3.1%

Electric only

13.1%

Oil only

0.6%

Wood only

0%

Solid fuel only

0%

Renewable energy only

0.1%

District/communal network

0.5%

Other

1%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

8.2%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

0.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Reading RG2 area are pivotal aspects that shape the development and future prospects of our community's young residents.

Highest Level of Qualification

"Highest Level of Qualification" in the Census 2021 refers to the most advanced qualification or degree a person has achieved. It ranges from no qualifications to advanced degrees like a master's or doctorate, helping to show the education level of the population.

No qualifications

20.7%

Level 1 and entry level

10.5%

Level 2 qualifications

11.3%

Apprenticeship

4.1%

Level 3 qualifications

20%

Level 4 and above

30.2%

 Line shows UK average.

School children & students

"Schoolchildren and Full-Time Students" in the Census 2021 refers to individuals who are either attending school or studying full-time at a college or university. This category includes young people in education and adults who are pursuing full-time studies.

Students

26.2%

Not a student

73.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Reading RG2 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Reading (RG2) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

0.9%

Chinese

2.8%

Indian

7.4%

Pakistani

5%

African

6.1%

Mixed or Multiple

4.3%

White

63.4%

Arab

1%

Other

2.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in RG2 was born, regardless of their current nationality or where they live when the census took place. It refers to the country in which they were born.

United Kingdom

63.9%

EU countries

12.3%

Non-EU countries

1.9%

Africa

4.7%

Middle East and Asia

14.7%

Americas and the Caribbean

2.1%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.2%

British Overseas

0.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Length of Residence

"Length of residence" in the Census 2021 refers to the total amount of time a person born outside the UK has lived in the UK. It helps understand how long immigrants have been living in the country, whether continuously or in total over multiple periods.

Born in the UK

66%

10 yrs +

16.9%

5 - 10 yrs

6.3%

2 - 5 yrs

5.3%

Less than 2 yrs

5.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Year of Arrival

"Year of arrival" in the Census 2021 refers to the year when someone who wasn't born in the UK first came to live in the UK. It helps track when people who were born abroad started living in the country.

Born in the UK

63.2%

Arrived before 1951

0.1%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.3%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

0.9%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.9%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

1%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

3.2%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

10.8%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

3.3%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

5.2%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

6.5%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

4.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in RG2 have. This shows the countries or nations where they have citizenship or the right to travel freely. It could include passports from the UK, other countries, or multiple countries.

No passport

0%

United Kingdom

57.2%

Ireland

0.9%

Other Europe

20.5%

Africa

2.3%

Middle East and Asia

0.6%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.4%

British Overseas Territories

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Age of Arrival in the UK

"Age of Arrival in the UK" in the Census 2021 indicates how old a person was when they first came to live in the UK if they were born in another country. It helps to understand at what stage of life they moved to the UK.

Born in the UK

62.2%

Aged 0 to 4 years

3.2%

Aged 5 to 7 years

1.7%

Aged 8 to 9 years

1%

Aged 10 to 14 years

2.7%

Aged 15 years

0.4%

Aged 16 to 17 years

1.7%

Aged 18 to 19 years

2.5%

Aged 20 to 24 years

6.9%

Aged 25 to 29 years

6.3%

Aged 30 to 44 years

8.5%

Aged 45 to 59 years

1.9%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0.4%

Aged 65 to 74 years

0.4%

Aged 75 to 84 years

0.1%

Aged 85 to 89 years

0%

Aged 90 years and over

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Income

Income in Reading RG2 provides a crucial insight into economic dynamics, reflecting earning levels and financial well-being among residents. Understanding income distribution is key to addressing economic disparities and shaping community initiatives.

Health

Health in the Reading RG2 postcode sector is a vital indicator of well-being, reflecting the overall physical and mental health of our community members.

General Health

"General Health" in the Census 2021 is a self-assessment where people rate their overall health as very good, good, fair, bad, or very bad. It provides a snapshot of how people perceive their physical and mental well-being.

Very good health

48.2%

Good health

34.8%

Fair health

12.3%

Bad health

3.7%

Very bad health

1%

 Line shows UK average.

Disabilities

"Disabilities (TS038)" in the Census 2021 refers to data collected about whether a person has a disability or health condition that limits their day-to-day activities. It includes whether these limitations are substantial and long-term, helping to understand the prevalence and impact of disabilities within the population.

Disabled

16%

Disabled (limited a lot)

6.1%

Disabled (limited a little)

9.9%

Not disabled

84%

Not disabled (long term condition)

5.9%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

78.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Reading RG2 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

Car ownership in RG2 is notably high, with an average of 2.42 cars per household, compared to the UK average of 1.4. This suggests that residents may prefer personal vehicles for commuting and leisure. The area benefits from excellent transport links, including the Earley and Reading West railway stations, providing easy access to Reading town centre and connections to London and beyond.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Reading (RG2), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

28.8%

1 Car

43.6%

2 Cars

20.8%

3+ Cars

6.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Method of Travel

"Method of travel" in the Census 2021 refers to how people usually get to work. It includes options like walking, driving, taking the bus, cycling, or using the train. This table describes resident's main mode of transport when commuting.

Work mainly at or from home

27.9%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.1%

Train

2.2%

Bus, minibus or coach

9.1%

Taxi

0.4%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.5%

Driving a car or van

36.6%

Passenger in a car or van

3.7%

Bicycle

3.6%

On foot

14.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Reading (RG2) usually travel from home to their workplace. It measures the length of their commute, whether it's a short walk or a long drive, helping to understand commuting patterns.

Less than 2km

19.1%

2km to less than 5km

17.5%

5km to less than 10km

7.1%

10km to less than 20km

5.5%

20km to less than 30km

3.6%

30km to less than 40km

1.6%

40km to less than 60km

1.9%

60km and over

1.8%

Works mainly from home

27.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Reading RG2 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

In terms of safety, RG2 has a crime rank of 15316 out of 32482 areas, indicating a relatively safe environment, with lower rankings being better. This factor is often crucial for families and individuals looking for a secure place to live.

Crime statistics coming soon.