In Berks County, jobs in the basic chemical manufacturing pay the highest wages

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Individuals that are employed in the basic chemical manufacturing industry wages were the highest in Berks County for 2006. The average industry job in Berks County earned an annual wage of $106,249 in 2006. The annual wage is greater than the average industry wage in the State of Pennsylvania of $67,798 and greater than then the wage for jobs in this industry in the US of $74,078.

Top-pay jobs in Berks County, Pennsylvania can be found in securities and commodity contracts brokerage ($104,096), scientific research and development services ($102,051), other chemical product and preparation mfg. ($97,156) and power generation and supply ($75,306) industries. Note: Clicking the Above Graphic Displays the Detailed Comparison

About: These facts are part of the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Berks County Wages have increased by 12.4% Since 2001

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From 2001 to 2006, average industry wages increased in Berks County, Pennsylvania by a total of 12.4%. This is less than the growth in industry wages for Pennsylvania and less than the growth in industry wages across the US.

About: These facts are part of the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Berks County Industry Wages Lag Behind Pennsylvania, and Wages Lag Behind the United States

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The overall industry wages in Berks County, Pennsylvania can be understood as being relatively high when compared to other Counties throughout the state in the 2nd quarter of 2006. The industry wages are 6.5 percent lower than the reported averages in the state of $39,178. The average pay was less than the overall average in the United States of $40,259.

About: These facts are part of the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Berks County Five-Year Industry Employment Change

Total Five-Year Employment Growth in Berks County

Out of the 4-digit NAICS industries, the Community care facilities for the elderly industry has accounted the most employment growth with a total of 913 employees finding new jobs in the industry. The employment growth in the Community care facilities for the elderly industry makes up 7.3 percent of the total growth in Berks County.

Top 5 Industries
1. Community care facilities for the elderly (913 new jobs)
2. Other general merchandise stores (739 new jobs)
3. Individual and family services (732 new jobs)
4. Full-service restaurants (576 new jobs)
5. Home health care services (501 new jobs)

Given the 179 4-digit NAICS industries, 96 described an expansion of jobs throughout the time period, while 83 industries reported a drop in employment.

In Berks County, Pennsylvania, the total number of jobs throughout all industries has decreased by 143 total jobs from 2001 to 2006.

Total Five-Year Employment Decline in Berks County

From of the area's 4-digit NAICS industries, the Power generation and supply industry faced the greatest employment loss with a total loss of 796 jobs during the time period. The jobs lost in the Power generation and supply industry make up 7.6 percent of the employment lost during the period in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Top 5 Industries
1. Power generation and supply (796 jobs lost)
2. Department stores (775 jobs lost)
3. Depository credit intermediation (719 jobs lost)
4. Cut and sew apparel manufacturing (695 jobs lost)
5. Printing and related support activities (530 jobs lost)

Berks County Five-Year Percentage Growth in Employment

The Promoters of performing arts and sports industry has experienced the largest percentage growth, expanding by 730.5 percent from 2001 (2nd quarter) to 2006 (2nd quarter). This industry sector in Berks County has grow faster than the industry has grown in the State of Pennsylvania, where the industry felt a gain of 78.8 percent. The Promoters of performing arts and sports industry in Berks County outpaced the United States, which experienced a gained 20.1 percent in this industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Promoters of performing arts and sports (730.5 percent gain)
2. Utility system construction (217.0 percent gain)
3. Waste collection (144.2 percent gain)
4. Community care facilities for the elderly (106.2 percent gain)
5. Activities related to credit intermediation (100.0 percent gain)

The total number of jobs has decreased by 0.1 percent from 2001 (2nd Quarter). These figures are greater than percent in Pennsylvania, which experienced a gain of 0.5 percent since the 2nd Quarter of 2001. The losses the area experienced were greater than than the gain seen for the United States of 2.6 percent.

