Berks County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Berks County, Pennsylvania has seen its median home values rise from $168,200 in 2015 to $225,700 in 2022, outpacing national trends and mirroring broader state increases. The surge in real estate taxes to $7,233.53 in 2021 suggests a growing tax burden for homeowners, while a jump in residential energy tax credits, peaking at $2,523.33 in 2018, points to a strong market for energy-efficient... Read more
Berks County Market Trends
Berks County's median home values have surged from $168,200 in 2015 to $225,700 in 2022, aligning closely with Pennsylvania's broader trends and outpacing national increases. A noteworthy spike in residential energy tax credits, especially the peak of $2,523.33 in 2018, may indicate a strong market for energy-efficient properties. Real estate taxes have climbed from around $5,001.97 in 2012 to... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Berks County, Pennsylvania Over the Last 8 Years
Berks County has seen a steady increase in median home values from $168,200 in 2015 to $225,700 in 2022. This growth parallels the broader trend in Pennsylvania, where values rose from $166,000 to $226,200. However, Berks County's housing market appears to be more aligned with state trends than national ones, which saw a more modest increase from $125,500 to $179,400 in the same period. This price escalation presents significant opportunities for investors and homebuyers looking to capitalize on the region's appreciating real estate market.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Berks County, PA Over the Last 9 Years
Berks County, Pennsylvania has seen notable fluctuations in residential energy tax credits over the past nine years. Starting from $381.04 in 2013, the average credit peaked dramatically to $2,523.33 in 2018, likely indicating a surge in energy-efficient upgrades or incentives. Although 2018's figure could be an outlier, recent years still show higher-than-average amounts, suggesting sustained interest in energy efficiency investments. For real estate agents, appraisers, or those considering property development, this trend might imply a growing market for energy-efficient homes. Investors and residents might want to anticipate continued governmental or market support for such improvements, possibly influencing property values and insurance assessments.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Berks County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Average real estate taxes per tax return in Berks County, Pennsylvania have seen a notable rise over the past decade. Values have moved from approximately $5,001.97 in 2012 to roughly $7,233.53 in 2021, with a significant spike occurring in 2018. This trend suggests a growing real estate tax burden, which potential investors, property builders, and real estate agents should factor into their financial models. Appraisers and insurance agents might also find these trends useful for more accurate projections and valuations in the area.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Berks County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past ten years, Berks County, Pennsylvania has seen a slight decline in the percentage of farm tax returns, dipping from 0.77% in 2012 to 0.70% in 2021. Farm tax returns, which denote the portion of taxable income derived from farming activities, reflect agricultural productivity and financial health in the region. For prospective investors or those planning to build property, this trend may suggest either evolving land use or economic shifts within the county's rural sectors. Those interested in agriculture might find the nuances of these changes crucial for financial forecasting and strategic planning.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Berks County, PA Over the Last 5 Years in Berks County
Shifts in mortgage counts in Berks County, Pennsylvania over the past five years indicate a significant focus on principal residences, which consistently outnumber mortgages for investment and second properties by a large margin. This trend could hint at a stable residential market, potentially attractive for families and individuals looking to settle down. For investors, the relatively lower but steady demand for investment properties suggests opportunities that might be less competitive, though there has been a slight increase in recent years. Appraisers and insurance agents might find these dynamics useful for setting property values and policy premiums. Builders and real estate agents could leverage these insights to tailor their projects and sales strategies to meet the dominant market demand.
Economic Outlook
Berks County, Pennsylvania has experienced a significant increase in average taxable income per tax return, climbing from $54,865.20 in 2013 to $73,020.51 in 2021, suggesting growing economic prosperity that could attract real estate investment. During the same period, state and local income taxes per tax return nearly doubled, influencing the area's cost of living and possibly impacting property valuations. Total tax liabilities also rose, peaking at $11,482.04 in 2021, providing insight into... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Berks County, PA over the last 9 years
Over the past nine years, Berks County, Pennsylvania has seen a noticeable increase in average taxable income per tax return, climbing from around $54,865.20 in 2013 to approximately $73,020.51 in 2021. This trend suggests a growing economic prosperity in the region, which potentially makes it an attractive locale for investors, real estate agents, and new residents. The steady rise in income might also imply a higher demand for property and could influence property values and insurance premiums. Real estate agents and appraisers may find these insights valuable when considering property valuations and market trends in Berks County.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Berks County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Berks County, Pennsylvania has seen a notable rise in average state and local income taxes per tax return. From $4,811.69 in 2012 to approximately $9,079.86 in 2021, the trend suggests a steady increase, with marked jumps particularly in recent years. This escalation may highlight economic growth or changes in tax policies affecting residents. For real estate professionals, investors, and potential movers, this could signal shifts in fiscal dynamics and overall cost of living that warrant consideration.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Berks County, PA Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Berks County, Pennsylvania has seen a notable increase in the average total tax liability per tax return. Starting from $9,119.85 in 2012, the tax liability peaked at $11,482.04 in 2021, showing fluctuations yet an overall upward trend. This data may interest potential investors and property developers as it indicates an economic trajectory and potential fiscal policies impacting the area. Additionally, those moving in or appraising property could find this information useful for understanding the financial landscape of Berks County.
