Reading

Reading RG8 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

RG8 is not only known for its picturesque villages and rural charm but also for its vibrant community life. With a range of independent shops, pubs, and restaurants, residents enjoy a strong sense of community. The area offers numerous leisure activities along the River Thames, making it a perfect location for those who appreciate nature and outdoor pursuits.

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

62.1%

1 dimension

30%

2 dimensions

7.1%

3 dimensions

0.8%

4 dimensions

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Work & Employment

The work and employment statistics for Reading Rg8 reflects the economic activities and job opportunities, which shapes the livelihoods of its residents.

Socio-Economics

The socio-economic landscape of RG8 reveals a community with a high level of professional occupations. Approximately 26.7% of residents are in higher managerial, administrative, and professional roles, while 24.8% are in lower managerial positions. The area has a lower percentage of routine occupations at 5.3%, suggesting a relatively affluent community.

Income Levels

The average salary in RG8 is £34,810, which is above the UK average of £29,669. This higher income level aligns with the area’s socio-economic classification, suggesting a community that is financially stable and capable of supporting the local economy.

Employment Rate

70%

population in work

Unemployment Rate

4%

of the RG8 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

21.8%

Professional occupations

27%

Associate professional and technical occupations

15.6%

Administrative and secretarial occupations

8.4%

Skilled trades occupations

9%

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

6.1%

Sales and customer service occupations

3.4%

Process, plant and machine operatives

3%

Elementary occupations

5.6%

 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

29.1%

Part time (15 hrs or less)

12.8%

Part time (16-30 hrs)

16.3%

Full time

70.9%

Full time (31-48 hrs)

55.2%

Full time (49+ hrs)

15.7%

 Line shows UK average.

Unemployment History

This graph shows the unemployment history of the 4% of the population of Reading RG8 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)

11.4%

Unemployed (more than 1 yr)

74.9%

Unemployed (never worked)

13.6%

 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)

53.8%

Economically active (inc students)

1.3%

Retired

35%

Student

3.9%

Looking after home/family

3.8%

Sick or disabled

1.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Armed Forces

Percentage of people in the Reading (RG8) 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

53.8%

Reserve forces

52.2%

Reserve + regular forces

41%

Never served

10.5%

 Line shows UK average.

NS-SEC Occupation

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) shows people's socio-economic position in Reading RG8, based on their occupation. The estimates are as at Census Day, which took place on 21 March 2021.

Higher Managerial

25.8%

Lower Managerial

25.2%

Intermediate Occupations

10.9%

Small Employers

12.6%

Lower Supervisory

3.7%

Semi Routine

6.5%

Routine

5.7%

Unemployed

3.7%

Full Time Students

5.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Property & Housing

Property and housing statistics for the Reading RG8 postcode area defines the living conditions and accommodation in the neighbourhood.

House Prices and Affordability

The average house price in RG8 is £750,000, which is considerably higher than the UK average of £288,000. This indicates a premium market, likely due to the area's desirable location, scenic countryside, and good schools. Potential buyers should consider the higher price point when evaluating affordability.

Housing and Property Types

The housing landscape in RG8 is diverse, with 49.6% of properties being detached houses, making it an attractive option for families seeking space and privacy. The area also features 35.1% 3-bed houses and 43.5% properties with four or more bedrooms, catering to larger families. The property market is predominantly owner-occupied, with 45% of homes owned outright and 32.1% mortgaged.

Tenure of Homes

Homeownership is a significant aspect of the RG8 postcode, with 45% of homes owned outright and 32.1% mortgaged. The rental market is smaller, with 7.6% of homes socially rented and 13.7% privately rented. This indicates a strong preference for ownership, which may appeal to potential buyers looking for stability in a community.

House Types

Distribution of various house types, including detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses, across different the different postcode sectors in Reading (RG8).

Detached

49.1%

Semi-Detached

27.5%

Terraced

11.9%

Flats

8.3%

Bedsits

1.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Size (Bedrooms)

This graph provides an insight into the distribution of house sizes in Reading (RG8), showcasing the number of bedrooms across all properties in Reading.

1 Bedroom

4.9%

2 Bedrooms

16.6%

3 Bedrooms

35%

4+ Bedrooms

43.4%

 Line shows UK average.

Number of Rooms

This graph provides an insight into the average number of rooms in properties within Reading RG8 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

0.7%

2 rooms

4%

3 rooms

14.8%

4 rooms

24.7%

5 rooms

22.7%

6 rooms

15.1%

7 rooms

9.6%

8 rooms

4.4%

9+ rooms

4%

 Line shows UK average.

Tenure

Tenure status of properties throughout the entire Reading (RG8) postcode sector, presenting a breakdown of ownership, mortgage, rental, and other categories.

Owned Outright

44.1%

Mortgaged

30%

Shared Ownership

1.2%

Rented

10%

 Line shows UK average.

Household Size

The number of residents per household in the Reading (RG8) district, offering insights into the demographic makeup of this postcode district.

1 person

0%

2 people

23.9%

3 People

39.9%

4 People

15.7%

5 People

15.3%

6 People

4%

7 People

0.8%

8 People

0.2%

 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

58.4%

Occupancy: +1

27.7%

Occupancy: 0

13%

Occupancy: -1

0.8%

Occupancy: -2 or less

0.1%

 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

93.1%

Second address in the UK

5.2%

Second address outside UK

1.6%

 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

7.7%

1 car or van

35.5%

2 cars or vans

38.8%

3+ cars or vans

17.9%

 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

0.3%

Mains gas only

76.5%

Tank or bottled gas only

0.7%

Electric only

7.7%

Oil only

3.7%

Wood only

0.3%

Solid fuel only

0.1%

Renewable energy only

0.9%

District/communal network

0.2%

Other

0.3%

2 or more types (exc renewable)

8.2%

2 or more types (inc renewable)

1.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Education

Schools, education, and learning in the Reading RG8 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

10.1%

Level 1 and entry level

7.1%

Level 2 qualifications

12.6%

Apprenticeship

4.4%

Level 3 qualifications

14.4%

Level 4 and above

49.3%

 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

19.4%

Not a student

80.6%

 Line shows UK average.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity in Reading RG8 contributes to its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing diversity and heritage within the community.

Ethnic Group

Range of ethnic groups in Reading (RG8) postcode area, including Asian, Black, Mixed, White, and Other, providing a snapshot of the city's cultural diversity and demographics.

Bangladeshi

0%

Chinese

0.3%

Indian

0.5%

Pakistani

0.1%

African

0.2%

Mixed or Multiple

2.2%

White

95.9%

Arab

0%

Other

0.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Country of Birth

"Country of birth" in the Census 2021 refers to the country where a person in RG8 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

89.1%

EU countries

4.1%

Non-EU countries

0.5%

Africa

2.2%

Middle East and Asia

1.8%

Americas and the Caribbean

1.4%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.8%

British Overseas

0%

 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

88.8%

10 yrs +

7.8%

5 - 10 yrs

1.4%

2 - 5 yrs

1.1%

Less than 2 yrs

0.9%

 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

89.4%

Arrived before 1951

0.3%

Arrived 1951 to 1960

0.4%

Arrived 1961 to 1970

0.9%

Arrived 1971 to 1980

0.8%

Arrived 1981 to 1990

1%

Arrived 1991 to 2000

1.4%

Arrived 2001 to 2010

2.2%

Arrived 2011 to 2013

0.7%

Arrived 2014 to 2016

1%

Arrived 2017 to 2019

1.1%

Arrived 2020 to 2021

0.5%

 Line shows UK average.

Passports Held

"Passports held" in the Census 2021 means the number and types of passports people in RG8 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

88.4%

Ireland

0.4%

Other Europe

2.6%

Africa

0.2%

Middle East and Asia

0.2%

Americas and the Caribbean

0%

Antarctica and Oceania

0.1%

British Overseas Territories

0.2%

 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

88.9%

Aged 0 to 4 years

2.2%

Aged 5 to 7 years

0.8%

Aged 8 to 9 years

0.2%

Aged 10 to 14 years

0.7%

Aged 15 years

0.1%

Aged 16 to 17 years

0.3%

Aged 18 to 19 years

0.5%

Aged 20 to 24 years

1.4%

Aged 25 to 29 years

1.5%

Aged 30 to 44 years

2.5%

Aged 45 to 59 years

0.7%

Aged 60 to 64 years

0%

Aged 65 to 74 years

0.1%

Aged 75 to 84 years

0%

Aged 85 to 89 years

0%

Aged 90 years and over

0%

 Line shows UK average.

Income

Income in Reading RG8 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 RG8 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

55.3%

Good health

32.2%

Fair health

9.9%

Bad health

2.2%

Very bad health

0.5%

 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

13.4%

Disabled (limited a lot)

4.3%

Disabled (limited a little)

9.1%

Not disabled

86.6%

Not disabled (long term condition)

8.8%

Not disabled (no physical or mental conditions)

77.8%

 Line shows UK average.

Transportation

Transportation in Reading RG8 encompasses various modes and accessibility of travel, essential for the daily commute and connectivity of residents.

Car Ownership and Transport

Residents in RG8 have an average of 2.68 cars per household, significantly higher than the UK average of 1.4. This reflects the rural nature of the area, where public transport may not be as frequent. However, the postcode benefits from good transport links, including a railway station with direct services to Reading, Oxford, and London Paddington, making it convenient for commuters.

Car Ownership

Distribution of car ownership among households in Reading (RG8), encompassing 'no cars,' '1 car,' '2 cars,' and '3+ cars,' providing a comprehensive snapshot of transportation patterns in the area.

No Cars/Vans

7.7%

1 Car

35.5%

2 Cars

38.8%

3+ Cars

17.9%

 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

51%

Underground, metro, light rail, tram

0.1%

Train

2.5%

Bus, minibus or coach

0.4%

Taxi

0%

Motorcycle, scooter or moped

0.3%

Driving a car or van

36%

Passenger in a car or van

2.5%

Bicycle

1.2%

On foot

5.2%

 Line shows UK average.

Commuting Distance

"Distance Travelled to Work" in the Census 2021 refers to how far people in Reading (RG8) 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

5.3%

2km to less than 5km

4.1%

5km to less than 10km

8.1%

10km to less than 20km

11%

20km to less than 30km

4.1%

30km to less than 40km

1.4%

40km to less than 60km

1.4%

60km and over

2%

Works mainly from home

51.1%

 Line shows UK average.

Crime

Crime in Reading RG8 provides insights into safety and security, impacting the overall quality of life for residents.

Crime Rate

RG8 has a crime rank of 28658 out of 32482, indicating a relatively low crime rate compared to other areas in the UK. This aspect makes it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a safe and secure environment.

Crime statistics coming soon.