Berks County Five-Year Percentage Decline in Employment

The Unclassified industry has lost the largest amount of employment in terms of percentage, losing 89.6 percent from 2001 (2nd Quarter) to 2006 (2nd Quarter). These losses have declined faster than the industry sector has felt in the State of Pennsylvania, where the industry reported a loss of 88.9 percent. The losses in the Unclassified industry in Berks County outpaced the losses of nation as a whole in the industry. In this time period, the nation gained 1.7 percent in terms of employees in the Unclassified industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Unclassified (89.6 percent decline)
2. Power generation and supply (84.1 percent decline)
3. Support activities for animal production (76.1 percent decline)
4. Cutlery and handtool manufacturing (76.1 percent decline)
5. Apparel and piece goods merchant wholesalers (67.2 percent decline)





About: This report is part 2 of 6 in the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Berks County One-Year Industry Employment Change

Employment for all industries has increased by 3 percent from 2005 (2nd Quarter). These figures are greater than percent in Pennsylvania, which experienced a gain of 1.1 percent since the 2nd Quarter of 2005. The gains were greater than than the gain reported at the US level of 2.0 percent.

Berks County One-Year Percentage Decline in Employment

The Cutlery and handtool manufacturing industry has lost the largest amount of employment in terms of percentage, losing 65 percent of the jobs from 2005 to 2006. These have declined faster than the industry sector has felt in the State of Pennsylvania, where the industry sector experienced a gain of 0.2 percent. The losses in the Cutlery and handtool manufacturing industry in Berks County outpaced the US in terms of percent of decline of industry employment. The US lost 3.4 percent in terms of employment in the Cutlery and handtool manufacturing industry.

Top 5 Industries
1. Cutlery and handtool manufacturing (65 percent decline)
2. Power generation and supply (63.7 percent decline)
3. Support activities for animal production (58.9 percent decline)
4. Unclassified (57.6 percent decline)
5. Private households (38.2 percent decline)

Berks County One-Year Percentage Growth in Employment

The Promoters of performing arts and sports industry has gone through the largest job growth by percent, increasing by 469.8 percent from 2005 (2nd quarter) to 2006 (2nd quarter). This industry sector in Berks County has added employment faster than the industry has grown in the State of Pennsylvania, where the industry took a gain of 11.9 percent. The Promoters of performing arts and sports industry in Berks County outpaced the US in terms of percent growth of industry employment. During this period, the US gained 3.5 percent.

Top 5 Industries
1. Promoters of performing arts and sports (469.8 percent gain)
2. Remediation and other waste services (98.3 percent gain)
3. Business support services (84.5 percent gain)
4. Warehousing and storage (75.6 percent gain)
5. Utility system construction (70.0 percent gain)

Total One-Year Employment Decline in Berks County

From of the area's 4-digit NAICS industries, the Employment services industry faced the greatest employment loss with a total loss of 347 jobs in that time period. The declines in the Employment services industry make up 11.8 percent of the total employment decline in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Top 5 Industries
1. Employment services (347 jobs lost)
2. Power generation and supply (265 jobs lost)
3. Other professional and technical services (139 jobs lost)
4. Specialty food stores (132 jobs lost)
5. Private households (98 jobs lost)

In Berks County, Pennsylvania, the total number of jobs throughout all industries has increased by 4,280 total jobs from 2005 to 2006.

Of the 186 industry sectors (4-digit NAICS) with employment figures reported by the BLS in each quarter, 85 accounted an for increase in employment during the period and 99 industry sectors reported declines during the time period.

Total One-Year Employment Growth in Berks County

Out of the 4-digit NAICS industries, the Warehousing and storage industry has brought the most jobs with a total of 786 jobs added during the time period. These new jobs in the Warehousing and storage industry makes up 12.6 percent of the total employment growth in Berks County.

Top 5 Industries
1. Warehousing and storage (786 new jobs)
2. Home health care services (365 new jobs)
3. Building equipment contractors (335 new jobs)
4. Business support services (274 new jobs)
5. Other general merchandise stores (247 new jobs)





About: This report is part 1 of 6 in the eCanned.com Industry Analysis Series.

Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW). Private Sector Employment Only.

Income and Poverty in Berks County, Pennsylvania

It was reported in 2000 that the Asian headed households had median household incomes of $65,721. This income level is 25.6 percent greater than the reported median household income for all households in the area. Hispanic in Berks County, Pennsylvania reported a median household income of $27,999, which is 46.5 percent less than the reported median household income for all households in the area. Black or African American headed households had median income levels that were 31.5 percent less than the overall median reported in 2000, with a reported median of $35,818. The American Indian and Alaska Native headed households in Berks County reported a median household income of $38,837, this was 25.8 percent less than the median for all households. In Berks County, Pennsylvania White householders had a median income (2005 Dollars) of $54,380 according to the Decennial Census of 2000, which was 3.9 percent greater than the median in 2000.

