Travel time to work is another reflection of transportation options, as well as the availability of desirable and affordable housing near employers. In 2015-19, Berks County’s average travel time of 25 minutes was up 3 minutes from 2000. This was still slightly less than the statewide and U.S. average (both 27 minutes).
Access to a vehicle can have a major impact on a person’s ability to work, conduct daily errands such as grocery shopping and get involved in civic life. In 2015-19, 8% of households in Berks County lacked access to a vehicle, down 3 percentage points since 2000. This was lower than Pennsylvania and similar to the nation.
Alcohol-related crashes are preventable, and they cost millions of dollars in health care, legal services and lost worker productivity. The county’s 2018 alcohol-related crash rate of 8.7 per 10,000 was down 36% from 14 per 10,000 in 2000, but has been flat since 2009. This was higher than the statewide rate of 7.7 crashes per 10,000 residents.
INDICATORS | TREND | BERKS COUNTY |
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Average Travel Time to Work | ![]() |
Crashes Involving Alcohol | ![]() |
Households Without Vehicles | ![]() |