Cost of Living in Berks County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,422 | $1,504 | $1,795 | $1,963 | $1,496 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,422 | $1,228 | $1,379 | $1,963 | $1,601 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,422 | $1,229 | $1,554 | $1,963 | $1,249 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,422 | $1,003 | $1,138 | $1,963 | $1,364 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $1,136 | $1,006 | $1,313 | $1,712 | $1,025 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $1,136 | $751 | $897 | $1,712 | $1,046 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $1,136 | $795 | $1,073 | $897 | $897 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $1,136 | $513 | $657 | $897 | $767 |
| 2 adults | $894 | $639 | $832 | $0 | $679 |
| 1 adult | $760 | $348 | $416 | $0 | $535 |
Safety trends & Data
Berks County, Pennsylvania's property crime trends have shown significant fluctuations over the past five years. High larceny-theft incidents in 2018 reached 809.0 but dropped to just 35.0 by 2021, demonstrating a significant decline. Interestingly, burglary saw an even sharper decrease from notably high numbers in past years to just 13.0 incidents in 2021. By 2022, there was an uptick in both burglary and larceny-theft rates to 85.0 and 382.0, respectively. Such erratic crime rates may be... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Berks County, PA Over the Last 5 Years
Berks County, Pennsylvania, has experienced fluctuating property crime trends over the past five years, with significant variations in incidents like burglary, larceny-theft, and fraud. In 2018, larceny-theft peaked at 809.0 incidents, while burglary and vandalism also saw notably high numbers. By 2021, there was a marked decline in most crime categories, with burglary dropping to just 13.0 incidents and larceny-theft to 35.0. However, 2022 saw some resurgence in burglary and larceny-theft rates, increasing to 85.0 and 382.0, respectively. These patterns suggest that property crime rates aren't constant and can significantly impact decisions for investors, real estate professionals, and residents considering the area's safety and security dynamics.
Demographics
Berks County, Pennsylvania, presents an interesting demographic distribution. The adult population is almost evenly split between males and females. The educational attainment shows a considerable portion of people having at least a high school diploma, with a noteworthy number holding a bachelor's or graduate degree, indicating a diverse educational background. The age distribution suggests a significant portion of the population is aged 25 to 64, highlighting a robust working-age demographic.... Read more
Race Distribution in Berks County, Pennsylvania (2022)
Educational Attainment in Berks County, Pennsylvania (2022)
Age Distribution in Berks County, Pennsylvania
Citizen Population in Berks County, Pennsylvania (2022)
Political Trends & Data
Berks County, Pennsylvania saw a slight Republican preference in the 2020 Presidential Election, with about 53% of the vote, while Democrats secured around 45%. Libertarians made up just over 1% of the vote, and other parties barely made a dent. This indicates a predominantly two-party system focus among voters in the... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
In the 2020 Presidential Election, Berks County, Pennsylvania leaned slightly toward the Republicans, with approximately 53% of the vote compared to around 45% for the Democrats. Libertarians captured a small fraction of the vote, at just over 1%. The Green Party and other parties garnered negligible or no support, suggesting a potential focus on the two major parties among voters in this area.
53.39% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
45.20% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
1.42% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
The student-to-teacher ratio in Berks County, Pennsylvania has declined from 14 students per teacher in 2014 to about 13 students per teacher, deviating from the national average of 14. This trend might attract families prioritizing education, potentially boosting property values. Real estate agents and appraisers could leverage this as a unique selling point, while insurance agents and builders might consider it a factor in community demand... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Berks County, Pennsylvania over the last 10 years
The student-to-teacher ratio in Berks County, Pennsylvania has generally been on a declining trend over the past decade, dipping from 14 students per teacher in 2014 to around 13 students per teacher in recent years. This decline stands in contrast to the national average, which hovers around 14 students per teacher. If you're considering investing in property, moving to the area, or working in education here, a lower student-to-teacher ratio might be indicative of better individual attention in classrooms, which could enhance the appeal for families prioritizing education. For real estate agents and appraisers, this trend might suggest a unique selling point when marketing homes to potential buyers. Lower ratios could also influence local property values positively and should be factored into risk assessments by insurance agents and builders aiming to understand community demand.