Compared to other counties (and parishes) throughout the nation, Berks County was reported to have a relatively high median household income of $52,315 (2005 Dollars). This median is 10.3 percent higher than the median in State of Pennsylvania of $46,924 and the median household income is 6.1 percent higher than the median household income in the United States of $49,133.

The poverty rate in Berks County, Pennsylvania has increased by 2.0 percent from the rates reported in the Decennial Census, moving from 9.4 percent to 11.4 percent.

Contrasted against to other counties (or parishes) throughout the US, Berks County, Pennsylvania can be understood to have a poverty rate amid the residents with a poverty rate of 9.4 percent of the individuals existing in families with incomes under the poverty level in 1999. The Hispanic race/ethnicity population cohort, has the uppermost poverty rate with 36.2 percent of the 2000 population living in poverty. People that are of the age 5 years are witness to the most percent living in poverty in Berks County, with 15 percent of this demographic group living with incomes under poverty.

The household income has declined from the inflation-adjusted 2000 income levels. The income level has decreased to $50,871, which amounts to a 2.8 percent decline. Berks County, Pennsylvania, when analyzing percentage of decline, ranks 27 of 33 counties in percent of decline for median household income in the State of Pennsylvania. Berks County ranks 572 of 668 counties (or parishes) when comparing total percent of decline in household income across the nation.

While household income level experienced a decline during the period of 2000 to 2005 in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the Race/Ethnicity group that experienced the largest decline in the household income level was the American Indian and Alaska Native category. This category saw a decline of 51.3 percent since the year 2000. The Asian Race/Ethnicity group has been least impacted by the median income decline in Berks County, experiencing a 30.8 percent increase in median household income from 2000 to 2005.

Datasource: U.S. Bureau of the Census. 2000 Decennial Census. 2005 American Community Survey.

Higher Education in Berks County, Pennsylvania

From 2000 to 2005, the percent of male population that is highly educated has increased by 1.6 percent. By the year 2005, 21.6 percent of total male population (over 25), in this area, held at least a Bachelors Degree. At the same time, the percent of women (over 25) holding a BA or higher has increased by a total of 3.6 percent. By the year 2005, a total of 21.2 percent of the women in the population had received a Bachelors Degree or Higher.

Berks County, Pennsylvania has a moderately-educated population of the working age, with 18.4 percent of the population over 25 years old having received at least a Bachelors Degree, according to the Decennial Census of 2000. Berks counted a lower percent of individuals with higher educations than the State of Pennsylvania's proportion of 22.4 percent and a lower percent than United States proportion of 24.4 percent.

In Berks County, Pennsylvania according to the Decennial Census of 2000, 19.4 percent of the White Alone, 8.4 percent of Black or African American, 40.4 percent of the Asian alone and 4.8 percent of the Hispanic or Latino population, over the age 25, has achieved at least a Bachelors Degree.

From the year 2000, Berks has increased in the percent of the population that is over the age of 25 with a BA or Higher. This population cohort has grown by 3.0 percent to a total of 21.4 percent in 2005. The American Community Survey reports that the proportion of the 2005 population that is highly educated is less than the State of Pennsylvania percent of 25.6 and less than the US percent of 27.2.

The 2000 Decennial Census reported that in Berks County, Pennsylvania, many men in the area have reached the High School Diploma category, with 38.4 percent receiving this level of education. The women in Berks have attainment on average a lower level of higher education (Bachelors or Higher) than the men in the area: 19.6 percent (Men) versus 17.6 percent (Women). The most common level of education for women in the area is High School Diploma category, with 40.2 percent of the areas female population attaining this level of education.

Datasource: U.S. Bureau of the Census. 2000 Decennial Census. 2005 American Community Survey.

Demographic Profile for Berks County, Pennsylvania

The U.S. Census Bureau, in the year 2005, estimated a median age in Berks County, Pennsylvania to be 38.1 years old. The median in Berks is less than the median age in Pennsylvania of 39.7. From 2000, the area has seen an increase in the median age, at that time the median was 37.4 years of age. With 23.6 percent of the population in 2005 being comprised of children and youth younger than 18, Berks can be described as having a medium-high proportion of youths. The working age population group (18-64) has a medium-high representation within the estimated 2005 area population, making up 62.3 percent of the population falling in this age category. The retirement (65 and over) group makes up 14.1 percent of the population. When compared to other counties in the United States, this represents a medium-low percent of the population base.

