Berks County, PA

Berks County Map

Berks County Map

Berks County Overview

428,483
TOTAL POPULATION
212,820
MALE POPULATION
215,663
FEMALE POPULATION
98.68
MALES / 100 FEMALES
101.34
FEMALES / 100 MALES
39.9
MEDIAN AGE
3.1
AVG FAMILY SIZE
2.6
AVG HOUSEHOLD SIZE
$37,776
PER CAPITA INCOME
$92,726
AVG FAMILY INCOME
$74,617
AVG HOUSEHOLD INCOME
33.7%
WAGE / INCOME GAP [ % ]
66.3¢/ $1
WAGE / INCOME GAP [ $ ]
$11,208
FAMILY INCOME DEFICIT
0.45
INEQUALITY / GINI INDEX
223,782
LABOR FORCE [ PEOPLE ]
64.8%
PERCENT IN LABOR FORCE
5.4%
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

Berks County Area Codes

Race in Berks County

The most populous races in Berks County are White / Caucasian (322,910 | 75.4%), Hispanic or Latino (99,460 | 23.2%), and Two or more Races (38,567 | 9.0%).
Race in Berks County
Race# Population% Population
Asian5,8311.4%
Black / African American21,0684.9%
Hawaiian / Pacific700.0%
Hispanic or Latino99,46023.2%
Native / Alaskan1,8470.4%
White / Caucasian322,91075.4%
Two or more Races38,5679.0%
Some other Race38,1908.9%
Total428,483100.0%

Ancestry in Berks County

The most populous ancestries reported in Berks County are German (115,106 | 26.9%), Puerto Rican (48,128 | 11.2%), Irish (42,058 | 9.8%), Italian (32,747 | 7.6%), and English (24,940 | 5.8%), together accounting for 61.4% of all Berks County residents.
Ancestry in Berks County
Ancestry# Population% Population
Afghan1410.0%
African1,0380.2%
Albanian150.0%
American14,7113.4%
Apache560.0%
Arab8230.2%
Argentinean1510.0%
Armenian530.0%
Assyrian / Chaldean / Syriac110.0%
Australian350.0%
Austrian9440.2%
Bahamian120.0%
Barbadian1190.0%
Belgian2190.1%
Bhutanese4570.1%
Blackfeet1490.0%
Bolivian720.0%
Brazilian3040.1%
British1,2630.3%
British West Indian240.0%
Bulgarian2000.1%
Burmese9640.2%
Canadian4800.1%
Carpatho Rusyn120.0%
Celtic500.0%
Central American3,8890.9%
Central American Indian1,6380.4%
Cherokee2380.1%
Chilean540.0%
Chinese240.0%
Chippewa40.0%
Choctaw630.0%
Colombian2,3050.5%
Comanche460.0%
Costa Rican470.0%
Cree350.0%
Creek90.0%
Croatian1280.0%
Cuban1,1880.3%
Czech7910.2%
Czechoslovakian2550.1%
Danish4730.1%
Delaware550.0%
Dominican22,2435.2%
Dutch6,3021.5%
Dutch West Indian170.0%
Eastern European1,1090.3%
Ecuadorian8550.2%
Egyptian1540.0%
English24,9405.8%
Ethiopian2070.1%
European3,5580.8%
Filipino150.0%
Finnish1550.0%
French5,3341.2%
French Canadian7270.2%
German115,10626.9%
German Russian460.0%
Ghanaian1400.0%
Greek1,8750.4%
Guamanian / Chamorro280.0%
Guatemalan1,1520.3%
Guyanese2310.1%
Haitian8670.2%
Honduran7050.2%
Hopi150.0%
Hungarian2,4870.6%
Indian (Asian)1,1170.3%
Indonesian120.0%
Iranian540.0%
Irish42,0589.8%
Iroquois620.0%
Israeli160.0%
Italian32,7477.6%
Jamaican1,0000.2%
Japanese890.0%
Jordanian100.0%
Kenyan10.0%
Korean1,0700.3%
Latvian900.0%
Lebanese3750.1%
Liberian300.0%
Lithuanian1,5870.4%
Lumbee110.0%
Macedonian110.0%
Malaysian1060.0%
Mexican14,9753.5%
Mexican American Indian8760.2%
Moroccan460.0%
Native Hawaiian1070.0%
Navajo50.0%
New Zealander160.0%
Nicaraguan3160.1%
Nigerian4920.1%
Northern European2390.1%
Norwegian1,1860.3%
Pakistani970.0%
Palestinian200.0%
Panamanian1860.0%
Paraguayan120.0%
Pennsylvania German12,1642.8%
Peruvian1,2310.3%
Polish20,4774.8%
Portuguese4030.1%
Potawatomi270.0%
Puerto Rican48,12811.2%
Romanian1,3770.3%
Russian2,4330.6%
Salvadoran1,4780.3%
Scandinavian4340.1%
Scotch-Irish2,1040.5%
Scottish4,2181.0%
Serbian630.0%
Sierra Leonean440.0%
Sioux420.0%
Slavic1280.0%
Slovak2,4200.6%
Slovene2130.1%
Somali290.0%
South African400.0%
South American5,1371.2%
South American Indian250.0%
Spaniard1,3520.3%
Spanish3530.1%
Sri Lankan1,2570.3%
Subsaharan African2,0570.5%
Swedish1,9830.5%
Swiss3,1970.7%
Syrian1210.0%
Thai2,1850.5%
Tlingit-Haida170.0%
Trinidadian and Tobagonian4000.1%
Turkish1920.0%
U.S. Virgin Islander470.0%
Ukrainian2,4820.6%
Uruguayan70.0%
Ute30.0%
Venezuelan4500.1%
Vietnamese220.0%
Welsh4,9831.2%
West Indian1110.0%
Yugoslavian2860.1%
View All 142 Rows

Immigrants in Berks County

The most numerous immigrant groups reported in Berks County came from Latin America (24,381 | 5.7%), Caribbean (13,854 | 3.2%), Dominican Republic (12,139 | 2.8%), Central America (7,904 | 1.8%), and Mexico (5,478 | 1.3%), together accounting for 14.9% of all Berks County residents.
Immigrants in Berks County
Immigration Origin# Population% Population
Afghanistan830.0%
Africa1,7430.4%
Argentina1480.0%
Asia4,2021.0%
Australia100.0%
Austria130.0%
Bangladesh80.0%
Barbados710.0%
Belarus460.0%
Belgium440.0%
Bolivia160.0%
Bosnia and Herzegovina330.0%
Brazil1020.0%
Bulgaria110.0%
Cambodia270.0%
Canada5980.1%
Caribbean13,8543.2%
Central America7,9041.8%
Chile460.0%
China6160.1%
Colombia1,4590.3%
Costa Rica200.0%
Cuba1450.0%
Denmark310.0%
Dominica3660.1%
Dominican Republic12,1392.8%
Eastern Africa2460.1%
Eastern Asia1,2000.3%
Eastern Europe1,9460.4%
Ecuador4140.1%
Egypt710.0%
El Salvador6420.2%
England1530.0%
Ethiopia1440.0%
Europe3,8420.9%
France1130.0%
Germany6050.1%
Ghana1600.0%
Greece580.0%
Grenada880.0%
Guatemala9980.2%
Guyana1410.0%
Haiti4520.1%
Honduras5970.1%
Hong Kong90.0%
Hungary1480.0%
India1,0610.3%
Indonesia110.0%
Iran770.0%
Iraq140.0%
Ireland1050.0%
Israel150.0%
Italy3080.1%
Jamaica4230.1%
Japan1240.0%
Jordan100.0%
Kazakhstan80.0%
Kenya120.0%
Korea4600.1%
Kuwait420.0%
Latin America24,3815.7%
Lebanon1200.0%
Lithuania150.0%
Mexico5,4781.3%
Morocco350.0%
Nepal230.0%
Netherlands240.0%
Nicaragua1270.0%
Nigeria3100.1%
Northern Africa2370.1%
Northern Europe6040.1%
Norway110.0%
Oceania260.0%
Pakistan740.0%
Panama420.0%
Peru1600.0%
Philippines4500.1%
Poland4060.1%
Portugal30.0%
Romania9250.2%
Russia2070.1%
Saudi Arabia40.0%
Scotland830.0%
Sierra Leone4050.1%
Somalia130.0%
South Africa430.0%
South America2,6230.6%
South Central Asia1,4450.3%
South Eastern Asia1,3060.3%
Southern Europe4600.1%
Spain910.0%
Sri Lanka200.0%
Sweden150.0%
Switzerland330.0%
Syria150.0%
Taiwan120.0%
Thailand880.0%
Trinidad and Tobago1610.0%
Turkey230.0%
Uganda400.0%
Ukraine1170.0%
Venezuela1370.0%
Vietnam7170.2%
Western Africa1,1410.3%
Western Asia2510.1%
Western Europe8320.2%
View All 106 Rows

