2023 Berks County, Pennsylvania Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Berks County, Pennsylvania, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Berks County, Pennsylvania Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following statistics highlight Berks County, Pennsylvania population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 429,989
- Median Age (Total)
- 39.9 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 38.7 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 41.1 years
Berks County, Pennsylvania Age Distribution Comparison with Pennsylvania 2023
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania age demographics with Pennsylvania to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 39.9 yrs | 41.2 yrs | -1.3 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 5.51% | 5.05% | +0.5pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 16.61% | 15.02% | +1.6pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 9.50% | 9.09% | +0.4pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 24.42% | 24.64% | -0.2pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 17.72% | 20.38% | -2.7pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 66.22 | 67.94 | -1.7 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 66.22
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 36.77 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 29.45 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Berks County, Pennsylvania
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Berks County, Pennsylvania are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 48.10
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania racial and ethnic demographics with Pennsylvania to understand regional diversity patterns.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Diversity
48.10
moderatePennsylvania Diversity
46.10
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 67.76% | 71.87% | -4.1pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 23.97% | 9.42% | +14.5pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 3.95% | 10.13% | -6.2pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.51% | 3.84% | -1.3pp |
| Asian Alone | 1.29% | 4.14% | -2.8pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.43% | 0.50% | -0.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.07% | 0.07% | 0.0pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 48.10 | 46.10 | +2.0 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $77,684 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 161,701
Income Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania household income with Pennsylvania to understand regional economic patterns.
Berks County, Pennsylvania
$77,684
Pennsylvania
$77,545
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 10.44% | 11.33% | -0.9pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 11.02% | 10.33% | +0.7pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 9.87% | 10.64% | -0.8pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 16.68% | 16.12% | +0.6pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 32.81% | 30.34% | +2.5pp |
| $150,000 or more | 19.18% | 21.24% | -2.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Pennsylvania.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $239,700
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 114,882 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania property values with Pennsylvania to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Berks County, Pennsylvania
$239,700
Pennsylvania
$277,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 2.34% | 2.99% | -0.7pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 2.34% | 2.28% | +0.1pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 5.69% | 7.34% | -1.6pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 25.85% | 19.46% | +6.4pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 56.59% | 50.42% | +6.2pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 6.87% | 16.49% | -9.6pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.32% | 1.03% | -0.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Pennsylvania.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 88.38%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 27.17%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 294,011
Education Level Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania educational attainment with Pennsylvania to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Berks County, Pennsylvania
27.17%
Bachelor's+ in Pennsylvania
36.37%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 11.62% | 7.65% | +4.0pp |
| HS Graduate | 36.86% | 32.41% | +4.5pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 24.35% | 23.58% | +0.8pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 17.35% | 21.31% | -4.0pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 9.82% | 15.06% | -5.2pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 88.38% | 92.35% | -4.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Pennsylvania.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 6.7%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 28,378
- Total Civilian Population
- 425,722
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania health insurance coverage with Pennsylvania to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Berks County, Pennsylvania
6.7%
Uninsured in Pennsylvania
5.8%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 5.2% | 4.7% | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| 18-34 years | 15.2% | 9.8% | 11.8% | 8.7% |
| 35-64 years | 8.4% | 6.0% | 7.5% | 5.6% |
| 65+ years | 1.0% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.5% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 96.0% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 20,399 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 17,232
Citizenship Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania citizenship and nativity with Pennsylvania to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Berks County, Pennsylvania
96.0%
Citizenship in Pennsylvania
