In this third annual Mid-Year State of the Economy, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) presents a compiled economic snapshot of Berks County. Please note, throughout this report we refer to the area as Berks County which represents Greater Reading — the Reading, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
Key takeaways:
- Berks County’s population continues to increase
- Manufacturing continues to hold the number one spot as both the largest industry sector based on employment and GDP —giving the industry a high location quotient (more on that in the full report!)
- Wages have increased 2.2% in 2023, compared to 9.4% during this same period in 2021
- Cost of living has increased, following trend across the United States
- The cost of housing continues to be lower than surrounding communities, but prices have continued to rise.