Sex and Age in Berks County

Sex and Age in Berks County

The most populous age groups in Berks County are 55 to 59 Years (15,518 | 7.3%) for men and 15 to 19 Years (15,140 | 7.0%) for women.
Sex and Age in Berks County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years12,147 (5.7%)11,509 (5.3%)
5 to 9 Years13,149 (6.2%)13,042 (6.0%)
10 to 14 Years14,420 (6.8%)12,988 (6.0%)
15 to 19 Years15,437 (7.2%)15,140 (7.0%)
20 to 24 Years14,602 (6.9%)13,836 (6.4%)
25 to 29 Years13,665 (6.4%)12,788 (5.9%)
30 to 34 Years13,574 (6.4%)13,092 (6.1%)
35 to 39 Years12,811 (6.0%)12,399 (5.8%)
40 to 44 Years12,638 (5.9%)12,903 (6.0%)
45 to 49 Years12,949 (6.1%)12,825 (5.9%)
50 to 54 Years14,211 (6.7%)14,297 (6.6%)
55 to 59 Years15,518 (7.3%)14,536 (6.7%)
60 to 64 Years13,986 (6.6%)14,876 (6.9%)
65 to 69 Years11,089 (5.2%)11,848 (5.5%)
70 to 74 Years9,716 (4.6%)10,546 (4.9%)
75 to 79 Years5,881 (2.8%)7,197 (3.3%)
80 to 84 Years3,451 (1.6%)4,796 (2.2%)
85 Years and over3,576 (1.7%)7,045 (3.3%)
Total212,820 (100.0%)215,663 (100.0%)

Families and Households in Berks County

Median Family Size in Berks County

The median family size in Berks County is 3.14 persons per family, with single female/mother families (20,761 | 19.3%) accounting for the largest median family size of 3.28 persons per family. On the other hand, single male/father families (8,621 | 8.0%) represent the smallest median family size with 2.93 persons per family.
Median Family Size in Berks County
Family Type# FamiliesFamily Size
Married-Couple78,179 (72.7%)3.13
Single Male/Father8,621 (8.0%)2.93
Single Female/Mother20,761 (19.3%)3.28
Total Families107,561 (100.0%)3.14

Median Household Size in Berks County

The median household size in Berks County is 2.58 persons per household, with single female/mother households (20,761 | 12.9%) accounting for the largest median household size of 3.56 persons per household. non-family households (53,613 | 33.3%) represent the smallest median household size with 1.24 persons per household.
Median Household Size in Berks County
Household Type# HouseholdsHousehold Size
Married-Couple78,179 (48.5%)3.15
Single Male/Father8,621 (5.3%)3.35
Single Female/Mother20,761 (12.9%)3.56
Non-family53,613 (33.3%)1.24
Total Households161,174 (100.0%)2.58

Household Size by Marriage Status in Berks County

Out of a total of 161,174 households in Berks County, 107,561 (66.7%) are family households, while 53,613 (33.3%) are nonfamily households. The most numerous type of family households are 2-person households, comprising 46,711, and the most common type of nonfamily households are 1-person households, comprising 43,879.
Household Size by Marriage Status in Berks County
Household SizeFamily HouseholdsNonfamily Households
1-Person Households-43,879 (27.2%)
2-Person Households46,711 (29.0%)8,229 (5.1%)
3-Person Households24,923 (15.5%)1,053 (0.6%)
4-Person Households20,486 (12.7%)340 (0.2%)
5-Person Households9,769 (6.1%)112 (0.1%)
6-Person Households3,481 (2.2%)0 (0.0%)
7+ Person Households2,191 (1.4%)0 (0.0%)
Total107,561 (66.7%)53,613 (33.3%)

Female Fertility in Berks County

Fertility by Age in Berks County

Average fertility rate in Berks County is 52.0 births per 1,000 women. Women in the age bracket of 20 to 34 years have the highest fertility rate with 93.0 births per 1,000 women. Women in the age bracket of 20 to 34 years acount for 74.4% of all women with births.
Female Fertility by Age in Berks County
Age BracketWomen with BirthsBirths / 1,000 Women
15 to 19 years182 (3.7%)12.0
20 to 34 years3,691 (74.4%)93.0
35 to 50 years1,090 (22.0%)27.0
Total4,963 (100.0%)52.0

Fertility by Age by Marriage Status in Berks County

57.6% of women with births (4,963) in Berks County are married. The highest percentage of unmarried women with births falls into 15 to 19 years age bracket with 94.5% of them unmarried at the time of birth, while the lowest percentage of unmarried women with births belong to 35 to 50 years age bracket with 29.4% of them unmarried.
Female Fertility by Age by Marriage Status in Berks County
Age BracketMarriedUnmarried
15 to 19 years10 (5.5%)172 (94.5%)
20 to 34 years2,082 (56.4%)1,609 (43.6%)
35 to 50 years770 (70.6%)320 (29.4%)
Total2,859 (57.6%)2,104 (42.4%)

Fertility by Education in Berks County

Average fertility rate in Berks County is 52.0 births per 1,000 women. Women with the education attainment of graduate degree have the highest fertility rate of 70.0 births per 1,000 women, while women with the education attainment of bachelor's degree have the lowest fertility at 43.0 births per 1,000 women. Women with the education attainment of college or associate's degree represent 30.5% of all women with births.
Female Fertility by Education Attainment in Berks County
Educational AttainmentWomen with BirthsBirths / 1,000 Women
Less than High School792 (16.0%)47.0
High School Diploma1,324 (26.7%)54.0
College or Associate's Degree1,515 (30.5%)52.0
Bachelor's Degree727 (14.6%)43.0
Graduate Degree605 (12.2%)70.0
Total4,963 (100.0%)52.0

Fertility by Education by Marriage Status in Berks County

42.4% of women with births in Berks County are unmarried. Women with the educational attainment of graduate degree are most likely to be married with 89.9% of them married at childbirth, while women with the educational attainment of less than high school are least likely to be married with 62.4% of them unmarried at childbirth.
Female Fertility by Education by Marriage Status in Berks County
Educational AttainmentMarriedUnmarried
Less than High School298 (37.6%)494 (62.4%)
High School Diploma534 (40.3%)790 (59.7%)
College or Associate's Degree903 (59.6%)612 (40.4%)
Bachelor's Degree582 (80.1%)145 (19.9%)
Graduate Degree544 (89.9%)61 (10.1%)
Total2,859 (57.6%)2,104 (42.4%)

Income in Berks County

Income Overview in Berks County

Per Capita Income in Berks County is $37,776, while median incomes of families and households are $92,726 and $74,617 respectively.
CharacteristicNumberMeasure
Per Capita Income428,483$37,776
Median Family Income107,561$92,726
Mean Family Income107,561$112,986
Median Household Income161,174$74,617
Mean Household Income161,174$97,622
Income Deficit107,561$11,208
Wage / Income Gap (%)428,48333.70%
Wage / Income Gap ($)428,48366.30¢ per $1
Gini / Inequality Index428,4830.45

Earnings by Sex in Berks County

Average Earnings in Berks County are $41,692, $50,196 for men and $33,282 for women, a difference of 33.7%.
Earnings by Sex in Berks County
SexNumberAverage Earnings
Male123,963 (52.7%)$50,196
Female111,280 (47.3%)$33,282
Total235,243 (100.0%)$41,692

Earnings by Sex by Income Bracket in Berks County

The most common earnings brackets in Berks County are $100,000+ for men (20,083 | 16.2%) and $75,000 to $99,999 for women (8,953 | 8.1%).
Earnings by Sex by Income Bracket in Berks County
IncomeMaleFemale
$2,499 or less6,140 (5.0%)7,844 (7.0%)
$2,500 to $4,9993,905 (3.2%)4,704 (4.2%)
$5,000 to $7,4993,646 (2.9%)5,303 (4.8%)
$7,500 to $9,9992,821 (2.3%)3,835 (3.5%)
$10,000 to $12,4992,870 (2.3%)4,692 (4.2%)
$12,500 to $14,9992,579 (2.1%)3,471 (3.1%)
$15,000 to $17,4992,312 (1.9%)3,522 (3.2%)
$17,500 to $19,9992,416 (1.9%)2,911 (2.6%)
$20,000 to $22,4992,567 (2.1%)3,942 (3.5%)
$22,500 to $24,9992,700 (2.2%)4,595 (4.1%)
$25,000 to $29,9995,037 (4.1%)6,631 (6.0%)
$30,000 to $34,9995,752 (4.6%)6,945 (6.2%)
$35,000 to $39,9995,501 (4.4%)6,536 (5.9%)
$40,000 to $44,9996,487 (5.2%)5,735 (5.1%)
$45,000 to $49,9996,989 (5.6%)5,216 (4.7%)
$50,000 to $54,9996,540 (5.3%)4,505 (4.1%)
$55,000 to $64,99911,918 (9.6%)8,260 (7.4%)
$65,000 to $74,9998,714 (7.0%)6,285 (5.7%)
$75,000 to $99,99914,986 (12.1%)8,953 (8.1%)
$100,000+20,083 (16.2%)7,395 (6.7%)
Total123,963 (100.0%)111,280 (100.0%)

Earnings by Sex by Educational Attainment in Berks County

Average earnings in Berks County are $56,480 for men and $39,176 for women, a difference of 30.6%. Men with an educational attainment of graduate degree enjoy the highest average annual earnings of $93,281, while those with less than high school education earn the least with $42,735. Women with an educational attainment of graduate degree earn the most with the average annual earnings of $74,267, while those with less than high school education have the smallest earnings of $23,361.
Earnings by Sex by Educational Attainment in Berks County
Educational AttainmentMale IncomeFemale Income
Less than High School$42,735$23,361
High School Diploma$49,947$31,142
College or Associate's Degree$57,628$36,258
Bachelor's Degree$77,999$52,925
Graduate Degree$93,281$74,267
Total$56,480$39,176

Family Income in Berks County

Family Income Brackets in Berks County

According to the Berks County family income data, there are 24,309 families falling into the $100,000 to $149,999 income range, which is the most common income bracket and makes up 22.6% of all families. Conversely, the $10,000 to $14,999 income bracket is the least frequent group with only 1,613 families (1.5%) belonging to this category.
Family Income Brackets in Berks County
Income Bracket# Families% Families
Less than $10,0003,6573.4%
$10,000 to $14,9991,6131.5%
$15,000 to $24,9994,1953.9%
$25,000 to $34,9995,8085.4%
$35,000 to $49,9998,3907.8%
$50,000 to $74,99918,39317.1%
$75,000 to $99,99916,67215.5%
$100,000 to $149,99924,30922.6%
$150,000 to $199,99912,58511.7%
$200,000+11,93911.1%

Family Income by Famaliy Size in Berks County

4-person families (18,779 | 17.5%) account for the highest median family income in Berks County with $111,603 per family, while 2-person families (50,669 | 47.1%) have the highest median income of $40,229 per family member.
Family Income by Famaliy Size in Berks County
Income Bracket# FamiliesMedian Income
2-Person Families50,669 (47.1%)$80,458
3-Person Families24,483 (22.8%)$98,240
4-Person Families18,779 (17.5%)$111,603
5-Person Families9,018 (8.4%)$107,732
6-Person Families2,916 (2.7%)$102,756
7+ Person Families1,696 (1.6%)$108,015
Total107,561 (100.0%)$92,726

Family Income by Number of Earners in Berks County

The median family income in Berks County is $92,726, with families comprising 3+ earners (15,880) having the highest median family income of $146,167, while families with no earners (15,327) have the lowest median family income of $50,326, accounting for 14.8% and 14.2% of families, respectively.
Family Income by Number of Earners in Berks County
Number of Earners# FamiliesMedian Income
No Earners15,327 (14.2%)$50,326
1 Earner31,172 (29.0%)$65,768
2 Earners45,182 (42.0%)$111,655
3+ Earners15,880 (14.8%)$146,167
Total107,561 (100.0%)$92,726

Household Income in Berks County

Household Income Brackets in Berks County

With 29,334 households falling in the category, the $100,000 to $149,999 income range is the most frequent in Berks County, accounting for 18.2% of all households. In contrast, only 5,641 households (3.5%) fall into the $10,000 to $14,999 income bracket, making it the least populous group.
Household Income Brackets in Berks County
Income Bracket# Households% Households
Less than $10,0006,9304.3%
$10,000 to $14,9995,6413.5%
$15,000 to $24,99911,4437.1%
$25,000 to $34,99912,4107.7%
$35,000 to $49,99916,44010.2%
$50,000 to $74,99928,36717.6%
$75,000 to $99,99922,08113.7%
$100,000 to $149,99929,33418.2%
$150,000 to $199,99914,8289.2%
$200,000+13,8618.6%

Household Income by Householder Age in Berks County

The median household income in Berks County is $74,617, with the highest median household income of $94,145 found in the 45 to 64 years age bracket for the primary householder. A total of 63,684 households (39.5%) fall into this category. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 years age bracket for the primary householder has the lowest median household income of $39,871, with 4,252 households (2.6%) in this group.
Household Income by Householder Age in Berks County
Income Bracket# HouseholdsMedian Income
15 to 24 Years4,252 (2.6%)$39,871
25 to 44 Years47,628 (29.5%)$83,409
45 to 64 Years63,684 (39.5%)$94,145
65+ Years45,610 (28.3%)$52,035
Total161,174 (100.0%)$74,617

Poverty in Berks County

Income Below Poverty by Sex and Age in Berks County

With 11.0% poverty level for males and 12.6% for females among the residents of Berks County, under 5 year old males and under 5 year old females are the most vulnerable to poverty, with 2,570 males (21.6%) and 2,274 females (20.3%) in their respective age groups living below the poverty level.
Income Below Poverty by Sex and Age in Berks County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years2,570 (21.6%)2,274 (20.3%)
5 Years443 (16.6%)511 (18.3%)
6 to 11 Years3,113 (19.9%)2,818 (19.9%)
12 to 14 Years1,495 (17.4%)964 (11.6%)
15 Years540 (16.9%)260 (9.8%)
16 and 17 Years702 (12.9%)840 (14.7%)
18 to 24 Years1,849 (10.3%)2,629 (15.7%)
25 to 34 Years3,033 (11.3%)3,939 (15.3%)
35 to 44 Years2,143 (8.5%)3,502 (13.9%)
45 to 54 Years1,865 (6.9%)2,439 (9.0%)
55 to 64 Years2,453 (8.4%)2,612 (8.9%)
65 to 74 Years1,535 (7.5%)1,680 (7.6%)
75 Years and over997 (8.0%)1,909 (10.6%)
Total22,738 (11.0%)26,377 (12.6%)

Income Above Poverty by Sex and Age in Berks County

According to the poverty statistics in Berks County, males aged 45 to 54 years and females aged 65 to 74 years are the age groups that are most secure financially, with 93.1% of males and 92.4% of females in these age groups living above the poverty line.
Income Above Poverty by Sex and Age in Berks County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years9,313 (78.4%)8,925 (79.7%)
5 Years2,228 (83.4%)2,284 (81.7%)
6 to 11 Years12,568 (80.1%)11,353 (80.1%)
12 to 14 Years7,104 (82.6%)7,330 (88.4%)
15 Years2,663 (83.1%)2,404 (90.2%)
16 and 17 Years4,727 (87.1%)4,884 (85.3%)
18 to 24 Years16,019 (89.6%)14,152 (84.3%)
25 to 34 Years23,807 (88.7%)21,807 (84.7%)
35 to 44 Years23,037 (91.5%)21,713 (86.1%)
45 to 54 Years25,084 (93.1%)24,582 (91.0%)
55 to 64 Years26,800 (91.6%)26,646 (91.1%)
65 to 74 Years19,019 (92.5%)20,392 (92.4%)
75 Years and over11,441 (92.0%)16,103 (89.4%)
Total183,810 (89.0%)182,575 (87.4%)

Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple Families in Berks County

The poverty statistics for married-couple families in Berks County show that 3.6% or 2,833 of the total 78,179 families live below the poverty line. Families with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate of 7.3%, comprising of 402 families. On the other hand, families with no children have the lowest poverty rate of 2.9%, which includes 1,433 families.
Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple Families in Berks County
ChildrenAbove PovertyBelow Poverty
No Children47,291 (97.1%)1,433 (2.9%)
1 or 2 Children22,439 (95.8%)974 (4.2%)
3 or 4 Children5,065 (92.6%)402 (7.3%)
5 or more Children551 (95.8%)24 (4.2%)
Total75,346 (96.4%)2,833 (3.6%)

Income Below Poverty Among Single-Parent Households in Berks County

According to the poverty data in Berks County, 12.0% or 1,034 single-father households and 25.4% or 5,263 single-mother households are living below the poverty line. Among single-father households, those with 5 or more children have the highest poverty rate, with 26 households (72.2%) experiencing poverty. Likewise, among single-mother households, those with 5 or more children have the highest poverty rate, with 160 households (55.0%) falling below the poverty line.
Income Below Poverty Among Single-Parent Households in Berks County
ChildrenSingle FatherSingle Mother
No Children287 (6.8%)565 (8.4%)
1 or 2 Children489 (13.9%)3,306 (29.1%)
3 or 4 Children232 (27.8%)1,232 (51.4%)
5 or more Children26 (72.2%)160 (55.0%)
Total1,034 (12.0%)5,263 (25.4%)

Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple vs Single-Parent Households in Berks County

The poverty data for Berks County shows that 2,833 of the married-couple family households (3.6%) and 6,297 of the single-parent households (21.4%) are living below the poverty level. Within the married-couple family households, those with 3 or 4 children have the highest poverty rate, with 402 households (7.3%) falling below the poverty line. Among the single-parent households, those with 5 or more children have the highest poverty rate, with 186 household (56.9%) living below poverty.
Income Below Poverty Among Married-Couple vs Single-Parent Households in Berks County
ChildrenMarried-Couple FamiliesSingle-Parent Households
No Children1,433 (2.9%)852 (7.8%)
1 or 2 Children974 (4.2%)3,795 (25.5%)
3 or 4 Children402 (7.3%)1,464 (45.3%)
5 or more Children24 (4.2%)186 (56.9%)
Total2,833 (3.6%)6,297 (21.4%)

Employment Characteristics in Berks County

Employment by Class of Employer in Berks County

Among the 206,685 employed individuals in Berks County, private company employees (151,195 | 73.2%), not-for-profit organizations (20,024 | 9.7%), and local government employees (11,812 | 5.7%) make up the most common classes of employment.
Employment by Class of Employer in Berks County
Employer Class# Employees% Employees
Private Company Employees151,19573.2%
Self-Employed (Incorporated)5,8482.8%
Self-Employed (Not Incorporated)9,6664.7%
Not-for-profit Organizations20,0249.7%
Local Government Employees11,8125.7%
State Government Employees4,7712.3%
Federal Government Employees3,0491.5%
Unpaid Family Workers3200.2%
Total206,685100.0%

Employment Status by Age in Berks County

According to the labor force statistics for Berks County, out of the total population over 16 years of age (345,342), 64.8% or 223,782 individuals are in the labor force, with 5.4% or 12,084 of them unemployed. The age group with the highest labor force participation rate is 35 to 44 years, with 85.7% or 43,494 individuals in the labor force. Within the labor force, the 16 to 19 years age range has the highest percentage of unemployed individuals, with 12.0% or 1,410 of them being unemployed.
Employment Status by Age in Berks County
Age BracketIn Labor ForceUnemployed
16 to 19 Years11,753 (47.6%)1,410 (12.0%)
20 to 24 Years21,584 (75.9%)1,943 (9.0%)
25 to 29 Years22,512 (85.1%)2,026 (9.0%)
30 to 34 Years22,319 (83.7%)1,295 (5.8%)
35 to 44 Years43,494 (85.7%)1,914 (4.4%)
45 to 54 Years45,597 (84.0%)1,641 (3.6%)
55 to 59 Years23,863 (79.4%)1,098 (4.6%)
60 to 64 Years17,837 (61.8%)410 (2.3%)
65 to 74 Years12,528 (29.0%)238 (1.9%)
75 Years and over2,268 (7.1%)73 (3.2%)
Total223,782 (64.8%)12,084 (5.4%)

Employment Status by Educational Attainment in Berks County

According to labor force statistics for Berks County, 80.9% of individuals (175,608) out of the total population between 25 and 64 years of age (217,068) are in the labor force, with 4.8% or 8,429 of them being unemployed. The group with the highest labor force participation rate are those with the educational attainment of bachelor's degree or higher, with 89.8% or 55,345 individuals in the labor force. Within the labor force, individuals with less than high school education have the highest percentage of unemployment, with 6.5% or 941 of them being unemployed.
Employment Status by Educational Attainment in Berks County
Educational AttainmentIn Labor ForceUnemployed
Less than High School14,476 (62.9%)1,496 (6.5%)
High School Diploma58,950 (78.1%)4,755 (6.3%)
College / Associate Degree46,920 (82.4%)2,904 (5.1%)
Bachelor's Degree or higher55,345 (89.8%)1,479 (2.4%)
Total175,608 (80.9%)10,419 (4.8%)

Employment Occupations by Sex in Berks County

Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations

The most common Management, Business, Science and Arts occupations in Berks County are Community & Social Service (20,110 | 9.5%), Management (18,916 | 8.9%), Health Diagnosing & Treating (12,567 | 5.9%), Computers, Engineering & Science (11,387 | 5.4%), and Education Instruction & Library (11,035 | 5.2%).
Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations in Berks County

Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations by Sex

Within the Management, Business, Science and Arts occupations in Berks County, the most male-oriented occupations are Architecture & Engineering (85.3%), Computers & Mathematics (79.3%), and Computers, Engineering & Science (78.2%), while the most female-oriented occupations are Health Diagnosing & Treating (78.6%), Education Instruction & Library (78.1%), and Health Technologists (75.2%).
Management, Business, Science and Arts Occupations by Sex in Berks County
OccupationMaleFemale
Management11,088 (58.6%)7,828 (41.4%)
Business & Financial4,113 (42.9%)5,476 (57.1%)
Computers, Engineering & Science8,902 (78.2%)2,485 (21.8%)
Computers & Mathematics4,078 (79.3%)1,063 (20.7%)
Architecture & Engineering3,581 (85.3%)619 (14.7%)
Life, Physical & Social Science1,243 (60.8%)803 (39.3%)
Community & Social Service 5,882 (29.2%)14,228 (70.8%)
Education, Arts & Media1,378 (32.4%)2,881 (67.6%)
Legal Services & Support586 (34.1%)1,133 (65.9%)
Education Instruction & Library2,415 (21.9%)8,620 (78.1%)
Arts, Media & Entertainment1,503 (48.5%)1,594 (51.5%)
Health Diagnosing & Treating2,689 (21.4%)9,878 (78.6%)
Health Technologists2,023 (24.8%)6,138 (75.2%)
Total (Category)32,674 (45.0%)39,895 (55.0%)
Total (Overall)112,629 (53.3%)98,793 (46.7%)

Services Occupations

The most common Services occupations in Berks County are Food Preparation & Serving (11,084 | 5.2%), Healthcare Support (7,607 | 3.6%), Cleaning & Maintenance (6,878 | 3.3%), Personal Care & Service (4,869 | 2.3%), and Security & Protection (3,064 | 1.5%).
Services Occupations in Berks County

Services Occupations by Sex

Within the Services occupations in Berks County, the most male-oriented occupations are Law Enforcement (90.8%), Security & Protection (78.7%), and Firefighting & Prevention (69.0%), while the most female-oriented occupations are Healthcare Support (90.5%), Personal Care & Service (80.9%), and Food Preparation & Serving (56.8%).
Services Occupations by Sex in Berks County
OccupationMaleFemale
Healthcare Support726 (9.5%)6,881 (90.5%)
Security & Protection2,413 (78.7%)651 (21.2%)
Firefighting & Prevention1,169 (69.0%)525 (31.0%)
Law Enforcement1,244 (90.8%)126 (9.2%)
Food Preparation & Serving4,785 (43.2%)6,299 (56.8%)
Cleaning & Maintenance4,521 (65.7%)2,357 (34.3%)
Personal Care & Service930 (19.1%)3,939 (80.9%)
Total (Category)13,375 (39.9%)20,127 (60.1%)
Total (Overall)112,629 (53.3%)98,793 (46.7%)

Sales and Office Occupations

The most common Sales and Office occupations in Berks County are Office & Administration (24,136 | 11.4%), and Sales & Related (19,134 | 9.0%).
Sales and Office Occupations in Berks County

Sales and Office Occupations by Sex

Sales and Office Occupations by Sex in Berks County
OccupationMaleFemale
Sales & Related9,361 (48.9%)9,773 (51.1%)
Office & Administration6,603 (27.4%)17,533 (72.6%)
Total (Category)15,964 (36.9%)27,306 (63.1%)
Total (Overall)112,629 (53.3%)98,793 (46.7%)

Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations

The most common Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance occupations in Berks County are Construction & Extraction (9,181 | 4.3%), Installation, Maintenance & Repair (7,833 | 3.7%), and Farming, Fishing & Forestry (2,018 | 0.9%).
Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations in Berks County

Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations by Sex

Natural Resources, Construction and Maintenance Occupations by Sex in Berks County
OccupationMaleFemale
Farming, Fishing & Forestry1,436 (71.2%)582 (28.8%)
Construction & Extraction9,072 (98.8%)109 (1.2%)
Installation, Maintenance & Repair7,630 (97.4%)203 (2.6%)
Total (Category)18,138 (95.3%)894 (4.7%)
Total (Overall)112,629 (53.3%)98,793 (46.7%)

Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations

The most common Production, Transportation and Moving occupations in Berks County are Production (20,898 | 9.9%), Material Moving (13,107 | 6.2%), and Transportation (9,044 | 4.3%).
Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations in Berks County

Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations by Sex

Production, Transportation and Moving Occupations by Sex in Berks County
OccupationMaleFemale
Production14,949 (71.5%)5,949 (28.5%)
Transportation7,985 (88.3%)1,059 (11.7%)
Material Moving9,544 (72.8%)3,563 (27.2%)
Total (Category)32,478 (75.4%)10,571 (24.6%)
Total (Overall)112,629 (53.3%)98,793 (46.7%)

Employment Industries by Sex in Berks County

Employment Industries in Berks County

The major employment industries in Berks County include Manufacturing (38,402 | 18.2%), Health Care & Social Assistance (31,106 | 14.7%), Retail Trade (25,163 | 11.9%), Educational Services (16,728 | 7.9%), and Construction (12,895 | 6.1%).
Employment Industries in Berks County

Employment Industries by Sex in Berks County

The Berks County industries that see more men than women are Construction (90.8%), Mining, Quarrying, & Extraction (81.2%), and Enterprise Management (75.9%), whereas the industries that tend to have a higher number of women are Health Care & Social Assistance (79.6%), Educational Services (71.4%), and Finance & Insurance (64.9%).
Employment Industries by Sex in Berks County
IndustryMaleFemale
Agriculture, Fishing & Hunting2,800 (70.5%)1,172 (29.5%)
Mining, Quarrying, & Extraction208 (81.2%)48 (18.8%)
Construction11,705 (90.8%)1,190 (9.2%)
Manufacturing27,525 (71.7%)10,877 (28.3%)
Wholesale Trade3,981 (72.0%)1,552 (28.1%)
Retail Trade12,636 (50.2%)12,527 (49.8%)
Transportation & Warehousing7,763 (74.2%)2,694 (25.8%)
Utilities1,747 (67.2%)853 (32.8%)
Information1,639 (65.2%)873 (34.7%)
Finance & Insurance2,839 (35.0%)5,262 (64.9%)
Real Estate, Rental & Leasing2,032 (54.8%)1,674 (45.2%)
Professional & Scientific6,647 (55.8%)5,266 (44.2%)
Enterprise Management195 (75.9%)62 (24.1%)
Administrative & Support4,483 (60.2%)2,968 (39.8%)
Educational Services4,780 (28.6%)11,948 (71.4%)
Health Care & Social Assistance6,340 (20.4%)24,766 (79.6%)
Arts, Entertainment & Recreation1,862 (55.9%)1,466 (44.1%)
Accommodation & Food Services5,484 (45.5%)6,581 (54.5%)
Public Administration3,152 (57.7%)2,314 (42.3%)
Total112,629 (53.3%)98,793 (46.7%)

Education in Berks County

School Enrollment in Berks County

The most common levels of schooling among the 103,555 students in Berks County are high school (22,952 | 22.2%), college / undergraduate (22,544 | 21.8%), and middle school (22,328 | 21.6%).
School Enrollment in Berks County
School Level# Students% Students
Nursery / Preschool5,8685.7%
Kindergarten5,4975.3%
Elementary School20,42719.7%
Middle School22,32821.6%
High School22,95222.2%
College / Undergraduate22,54421.8%
Graduate / Professional3,9393.8%
Total103,555100.0%

School Enrollment by Age by Funding Source in Berks County

Out of a total of 103,555 students who are enrolled in schools in Berks County, 19,675 (19.0%) attend a private institution, while the remaining 83,880 (81.0%) are enrolled in public schools. The age group of 3 to 4 year olds has the highest likelihood of being enrolled in private schools, with 1,927 (44.4% in the age bracket) enrolled. Conversely, the age group of 15 to 17 year olds has the lowest likelihood of being enrolled in a private school, with 14,718 (88.3% in the age bracket) attending a public institution.
School Enrollment by Age by Funding Source in Berks County
Age BracketPublic SchoolPrivate School
3 to 4 Year Olds2,418 (55.6%)1,927 (44.4%)
5 to 9 Year Old21,393 (85.9%)3,524 (14.1%)
10 to 14 Year Olds23,343 (87.1%)3,460 (12.9%)
15 to 17 Year Olds14,718 (88.3%)1,952 (11.7%)
18 to 19 Year Olds7,838 (76.9%)2,355 (23.1%)
20 to 24 Year Olds7,728 (67.4%)3,742 (32.6%)
25 to 34 Year Olds3,035 (70.2%)1,289 (29.8%)
35 Years and over3,394 (70.2%)1,439 (29.8%)
Total83,880 (81.0%)19,675 (19.0%)

Educational Attainment by Field of Study in Berks County

Business (15,687 | 18.7%), education (14,452 | 17.2%), science & technology (8,634 | 10.3%), bio, nature & agricultural (5,982 | 7.1%), and arts & humanities (5,908 | 7.0%) are the most common fields of study among 83,891 individuals in Berks County who have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.
Educational Attainment by Field of Study in Berks County
Field of Study# Graduates% Graduates
Computers & Mathematics3,1403.7%
Bio, Nature & Agricultural5,9827.1%
Physical & Health Sciences2,3392.8%
Psychology4,5305.4%
Social Sciences5,0426.0%
Engineering5,8066.9%
Multidisciplinary Studies7460.9%
Science & Technology8,63410.3%
Business15,68718.7%
Education14,45217.2%
Literature & Languages2,9063.5%
Liberal Arts & History3,5004.2%
Visual & Performing Arts2,8163.4%
Communications2,4032.9%
Arts & Humanities5,9087.0%
Total83,891100.0%

Transportation & Commute in Berks County

Vehicle Availability by Sex in Berks County

The most prevalent vehicle ownership categories in Berks County are males with 2 vehicles (43,233, accounting for 39.6%) and females with 2 vehicles (35,656, making up 45.8%).
Vehicle Availability by Sex in Berks County
Vehicles AvailableMaleFemale
No Vehicle3,009 (2.8%)3,492 (3.7%)
1 Vehicle17,308 (15.9%)18,708 (19.8%)
2 Vehicles43,233 (39.6%)35,656 (37.8%)
3 Vehicles27,556 (25.3%)22,416 (23.8%)
4 Vehicles11,745 (10.8%)9,023 (9.6%)
5 or more Vehicles6,230 (5.7%)5,042 (5.3%)
Total109,081 (100.0%)94,337 (100.0%)

Commute Time in Berks County

The most frequently occuring commute durations in Berks County are 15 to 19 minutes (32,635 commuters, 17.4%), 10 to 14 minutes (27,827 commuters, 14.8%), and 20 to 24 minutes (27,438 commuters, 14.6%).
Commute Time in Berks County
Commute Time# Commuters% Commuters
Less than 5 Minutes5,2252.8%
5 to 9 Minutes18,3409.8%
10 to 14 Minutes27,82714.8%
15 to 19 Minutes32,63517.4%
20 to 24 Minutes27,43814.6%
25 to 29 Minutes15,2408.1%
30 to 34 Minutes20,18410.8%
35 to 39 Minutes6,0423.2%
40 to 44 Minutes6,9543.7%
45 to 59 Minutes13,2437.1%
60 to 89 Minutes10,1655.4%
90 or more Minutes4,2582.3%

Commute Time by Sex in Berks County

The most common commute times in Berks County are 15 to 19 minutes (16,595 commuters, 16.4%) for males and 15 to 19 minutes (16,040 commuters, 18.5%) for females.
Commute Time by Sex in Berks County
Commute TimeMaleFemale
Less than 5 Minutes2,948 (2.9%)2,277 (2.6%)
5 to 9 Minutes8,430 (8.3%)9,910 (11.5%)
10 to 14 Minutes14,346 (14.2%)13,481 (15.6%)
15 to 19 Minutes16,595 (16.4%)16,040 (18.5%)
20 to 24 Minutes14,329 (14.2%)13,109 (15.2%)
25 to 29 Minutes7,909 (7.8%)7,331 (8.5%)
30 to 34 Minutes11,952 (11.8%)8,232 (9.5%)
35 to 39 Minutes3,605 (3.6%)2,437 (2.8%)
40 to 44 Minutes3,856 (3.8%)3,098 (3.6%)
45 to 59 Minutes7,939 (7.9%)5,304 (6.1%)
60 to 89 Minutes6,197 (6.1%)3,968 (4.6%)
90 or more Minutes2,971 (2.9%)1,287 (1.5%)

Time of Departure to Work by Sex in Berks County

The most frequent times of departure to work in Berks County are 7:00 AM to 7:29 AM (11,674, 11.6%) for males and 7:00 AM to 7:29 AM (13,320, 15.4%) for females.
Time of Departure to Work by Sex in Berks County
Time of DepartureMaleFemale
12:00 AM to 4:59 AM9,629 (9.5%)4,103 (4.7%)
5:00 AM to 5:29 AM6,553 (6.5%)2,226 (2.6%)
5:30 AM to 5:59 AM8,634 (8.5%)4,280 (5.0%)
6:00 AM to 6:29 AM10,833 (10.7%)6,772 (7.8%)
6:30 AM to 6:59 AM11,288 (11.2%)8,970 (10.4%)
7:00 AM to 7:29 AM11,674 (11.6%)13,320 (15.4%)
7:30 AM to 7:59 AM8,547 (8.5%)11,723 (13.6%)
8:00 AM to 8:29 AM7,177 (7.1%)8,603 (10.0%)
8:30 AM to 8:59 AM3,378 (3.3%)4,485 (5.2%)
9:00 AM to 9:59 AM3,319 (3.3%)4,427 (5.1%)
10:00 AM to 10:59 AM1,455 (1.4%)2,425 (2.8%)
11:00 AM to 11:59 AM968 (1.0%)871 (1.0%)
12:00 PM to 3:59 PM9,177 (9.1%)7,362 (8.5%)
4:00 PM to 11:59 PM8,445 (8.4%)6,907 (8.0%)
Total101,077 (100.0%)86,474 (100.0%)

Housing Occupancy in Berks County

Occupancy by Ownership in Berks County

Of the total 161,174 dwellings in Berks County, owner-occupied units account for 114,165 (70.8%), while renter-occupied units make up 47,009 (29.2%).
Occupancy by Ownership in Berks County
Occupancy# Housing Units% Housing Units
Owner Occupied Housing Units114,16570.8%
Renter-Occupied Housing Units47,00929.2%
Total Occupied Housing Units161,174100.0%

Occupancy by Household Size in Berks County

Occupancy by Household Size in Berks County
Household Size# Housing Units% Housing Units
1-Person Household43,87927.2%
2-Person Household54,94034.1%
3-Person Household25,97616.1%
4+ Person Household36,37922.6%
Total Housing Units161,174100.0%

Occupancy by Ownership by Household Size in Berks County

Occupancy by Ownership by Household Size in Berks County
Household SizeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
1-Person Household24,926 (56.8%)18,953 (43.2%)
2-Person Household42,285 (77.0%)12,655 (23.0%)
3-Person Household19,313 (74.4%)6,663 (25.7%)
4+ Person Household27,641 (76.0%)8,738 (24.0%)
Total Housing Units114,165 (70.8%)47,009 (29.2%)

Occupancy by Educational Attainment in Berks County

Occupancy by Educational Attainment in Berks County
Household SizeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Less than High School9,758 (53.6%)8,448 (46.4%)
High School Diploma38,315 (68.5%)17,593 (31.5%)
College/Associate Degree29,165 (68.8%)13,241 (31.2%)
Bachelor's Degree or higher36,927 (82.7%)7,727 (17.3%)

Occupancy by Age of Householder in Berks County

Occupancy by Age of Householder in Berks County
Age Bracket# Households% Households
Under 35 Years26,09016.2%
35 to 44 Years25,79016.0%
45 to 54 Years29,94118.6%
55 to 64 Years33,74320.9%
65 to 74 Years25,66815.9%
75 to 84 Years13,1938.2%
85 Years and Over6,7494.2%
Total161,174100.0%

Housing Finances in Berks County

Median Income by Occupancy in Berks County

Median Income by Occupancy in Berks County
Occupancy Type# HouseholdsMedian Income
Owner-Occupied114,165 (70.8%)$91,654
Renter-Occupied47,009 (29.2%)$43,147
Average161,174 (100.0%)$74,617

Occupancy by Householder Income Bracket in Berks County

Occupancy by Householder Income Bracket in Berks County
Income BracketOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Less than $5,0001,684 (1.5%)2,758 (5.9%)
$5,000 to $9,999789 (0.7%)1,682 (3.6%)
$10,000 to $14,9991,703 (1.5%)3,863 (8.2%)
$15,000 to $19,9992,311 (2.0%)3,021 (6.4%)
$20,000 to $24,9992,796 (2.5%)3,275 (7.0%)
$25,000 to $34,9996,958 (6.1%)5,424 (11.5%)
$35,000 to $49,9999,745 (8.5%)6,659 (14.2%)
$50,000 to $74,99919,488 (17.1%)8,880 (18.9%)
$75,000 to $99,99916,851 (14.8%)5,309 (11.3%)
$100,000 to $149,99924,940 (21.8%)4,325 (9.2%)
$150,000 or more26,900 (23.6%)1,813 (3.9%)
Total114,165 (100.0%)47,009 (100.0%)

Monthly Housing Cost Tiers in Berks County

Monthly Housing Cost Tiers in Berks County
Monthly CostOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Less than $3002,103 (1.8%)2,279 (4.9%)
$300 to $4998,559 (7.5%)1,954 (4.2%)
$500 to $79920,697 (18.1%)6,272 (13.3%)
$800 to $99910,870 (9.5%)8,834 (18.8%)
$1,000 to $1,49925,610 (22.4%)17,223 (36.6%)
$1,500 to $1,99921,522 (18.9%)6,568 (14.0%)
$2,000 to $2,49912,497 (11.0%)1,147 (2.4%)
$2,500 to $2,9996,501 (5.7%)274 (0.6%)
$3,000 or more5,806 (5.1%)511 (1.1%)
Total114,165 (100.0%)47,009 (100.0%)

