Reading
RANK #684 / 996 NAT · #32 / 44 PA · POP 428,483
1YR FORECAST: +1.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +19%
The Pagoda, a distinctive Japanese-style landmark overlooking the city of Reading, offers panoramic views and is a local point of pride. Berks County, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, is approximately 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 26 miles southwest of Allentown. The community blends urban and suburban living with significant rural areas, characterized by its position within Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The Schuylkill River flows through the county, and outdoor recreation is a notable feature, with destinations like French Creek State Park and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and water activities. Commute options include regional bus services and carpooling programs.
Life in the county offers a range of experiences, from the walkable streets of West Reading to more rural settings. Public schools in areas like Wyomissing and Wilson are recognized for their quality. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture and manufacturing, has diversified. Recent economic developments show investment in industrial and logistics sectors, with new facilities and redevelopment projects underway. The county also sees ongoing private investment in mixed-use developments and advanced manufacturing.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ontelaunee Power Generating Plant Battery Storage
Undisclosed (PJM Interconnection Queue)
|
$650M | Planned |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (Muhlenberg Township)
Amazon
|
$120M | Operating |
|
Mountain Trail Solar Energy Farm
Leeward Renewable Energy (subsidiary)
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 31/100, Berks County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $74,617 combined with job growth of +1.5% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Berks County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $225,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $1,078/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Berks County are hiring — job growth of +1.5% — but the population is close to flat (+0.4% YoY). Home values moved +1.9% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.8% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Berks County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.