countyscore
44
County Score
Income & Jobs 81.2Health 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.

Score breakdown

Tax5.6Cost16.1Safety64.7Health67.3Schools61.3Income81.2Risk7.3Water52Weather59
🏛5.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡7.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Berks County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Berks County

via CostByCounty

Berks stretches household budgets

Berks County renters spend 17.7% of income on housing—above the national average and Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%. With a median household income of $77,684 and median rent of $1,143, Berks represents one of the region's tighter affordability markets.

Among Pennsylvania's pricier counties

Berks ranks among the less affordable Pennsylvania counties with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.7%, the highest in this eight-county set. Monthly rent of $1,143 runs $183 above the state average of $960, reflecting strong regional demand.

Berks commands regional premium

Berks' $1,143 rent is the highest among all comparison counties—$341 above Armstrong and $232 above Beaver. Home values near $239,700 similarly position Berks as one of the region's priciest markets, second only to Adams.

Berks' elevated housing costs

Renters spend $1,143 monthly (17.7% of income), while homeowners pay $1,308 (20.2%)—the highest ownership burden in this region. Together, these costs consume more than one-third of household earnings when considering both rental and ownership pathways.

Berks for growth and amenities

Berks County's higher housing costs reflect strong job growth and urban amenities—consider this trade-off if relocating for career advancement. Compare affordability to nearby Armstrong, Bedford, or Beaver to maximize your housing dollar.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Berks County

via HealthByCounty

Berks County nears national averages

At 77.8 years, Berks County residents live 1.4 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a solid health advantage. However, the 18.1% poor/fair health rate moderately exceeds national norms, indicating that despite decent lifespans, residents report notable chronic-health challenges.

Above Pennsylvania's health midline

Berks County's 77.8-year life expectancy ranks above Pennsylvania's 76.4-year state average by 1.4 years, placing it among the healthier counties statewide. The 18.1% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds the state trend, suggesting pockets of health vulnerability within an otherwise strong county.

Solid performer in southeast PA

Berks County's 77.8-year life expectancy trails only Adams County (78.8 years) in this group and exceeds Bradford County (77.2 years) by 0.6 years. Its 18.1% poor/fair health rate sits mid-range among nearby counties, suggesting balanced demographic health profiles.

Moderate access, above-average uninsured

Berks County has 63 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—better than rural counties but below Pittsburgh levels—and a 7.5% uninsured rate, the highest in this group. This means roughly 1 in 13 Berks residents lack coverage, creating gaps in preventive care access despite adequate provider supply.

Close Berks County coverage gaps

With 7.5% of residents uninsured, Berks County faces the highest uninsured rate in this group—roughly 17,000 people who could access care with a plan. Visit healthcare.gov or call the Berks County assistance line to explore free and low-cost insurance options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Berks County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse Regional System

Berks County operates a massive educational network of 94 public schools across 19 districts, serving 63,577 students. The county features a heavy emphasis on early education with 49 elementary schools, supported by 24 middle and 21 high schools. This robust infrastructure handles everything from bustling urban centers to quiet rural townships.

Steady Growth and Targeted Spending

The county's graduation rate is 87.3%, aligning closely with the national average, while the school score of 58.5 sits just below the state median. Spending is currently $9,939 per pupil, which is consistent with state trends but roughly $3,000 below the national average. These metrics indicate a system managing high student volume with efficient resource allocation.

Reading School District Leads the State

Reading School District is a major urban system, educating 17,185 students across 19 schools. In the suburbs, Wilson School District is another local leader with 6,352 students and high-performing facilities. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning traditional public districts manage 100% of the public enrollment.

Large Schools and Suburban Landscapes

Berks County schools are primarily suburban, though 19 schools serve the city of Reading. School sizes can be massive; Reading Senior High alone serves over 5,200 students, contributing to a high county-wide average school size of 676. This environment provides students with a wide array of specialized courses and large-scale athletic programs.

Explore Vibrant Neighborhoods Near Top Schools

With 19 districts to choose from, Berks County offers a home for every preference, from urban lofts to suburban estates. Districts like Wilson and Exeter Township are popular targets for families who prioritize large, comprehensive school programs. Consider your commute and desired school size as you explore the diverse real estate options in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Berks County

via RiskByCounty

Berks County Faces Well-Above-Average Risk

Berks County's composite risk score of 92.72 substantially exceeds the national average, earning a relatively moderate risk rating. This southeastern Pennsylvania county experiences significant exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes.

Second-Highest-Risk County in Pennsylvania

Berks County's score of 92.72 ranks as Pennsylvania's second-most hazardous county, trailing only Allegheny (98.09) by roughly 5 points. The county exceeds the state average of 67.45 by 37 percent, placing it in a distinctly vulnerable tier.

Significantly Riskier Than Surrounding Counties

Berks County residents face substantially higher hazard exposure than nearby Lancaster, Lebanon, and Chester counties, which all score in the 70s. The county's 92.72 score reflects greater vulnerability than most of its regional peers.

Hurricanes, Flooding, and Tornadoes Converge

Hurricane risk peaks at 92.53 in Berks County, while flood risk (94.82) and tornado risk (90.62) follow closely, creating a convergence of major hazards. Earthquake risk also runs high at 91.25, making Berks a multifaceted hazard zone.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Essential Now

Berks County homeowners must obtain flood insurance immediately; the county's 94.82 flood risk indicates widespread vulnerability. Additionally, ensure your policy covers tornado, wind, and hurricane damage, and strongly consider earthquake coverage given the 91.25 risk—bundle policies if possible to manage premiums.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 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 $4,238, with an effective tax rate of 1.77%. This earns Berks County a tax score of 5.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Berks County?
The median household income in Berks County, Pennsylvania is $77,684 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Berks County earns an income score of 81.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Berks County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Berks County scores 44/100 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.

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