Since 2000, a medium-high number of individuals have migrated to Berks from outside the country. The immigration into Berks accounts for 3.5 percent of the total international migration into the State of Pennsylvania. This percent of immigration can be considered medium-high when compared to international migration per 2005 population.

Berks County, Pennsylvania has a population that is made up of 81.8 percent White, 3.7 percent African American, 1.1 percent Asian, and 12.4 percent Hispanic. The area can be described as having a high level of diversity in terms of race and ethnicity, with 17.2 percent of the population made up of minorities. This is greater than the State of Pennsylvania percent of 16.4. Since 2000, Berks has increased in diversity when 14.3 percent of the population was made up of minorities.

In terms of total land area, Berks encompasses a total area of 859 total square miles. The area has a medium-high density of 461 persons per square mile, in 2005. Other US counties with similar densities include: -- more densely populated -- Sedgwick, KS (466 per sq. mile ), Cumberland, NC (467 per sq. mile ), San Joaquin, CA (475 per sq. mile ), -- less densely populated -- Orange, NY (457 per sq. mile ), Brown, WI (452 per sq. mile ), Ottawa, MI (452 per sq. mile ).

Berks County, Pennsylvania had an estimated population of 396,314 in the year 2005. The population has increased sharply, since its 2000 population of 374,561. This growth signifies an increase of 5.8 percent. Berks ranks 6 of 67 counties when calculating total change in population for Pennsylvania and the county ranks 153 of 3,141 counties in terms of population growth in the United States.

Datasource: Population Estimates Program, U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Housing Report for Berks County, Pennsylvania

The residential home values in Berks County, Pennsylvania have seen large increases since their reported values in 2000. The values have increased by $33,500, or 31.9 percent, from their 2000 value of $104,900.

Berks County had a median home value in the year 2005 of $138,400, according to the American Community Survey. This median is greater than the State of Pennsylvania 2005 home value of $131,900 and less than median home value of $167,500 across the United States during the same year.

In Berks County, the U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division accounted for a total of 158,423 homes in the year 2005. This county has gone through a growth in housing units, adding a sum of 6,327 housing units since the year 2001, or 4.2 percent.

Throughout the State of Pennsylvania, Berks County places 15 of 67 in terms of percentage growth in new housing structures. The county ranks 1,024 of 3,141, when comparing thee change in housing structures in counties throughout the nation.

Berks County has a medium percentage of homes that are high in price. In 2005, the American Community Survey reported that 2.3 percent residential property is valued over $500k.

There is a fair amount of affordable housing in Berks County, Pennsylvania. In 2005, 42.6 percent of housing was valued under $125k.

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Employment Report for Berks County, Pennsylvania -- Annual 2005 Industry Summary

In Berks County, Manufacturing, Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting and Utilities industries have the highest United States location quotient (LQ). The Manufacturing sector has a United State LQ of 1.71. This means the percent of total employment in the Manufacturing sector is 1.71 times more than the average percent in the United States, revealing signs that Berks County produces more than its local requirement of products and/or services of Manufacturing.

Manufacturing since the year 2001 was faced with the largest loss in employment in Berks County. The industry lost a total of 7,598 total jobs during the period, accounting for 19.5 percent of industry's employment. The industry declines made up 78.3 percent of all county employment losses since 2001.

Arts, entertainment, and recreation has grown in employment, since the year 2001, more than any other industry in Berks County, growing in new jobs by 19.1 percent. This is greater than the change in industry employment in the United States of 4.7 percent. The State of Pennsylvania experienced a change in employment in the sector of 10.9 percent, in the duration of 2001 to 2005.

In Berks County, Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and the Health care and social assistance sectors are the largest industries, in terms of total number of jobs in 2005. The Manufacturing provides the most jobs and contributes 21.9 percent of total employment in the county, making up 31,326 people employed. The Retail Trade and Health care and social assistance sectors provide 14.3 and 14 percent of the total jobs, respectively.

Management of companies and enterprises is the industry with the largest establishments in Berks County. The industry averages 67 employees per business. This is greater than the US industry average of 40 and greater than the Pennsylvania typical size of 56 for the Management of companies and enterprises industry.







Datasource: U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW).