countyscore
44.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.1Health 67.3Safety 64.7

County Report Card

About Berks County, Pennsylvania

Below the National Median

Berks County's composite score of 44.0 places it below the national median of 50.0. High costs and taxes contribute significantly to this lower national ranking.

Trailing State Performance Levels

The score of 44.0 is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. This indicates that Berks County faces more economic and environmental pressures than many other counties in the state.

High Earnings and Healthcare

The county maintains a strong Income Score of 81.2, supported by a median household income of $77,684. Health services are also a bright spot with a score of 67.3.

Tax and Environmental Burdens

A Tax Score of 5.6 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.768%. Furthermore, a Risk Score of 7.3 suggests significant exposure to environmental or natural hazards.

Best for High-Income Professionals

Berks County is well-suited for high-income earners who can navigate the substantial tax burden. It offers strong healthcare and solid earnings for those working in regional hubs.

204060801007.216.664.767.361.381.17.35259Tax7.2Cost16.6Safety64.7Health67.3Schools61.3Income81.1Risk7.3Water52Weather5944.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Berks County DNA

Foverall

How Berks County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Berks County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (81.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.2-44.8
Cost
16.6-31.4
Safety
64.7+9.700000000000003
Health
67.3+17.299999999999997
Schools
61.3
Income
81.1+30.099999999999994
Risk
7.3-39.7
Water
52
Weather
59
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Think property taxes are too high in Berks County?

Many homeowners in Berks County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$257,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,181/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$257,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,777/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Union County
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Eastland County
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Jackson County
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Box Elder County
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Nearby counties

Schuylkill County
Pennsylvania
48.8
Lehigh County
Pennsylvania
41
Lebanon County
Pennsylvania
50.6
Lancaster County
Pennsylvania
48.1
Carbon County
Pennsylvania
50
Chester County
Pennsylvania
51.1
Montgomery County
Pennsylvania
44
Northampton County
Pennsylvania
48.4

Deep Dives

Berks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Berks County

via TaxByCounty

Berks County has one of the nation's highest rates

Berks County's effective rate of 1.768% ranks in the top 10% of all U.S. counties, far exceeding the national median of 1.300%. The median annual property tax of $4,238 is 58% higher than the national median of $2,690, making Berks one of America's highest-tax counties.

Pennsylvania's highest tax burden overall

Berks County carries the highest effective tax rate in Pennsylvania at 1.768%, nearly 35% above the state average of 1.317%. Median annual taxes of $4,238 dwarf the state median of $2,657 by 60%, the steepest burden statewide.

Significantly higher taxes than regional peers

Berks County's 1.768% rate far exceeds all other counties in this comparison, including Adams County (1.394%), making it the costliest county in Eastern Pennsylvania. This elevated rate reflects high municipal and school district spending in the region.

What the median homeowner pays yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($239,700) in Berks County pays approximately $4,238 annually in property taxes—by far the highest amount among the eight counties. With a mortgage, that rises to $4,459; without, it falls to $3,849.

Assessment appeals carry highest savings potential

Given Berks County's exceptionally high tax rate, even a small reduction in assessed value yields substantial annual savings. Many homeowners in high-tax counties are significantly overassessed; appealing your property's valuation could save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Berks County

via IncomeByCounty

Berks outearns the national household median

Berks County's median household income of $77,684 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 3.9%, placing it solidly above national averages. This advantage reflects a diverse, competitive regional economy in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Top-tier earner among Pennsylvania counties

Berks' $77,684 median household income surpasses Pennsylvania's state average of $69,614 by 11.6%, ranking it among the state's highest-earning counties. Per capita income of $39,012 also exceeds the state average of $37,407.

Leads income rankings in central-eastern region

Berks households earn $77,684, ahead of regional peers like Adams County ($81,071) and Allegheny County ($76,393). The county's manufacturing, agriculture, and service sectors support above-average regional wages.

Tight housing market reflects strong demand

Berks' rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% remains below affordability thresholds, though median home values of $239,700 reflect strong housing demand. Households earning the county median of $77,684 can access homeownership, though affordability margins are tighter than some peers.

Capitalize on above-average earning power

Berks County residents with median incomes of $77,684 are well-positioned for aggressive savings and investment strategies. Consider diversifying assets, maximizing retirement contributions, and exploring wealth-building opportunities suited to above-average earners.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Berks County

via CrimeByCounty

Berks County maintains strong security

Berks County maintains a strong safety score of 98.7, placing it well above national norms. The county's total crime rate of 824.8 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Safer than the average Pennsylvania county

Berks County is safer than the average Pennsylvania county, with a safety score of 98.7 versus the state's 98.5. Its total crime rate of 824.8 is also notably lower than the state average.