Physical Housing Characteristics in Berks County

Housing Structures in Berks County

Housing Structures in Berks County
Structure Type# Housing Units% Housing Units
Single Unit, Detached92,57057.4%
Single Unit, Attached36,72322.8%
2 Unit Apartments5,7303.6%
3 or 4 Unit Apartments6,8084.2%
5 to 9 Unit Apartments4,3482.7%
10 or more Apartments10,5646.6%
Mobile Home / Other4,4312.8%
Total161,174100.0%

Housing Structures by Occupancy in Berks County

Housing Structures by Occupancy in Berks County
Structure TypeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Single Unit, Detached85,431 (92.3%)7,139 (7.7%)
Single Unit, Attached23,297 (63.4%)13,426 (36.6%)
2 Unit Apartments834 (14.5%)4,896 (85.5%)
3 or 4 Unit Apartments345 (5.1%)6,463 (94.9%)
5 to 9 Unit Apartments254 (5.8%)4,094 (94.2%)
10 or more Apartments441 (4.2%)10,123 (95.8%)
Mobile Home / Other3,563 (80.4%)868 (19.6%)
Total114,165 (70.8%)47,009 (29.2%)

Housing Structures by Number of Rooms in Berks County

Housing Structures by Number of Rooms in Berks County
Number of RoomsOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
1 Room259 (0.2%)2,439 (5.2%)
2 or 3 Rooms1,665 (1.5%)10,628 (22.6%)
4 or 5 Rooms19,472 (17.1%)18,733 (39.9%)
6 or 7 Rooms48,274 (42.3%)10,940 (23.3%)
8 or more Rooms44,495 (39.0%)4,269 (9.1%)
Total114,165 (100.0%)47,009 (100.0%)

Housing Structure by Heating Type in Berks County

Housing Structure by Heating Type in Berks County
Heating TypeOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Utility Gas47,128 (41.3%)18,738 (39.9%)
Bottled, Tank, or LP Gas9,500 (8.3%)1,462 (3.1%)
Electricity18,507 (16.2%)18,355 (39.1%)
Fuel Oil or Kerosene31,996 (28.0%)7,484 (15.9%)
Coal or Coke1,240 (1.1%)93 (0.2%)
All other Fuels5,577 (4.9%)505 (1.1%)
No Fuel Used217 (0.2%)372 (0.8%)
Total114,165 (100.0%)47,009 (100.0%)

Household Vehicle Usage in Berks County

Household Vehicle Usage in Berks County
Vehicles per HouseholdOwner-occupiedRenter-occupied
No Vehicle3,810 (3.3%)10,175 (21.6%)
1 Vehicle26,982 (23.6%)21,140 (45.0%)
2 Vehicles47,297 (41.4%)11,421 (24.3%)
3 or more Vehicles36,076 (31.6%)4,273 (9.1%)
Total114,165 (100.0%)47,009 (100.0%)

Real Estate & Mortgages in Berks County

Real Estate and Mortgage Overview in Berks County

CharacteristicWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Housing Units43,19970,966
Median Property Value$210,300$233,600
Median Household Income$68,201$20,032
Monthly Housing Costs$686$5,641
Real Estate Taxes$3,804$1,174

Property Value by Mortgage Status in Berks County

Property Value by Mortgage Status in Berks County
Property ValueWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than $50,0004,059 (9.4%)1,757 (2.5%)
$50,000 to $99,9994,423 (10.2%)3,848 (5.4%)
$100,000 to $299,99923,859 (55.2%)44,303 (62.4%)
$300,000 to $499,9998,525 (19.7%)16,884 (23.8%)
$500,000 to $749,9991,450 (3.4%)3,107 (4.4%)
$750,000 to $999,999336 (0.8%)609 (0.9%)
$1,000,000 or more547 (1.3%)458 (0.6%)
Total43,199 (100.0%)70,966 (100.0%)

Household Income by Mortgage Status in Berks County

Household Income by Mortgage Status in Berks County
Household IncomeWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than $10,0001,619 (3.7%)2,887 (4.1%)
$10,000 to $24,9994,719 (10.9%)854 (1.2%)
$25,000 to $34,9993,981 (9.2%)2,091 (2.9%)
$35,000 to $49,9995,360 (12.4%)2,977 (4.2%)
$50,000 to $74,9997,978 (18.5%)4,385 (6.2%)
$75,000 to $99,9995,601 (13.0%)11,510 (16.2%)
$100,000 to $149,9997,073 (16.4%)11,250 (15.9%)
$150,000 or more6,868 (15.9%)17,867 (25.2%)
Total43,199 (100.0%)70,966 (100.0%)

Property Value to Household Income Ratio in Berks County

Property Value to Household Income Ratio in Berks County
Value-to-Income RatioWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than 2.0x15,509 (35.9%)105,303 (148.4%)
2.0x to 2.9x7,386 (17.1%)31,933 (45.0%)
3.0x to 3.9x5,904 (13.7%)17,843 (25.1%)
4.0x or more13,993 (32.4%)8,538 (12.0%)
Total43,199 (100.0%)70,966 (100.0%)

Real Estate Taxes by Mortgage Status in Berks County

Real Estate Taxes by Mortgage Status in Berks County
Property TaxesWithout MortgageWith Mortgage
Less than $8003,060 (7.1%)172 (0.2%)
$800 to $1,4994,362 (10.1%)1,825 (2.6%)
$800 to $1,49934,971 (80.9%)4,359 (6.1%)
Total43,199 (100.0%)70,966 (100.0%)

Health & Disability in Berks County

Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Berks County

Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Berks County
Age BracketWith CoverageWithout Coverage
Under 6 Years27,684 (94.9%)1,501 (5.1%)
6 to 18 Years68,672 (95.5%)3,238 (4.5%)
19 to 25 Years35,298 (87.7%)4,942 (12.3%)
26 to 34 Years41,511 (88.2%)5,534 (11.8%)
35 to 44 Years45,955 (91.3%)4,387 (8.7%)
45 to 54 Years50,080 (92.9%)3,836 (7.1%)
55 to 64 Years55,513 (94.9%)2,999 (5.1%)
65 to 74 Years42,185 (99.0%)441 (1.0%)
75 Years and older30,402 (99.8%)48 (0.2%)
Total397,300 (93.6%)26,926 (6.4%)

Health Insurance Coverage by Citizenship Status in Berks County

Health Insurance Coverage by Citizenship Status in Berks County
Citizenship StatusWith CoverageWithout Coverage
Native Born27,684 (94.9%)1,501 (5.1%)
Foreign Born, Citizen68,672 (95.5%)3,238 (4.5%)
Foreign Born, not a Citizen35,298 (87.7%)4,942 (12.3%)

Health Insurance Coverage by Household Income in Berks County

Health Insurance Coverage by Household Income in Berks County
Household IncomeWith CoverageWithout Coverage
Under $25,00039,287 (92.6%)3,159 (7.4%)
$25,000 to $49,99953,414 (91.7%)4,829 (8.3%)
$50,000 to $74,99962,227 (91.4%)5,878 (8.6%)
$75,000 to $99,99956,761 (93.7%)3,811 (6.3%)
$100,000 and over176,916 (95.4%)8,521 (4.6%)

Public vs Private Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Berks County

Public vs Private Health Insurance Coverage by Age in Berks County
Age BracketPublic InsurancePrivate Insurance
Under 613,368 (45.8%)16,337 (56.0%)
6 to 18 Years28,643 (39.8%)45,222 (62.9%)
19 to 25 Years8,143 (20.2%)28,574 (71.0%)
25 to 34 Years11,035 (23.5%)32,007 (68.0%)
35 to 44 Years9,034 (17.9%)38,441 (76.4%)
45 to 54 Years8,608 (16.0%)43,486 (80.7%)
55 to 64 Years11,508 (19.7%)46,725 (79.9%)
65 to 74 Years40,168 (94.2%)24,371 (57.2%)
75 Years and over30,150 (99.0%)21,089 (69.3%)
Total160,657 (37.9%)296,252 (69.8%)

