Berks County, Pennsylvania

Berks County, Pennsylvania is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 421,164. The county seat is Reading.

History

Berks County was created on March 11, 1752, from parts of Chester County, Lancaster County, and Philadelphia County. The county was named after the English county of Berkshire in honor of William Penn's family home.

Geography

Berks County is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, bordered by Lehigh County to the north, Montgomery County to the east, Chester County to the southeast, Lancaster County to the south, Lebanon County to the west, and Schuylkill County to the northwest.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 421,164 people, 154,356 households, and 106,532 families residing in the county. The population density was 495 people per square mile.

Economy

The economy of Berks County is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, education, and agriculture. Major employers include Carpenter Technology Corporation, East Penn Manufacturing Co., and Reading Hospital.

Education

Berks County is home to several institutions of higher learning, including Albright College, Kutztown University, and Reading Area Community College.

Transportation

Berks County is served by several major highways, including Interstate 78, U.S. Route 222, and State Route 61. The county is also served by Reading Regional Airport and several rail lines.

Notable people

Notable people from Berks County include author John Updike, musician Taylor Swift, and former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.