What does the story behind 2025’s economic data reveal about where we’re headed next?
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is pleased to share the latest State of the Berks County Economy Report, developed in partnership with the Lancaster EDC’s Center for Regional Analysis. This annual report examines the trends shaping our economy, workforce, housing market and competitiveness.
Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s report:
Economic Growth & Industry
- Berks County’s economy continues to grow, with real GDP increasing for the fourth consecutive year and reaching more than $20.8 billion in 2024.
- Manufacturing remains the foundation of the local economy, serving as both the county’s largest employer and largest contributor to economic output.
- Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities recorded the largest employment growth over the past decade, reinforcing Berks County’s strategic location and logistics advantages.
- Berks County’s unemployment rate averaged 4.2% in 2025, remaining well below the county’s historical average and reflecting a labor market that continues to operate at or near full employment.
Workforce & Talent
- Berks County’s population reached 440,100 residents, continuing a decade-long growth trend.
- At the same time, the county’s population is aging. The share of residents age 55 and older has increased significantly, while the prime working-age population (25-54) has declined by the equivalent of approximately 9,100 workers over the last decade.
- Berks County maintains a highly connected regional workforce:
- 51.2% of residents both live and work in Berks County.
- Many residents commute to neighboring employment centers, particularly Montgomery, Lehigh, Lancaster and Chester counties.
- More than 40% of workers employed in Berks County commute from outside the county, highlighting the importance of regional workforce connectivity.
Wages, Inflation & Cost of Living
- Average annual pay across all private-sector jobs reached $63,300 in 2025.
- Manufacturing jobs averaged $78,000 annually, while Professional, Scientific & Technical Services and Finance & Insurance exceeded $88,000 and $103,000, respectively.
- While wages have increased 26.6% over the last five years, outpacing inflation over that longer period, workers experienced a more challenging year in 2025 as prices increased 2.7% while average hourly earnings grew only 1.5%.
Housing & Affordability
- Housing remains one of Berks County’s greatest competitive advantages and one of its biggest challenges.
- Housing costs remain 5.9% below the national average, helping position Berks County as an attractive place to live and work.
- Homeownership remains strong, with 71.3% of households owning their homes, exceeding both Pennsylvania and national averages.
- At the same time, housing inventory remains constrained, with a 4.9% vacancy rate, limiting mobility and affordability.
- Nearly 30% of county residents are housing cost burdened, meaning they spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
The Bottom Line
The data paints a picture of a county that continues to grow and compete. Berks County benefits from a strong manufacturing base, a diverse economy, a growing population and a strategic location within one of the nation’s most important economic corridors. At the same time, workforce demographics, housing availability and affordability will be critical issues to address if the region is to sustain long-term growth and competitiveness.
For GRCA, reports like this help inform the conversations, partnerships and investments that shape Greater Reading’s future. By understanding where we are today, business leaders, community partners, and policymakers can work together to build on our strengths and address the challenges that will influence tomorrow’s economy.