Disability Status by Sex by Age in Berks County

Disability Status by Sex by Age in Berks County
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years35 (0.3%)8 (0.1%)
5 to 17 Years4,041 (11.1%)2,517 (7.3%)
18 to 34 Years4,267 (8.9%)4,260 (9.2%)
35 to 64 Years9,456 (11.6%)11,760 (14.4%)
65 to 74 Years5,162 (25.1%)5,000 (22.7%)
75 Years and over5,380 (43.2%)8,385 (46.6%)

Disability Class by Sex by Age in Berks County

Disability Class: Hearing Difficulty

Disability in Berks County: <span>Hearing Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years16 (0.1%)0 (0.0%)
5 to 17 Years288 (0.8%)379 (1.1%)
18 to 34 Years263 (0.5%)323 (0.7%)
35 to 64 Years2,163 (2.7%)1,405 (1.7%)
65 to 74 Years2,618 (12.7%)1,132 (5.1%)
75 Years and over2,826 (22.7%)2,932 (16.3%)

Disability Class: Vision Difficulty

Disability in Berks County: <span>Vision Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
Under 5 Years19 (0.2%)8 (0.1%)
5 to 17 Years306 (0.8%)281 (0.8%)
18 to 34 Years386 (0.8%)943 (2.0%)
35 to 64 Years1,604 (2.0%)1,955 (2.4%)
65 to 74 Years569 (2.8%)524 (2.4%)
75 Years and over723 (5.8%)1,234 (6.9%)

Disability Class: Cognitive Difficulty

Disability in Berks County: <span>Cognitive Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
5 to 17 Years3,548 (9.8%)1,803 (5.2%)
18 to 34 Years3,279 (6.9%)2,870 (6.2%)
35 to 64 Years4,471 (5.5%)4,712 (5.8%)
65 to 74 Years899 (4.4%)1,157 (5.2%)
75 Years and over1,058 (8.5%)1,748 (9.7%)

Disability Class: Ambulatory Difficulty

Disability in Berks County: <span>Ambulatory Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
5 to 17 Years241 (0.7%)335 (1.0%)
18 to 34 Years558 (1.2%)651 (1.4%)
35 to 64 Years4,075 (5.0%)7,031 (8.6%)
65 to 74 Years2,354 (11.5%)3,587 (16.3%)
75 Years and over2,913 (23.4%)5,688 (31.6%)

Disability Class: Self-Care Difficulty

Disability in Berks County: <span>Self-Care Difficulty</span>
Age BracketMaleFemale
5 to 17 Years625 (1.7%)365 (1.1%)
18 to 34 Years460 (1.0%)366 (0.8%)
35 to 64 Years1,688 (2.1%)2,028 (2.5%)
65 to 74 Years612 (3.0%)736 (3.3%)
75 Years and over910 (7.3%)2,059 (11.4%)

Technology Access in Berks County

Computing Device Access in Berks County

Computing Device Access in Berks County
Device Type# Households% Households
Desktop or Laptop121,74975.5%
Smartphone135,25183.9%
Tablet96,35559.8%
No Computing Device13,7818.6%
Total161,174100.0%

Internet Access in Berks County

Internet Access in Berks County
Internet Type# Households% Households
Dial-Up Internet5510.3%
Broadband Home116,43172.2%
Cellular Data Only18,41511.4%
Satellite Internet6,9514.3%
No Internet21,54513.4%
Total161,174100.0%

Berks County Summary

Berks County, Pennsylvania is located in the southeastern part of the state and is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. It is bordered by Montgomery County to the north, Lehigh County to the northeast, Bucks County to the east, Chester County to the south, and Lancaster County to the west. The county seat is Reading, and the county has a population of approximately 415,271 as of 2019.

Geography

Berks County is located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania and is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area. It is bordered by Montgomery County to the north, Lehigh County to the northeast, Bucks County to the east, Chester County to the south, and Lancaster County to the west. The county has a total area of 866 square miles, of which 860 square miles is land and 6.2 square miles is water. The county is divided into three distinct geographic regions: the Reading Prong, the Schuylkill River Valley, and the Piedmont Plateau.
The Reading Prong is a narrow strip of land that runs through the center of the county and is characterized by rolling hills and valleys. The Schuylkill River Valley is located in the eastern part of the county and is home to the city of Reading. The Piedmont Plateau is located in the western part of the county and is characterized by flat, rolling hills.

History

Berks County was established in 1752 and was named after the English county of Berkshire. The county was originally part of Philadelphia County and was part of the original land grant given to William Penn in 1681. The county was divided into three townships: Reading, Exeter, and Oley.
The county was an important center of the iron industry in the 19th century, and the county seat of Reading was an important railroad hub. The county was also home to several large farms, and the county was known for its production of dairy products.
In the 20th century, the county experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The population of the county increased from approximately 200,000 in 1950 to over 400,000 in 2019. The county also experienced an influx of immigrants from Latin America and Asia, and the county is now home to a diverse population.

Economy

Berks County has a diverse economy that is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. The county is home to several large manufacturing companies, including Carpenter Technology Corporation, Reading Truck Body, and W.L. Gore & Associates. The county is also home to several healthcare providers, including Reading Hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center, and Tower Health.
The county is also home to several educational institutions, including Albright College, Kutztown University, and Penn State Berks. The county is also home to several tourist attractions, including the Reading Public Museum, the Reading Phillies baseball team, and the Reading Fightin Phils minor league baseball team.

Demographics

As of 2019, the population of Berks County was estimated to be 415,271. The population is composed of a diverse mix of ethnicities, including White (77.2%), Hispanic or Latino (14.2%), Black or African American (4.7%), Asian (2.7%), and other (1.2%). The median household income in the county is $60,945, and the median age is 40.3 years.
Berks County is home to a large number of immigrants, with approximately 11.3% of the population being foreign-born. The largest immigrant groups in the county are from Mexico (4.2%), India (2.2%), and China (1.7%).

Conclusion

Berks County, Pennsylvania is a diverse and vibrant county located in the southeastern part of the state. The county has a rich history and a diverse economy that is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. The county is home to a diverse population, with a mix of ethnicities and a large number of immigrants. The county is an important part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and is an important contributor to the state’s economy.

Common Questions

What is the Total Population of Berks County?
Total Population of Berks County is 428,483.
What is the Total Male Population of Berks County?
Total Male Population of Berks County is 212,820.
What is the Total Female Population of Berks County?
Total Female Population of Berks County is 215,663.
What is the Ratio of Males per 100 Females in Berks County?
There are 98.68 Males per 100 Females in Berks County.
What is the Ratio of Females per 100 Males in Berks County?
There are 101.34 Females per 100 Males in Berks County.
What is the Median Population Age in Berks County?
Median Population Age in Berks County is 39.9 Years.
What is the Average Family Size in Berks County
Average Family Size in Berks County is 3.1 People.
What is the Average Household Size in Berks County
Average Household Size in Berks County is 2.6 People.
What is Per Capita Income in Berks County?
Per Capita income in Berks County is $37,776.
What is the Median Family Income in Berks County?
Median Family Income in Berks County is $92,726.
What is the Median Household income in Berks County?
Median Household Income in Berks County is $74,617.
What is Income or Wage Gap in Berks County?
Income or Wage Gap in Berks County is 33.7%.
Women in Berks County earn 66.3 cents for every dollar earned by a man.
What is Family Income Deficit in Berks County?
Family Income Deficit in Berks County is $11,208.
Families that are below poverty line in Berks County earn $11,208 less on average than the poverty threshold level.
What is Inequality or Gini Index in Berks County?
Inequality or Gini Index in Berks County is 0.45.
How Large is the Labor Force in Berks County?
There are 223,782 People in the Labor Forcein in Berks County.
What is the Percentage of People in the Labor Force in Berks County?
64.8% of People are in the Labor Force in Berks County.
What is the Unemployment Rate in Berks County?
Unemployment Rate in Berks County is 5.4%.