96.4%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 86.3% | 89.8% | -3.5pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 4.0% | 1.1% | +2.9pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.9% | 0.7% | +0.2pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 4.7% | 4.7% | 0.0pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 4.0% | 3.6% | +0.4pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 96.0% | 96.4% | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Pennsylvania.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 83.5%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 1.0%
- Work From Home Rate
- 10.6%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 207,060
Transportation Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania commuting patterns with Pennsylvania to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Berks County, Pennsylvania
83.5%
Drove in Pennsylvania
76.6%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 83.5% | 76.6% | +6.9pp |
| Public transportation | 1.0% | 4.2% | -3.2pp |
| Bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | -0.4pp |
| Walked | 2.8% | 3.4% | -0.6pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.9% | 1.5% | +0.4pp |
| Worked from home | 10.6% | 13.8% | -3.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Pennsylvania.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Berks County, Pennsylvania by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 211,518
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania employment patterns with Pennsylvania to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Berks County, Pennsylvania
3.9% (M) / 5.5% (F)
Government Employment in Pennsylvania
5.2% (M) / 6.6% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 43.6% F: 32.0% | M: 38.8% F: 31.0% | M: +4.8pp F: +1.0pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.0% F: 7.4% | M: 4.5% F: 8.7% | M: -1.5pp F: -1.3pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 3.9% F: 5.5% | M: 5.2% F: 6.6% | M: -1.3pp F: -1.1pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 2.9% F: 1.6% | M: 3.2% F: 1.9% | M: -0.3pp F: -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Pennsylvania.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 19,224
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
7,019 veterans (36.5%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania veteran demographics with Pennsylvania to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Berks County, Pennsylvania
19,224
Total Veterans in Pennsylvania
656,112
- Berks County, Pennsylvania: Vietnam Era Only (36.5%)
- Pennsylvania: Vietnam Era Only (34.7%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 36.5% (7,019) | 34.7% (227,624) | +1.8pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 17.0% (3,273) | 15.8% (103,891) | +1.2pp |
| Gulf War Only | 12.7% (2,433) | 12.2% (79,946) | +0.5pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 12.5% (2,404) | 13.3% (87,467) | -0.8pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 7.8% (1,490) | 8.7% (57,158) | -0.9pp |
| Korean War Only | 6.0% (1,161) | 6.3% (41,621) | -0.3pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.2% (800) | 5.1% (33,644) | -0.9pp |
| WWII Only | 1.8% (345) | 1.7% (10,943) | +0.1pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.8% (160) | 1.0% (6,725) | -0.2pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.4% (75) | 0.3% (2,162) | +0.1pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.2% (30) | 0.3% (1,753) | -0.1pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.1% (13) | 0.3% (1,814) | -0.2pp |
| Vietnam + Korean + WWII | 0.1% (10) | 0.1% (341) | 0.0pp |
| Pre-WWII | 0.0% (9) | 0.0% (122) | 0.0pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.0% (2) | 0.1% (901) | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Berks County, Pennsylvania Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data categorizes families in Berks County, Pennsylvania by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 8.3% (8,900 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 27.8% (29,902 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 64.0% (68,952 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania poverty levels with Pennsylvania to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Berks County, Pennsylvania
8.3%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Pennsylvania
7.8%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 8.3% (8,900) | 7.8% (260,065) | +0.5pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 27.8% (29,902) | 26.2% (873,927) | +1.6pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 64.0% (68,952) | 65.9% (2,195,823) | -1.9pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 3.9% | 3.4% | +0.5pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 2.0% | 1.9% | +0.1pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.4% | 2.5% | -0.1pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.6% | 2.7% | -0.1pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 3.4% | 3.0% | +0.4pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 3.3% | 3.0% | +0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Pennsylvania.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Berks County, Pennsylvania SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Berks County, Pennsylvania
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 22,281 (13.78% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 11,017 (49.45% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 161,701
SNAP Participation Comparison with Pennsylvania
Compare Berks County, Pennsylvania SNAP participation with Pennsylvania to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Berks County, Pennsylvania
13.78%
22,281 householdsSNAP Participation in Pennsylvania
15.12%
810,783 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Berks County, Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 11.97% (2,667) | 7.02% (1,564) | 13.06% (105,914) | 9.27% (75,145) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 6.38% (1,421) | 2.68% (597) | 4.50% (36,515) | 3.16% (25,618) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 30.33% (6,758) | 8.48% (1,890) | 20.69% (167,713) | 9.49% (76,928) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.77% (171) | 32.37% (7,213) | 0.66% (5,363) | 39.17% (317,587) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 22,281 (13.78% of households) | 810,783 (15.12% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.