Berks County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Berks County, Pennsylvania is 429,989 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $77,684, the median home value is $239,700, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Berks County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (412,041 → 439,117), a +0.46% annualized rate.
429,989
Population
+0.46%
Annual growth
502
People / sq mi
$77,684
Median Income
$239,700
Median Home Value
Berks County covers 856 sq mi of land at 502.1 people per square mile.
About Berks County, PA
What distinguishes Berks County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 502 people per square mile. With 429,989 residents, Berks County is a county in Pennsylvania. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Pennsylvania nationally.
Median household income is $77,684, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $239,700, with typical rent around $1,143.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 10.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Berks County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Berks County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Berks County had a population of 412,041 in 2010 and 439,117 in 2024, a 6.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 439,117 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.46%.
439,117
Population (2024)
412,041
Population (2010)
439,117
Peak (2024)
0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 412,041 |
| 2011 | 413,027 |
| 2012 | 413,552 |
| 2013 | 413,975 |
| 2014 | 414,632 |
| 2015 | 415,218 |
| 2016 | 415,911 |
| 2017 | 417,601 |
| 2018 | 420,407 |
| 2019 | 420,375 |
| 2020 | 428,693 |
| 2021 | 429,698 |
| 2022 | 432,281 |
| 2023 | 435,284 |
| 2024 | 439,117 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
17.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $77,684+$1,603 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,044 |
| Per-capita income | $39,012 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%+0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Berks County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.4% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
75.3%
Public transit
10.6%
Work from home
25.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$239,700$-800 vs state
Median home value
$1,143
Median rent
71.0%
Homeownership rate
171,147
Total housing units
94.5%
Occupied
5.5%
Vacant
29.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
15.3%
Foreign-born
5.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.0%
With a disability
79.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.4%
High School+
27.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Other counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
County rankings
Common questions about Berks County, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Berks County, Pennsylvania has a population of 429,989 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 502 people per square mile.
The population of Berks County has grown 6.6% since 2010 (412,041 → 439,117), a +0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Berks County, Pennsylvania is $77,684, with mean (average) household income of $101,044 and per-capita income of $39,012. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Berks County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.3%), Black or African American (4.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Berks County, Pennsylvania is 39.9 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Berks County is $239,700 and median monthly rent is $1,143. 71.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 171,147 total housing units, 5.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Berks County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Berks County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Berks County, PA Climate
Berks County, PA has an average annual temperature of 11.3°C (52°F) and receives about 1114 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.3°C
Avg Temp
1114
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 85 mm |
| February | -1° / 31° | 68 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 86 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 93 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 110 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 110 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 105 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 96 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 102 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 80 mm |
| November | 7° / 44° | 93 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 86 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Berks County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Berks County, PA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Berks County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.