Effective safety management for its size

Monitored by 41 reporting agencies, Berks County manages its public safety effectively for a mid-sized county. It balances a significant population with a crime rate that remains below statewide averages.

Low frequency of violent crime incidents

The crime profile includes 146.1 violent crimes and 678.7 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime in Berks is nearly three times less frequent than the national average.

Proactive steps for home security

Residents can help sustain the county’s 98.7 safety score by staying alert to property-related risks. Implementing smart home security systems is a proactive way to address the local property crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Berks County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than the average

Berks County averages 52.5°F annually, nearly matching the national median for the United States. It is a particularly wet region, receiving 48.2 inches of precipitation per year, which is well above the national average. This high moisture and moderate temperature create a very productive environment for local agriculture.

One of the state's wettest regions

Berks County is significantly warmer than the Pennsylvania average of 49.9°F and receives 3 more inches of rain than the state norm. At 52.5°F, it is part of the warmer southeastern pocket of the state. This combination of heat and high precipitation makes it a standout for lush growth but higher humidity.

A humid powerhouse in the Southeast

Compared to its neighbors, Berks County is notably wetter with its 48.2 inches of annual precipitation. It shares the high July heat of 74.8°F with southern neighbors like Adams County but sees much less snow. With only 17.3 inches of annual snowfall, it is one of the easier places in the state for winter driving.

Sizzling summers and light snow

July is hot, averaging 74.8°F with 17 days reaching above 90°F. Winter is relatively mild for Pennsylvania, with a winter average of 31.9°F and only 17.3 inches of snow. The January average of 29.5°F keeps the county warmer than its central and northern counterparts.

Invest in dehumidification and rain gear

High annual precipitation of 48.2 inches means residents should prioritize basement waterproofing and effective gutter systems. Central air conditioning is essential to combat the 17 days of extreme summer heat and associated humidity. Winter planning is simpler here than elsewhere in PA, as snowfall is relatively light at 17.3 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Berks County

via SoilByCounty

Berks County's slightly acidic profile

Average soil pH in Berks County is 5.39, which is slightly less acidic than the state's average of 5.22. Compared to the national median of 6.5, the soil requires careful management to support alkaline-preferring plants. Taxonomic data is not provided, but the chemical makeup reflects the region's agricultural heritage.

Silt and sand drive soil texture

The composition consists of 43.5% silt and 29.1% sand, offering a relatively light and workable texture. With a low clay content of 15.0%, the soil drains reasonably well but may struggle with nutrient leaching. This mix is highly valued by local farmers for its versatility in crop rotation.

Solid organic matter with modest storage

Organic matter stands at 5.99%, well above the national average of 2.0% but shy of the state average of 12.14%. The available water capacity is 0.140 in/in, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 0.151 in/in. Regular additions of compost can help boost the soil's ability to hold onto water.

Managing water in low-clay soils

Specific drainage classes are not listed for the county, but the low clay percentage usually prevents heavy waterlogging. The silty-sand mix suggests that water moves through the upper layers at a moderate rate. Gardeners should watch for erosion on sloped areas during heavy rain events.

A longer season in zone 7a

The warmer zone 7a climate gives Berks County a longer growing season than many of its northern neighbors. This is an excellent region for growing tomatoes, peppers, and even some varieties of grapes. Get your seeds started early to enjoy a bounty that lasts well into the fall.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Berks County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Challenges in Berks County

Berks County presents a more difficult environment for lawns, with a score of 54.2, which is lower than the Pennsylvania average. Homeowners in this Zone 7a region will need to be more proactive to maintain a healthy, green yard.

Abundant Rain but Frequent Heat

While 48.2 inches of annual precipitation is plentiful, the 17 extreme heat days can quickly dry out turf. The high 3283 growing degree days mean your grass will grow quickly, requiring a frequent mowing schedule.

Correcting Acidity for Best Results

The soil pH of 5.39 is well below the ideal range, meaning lime is essential for any Berks County lawn. The 29.1% sand content helps with drainage, but you may need to amend the soil to improve its 15.0% clay base.

Coping with Severe Drought Conditions

Berks County has faced a tough year with 35 weeks of drought, and 91.4% of the area is currently in severe drought. Focus on watering only the most critical areas and allow established lawns to go dormant if necessary.

Early Spring Start for Berks Turf

Because this is Zone 7a, heat-tolerant Turf-Type Tall Fescue is your best bet for long-term survival. Plan to seed early once the frost clears around April 16 to beat the summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Berks County's county score?
Berks County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 44.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Berks County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Berks County ranks #58 among all counties in Pennsylvania on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Berks County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Berks County is $4,239, with an effective tax rate of 1.65%. This earns Berks County a tax score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Berks County?
The median household income in Berks County, Pennsylvania is $79,777 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Berks County earns an income score of 81.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Berks County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Berks County scores 44.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Berks County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Berks County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.