Median Income
$48,784
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,000
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
146/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.4%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$942
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Bessemer City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,508
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density968/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,784
Per Capita$26,546
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$11,264M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,000
Rent$942
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$232,874
Crime
F
Violent146/100K
Property2,287/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault73/100K
Burglary604/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain44.0 in/yr
Elevation891 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.4%
High School+82.0%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute25 min
Libraries10
Is Bessemer City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bessemer City receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bessemer City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bessemer City is $48,784, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bessemer City is $173,000, 39% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Bessemer City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,287 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bessemer City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Bessemer City has a population of 5,508 with a density of 968 people per square mile. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (82.9%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 11% Black.
Population
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bessemer City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 91.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Spanish | 8.7% |
| 35% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Bessemer City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bessemer City is $48,784, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income: Bessemer City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,784 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,546 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,245 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,635 |
| County GDP | $11,264M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 410 |
| Healthcare | 553 |
| Retail | 631 |
| Manufacturing | 265 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,212 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Bessemer City is $173,000, 39% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $942 (19% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,874.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,000 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,874 |
| Median List Price | $267,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $267,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $87 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.3% |
| Price Drops | 32.4% |
| Inventory | 34 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $942 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,290 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,212 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Bessemer City, 39.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.4% report depression. 30.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Bessemer City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.9% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 553 |
Bessemer City has a violent crime rate of 146 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,287 per 100,000 (17% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Bessemer City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 146.4/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 18.3/100K |
| Robbery | 54.9/100K |
| Assault | 73.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,286.9/100K |
| 17% above US avg |
| Burglary | 603.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,573.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 109.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 22 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bessemer City has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 44.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.8°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 44.0 inches |
| 16% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 1.2 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 891 ft (272 m) |
| Area | 5.7 sq mi (14.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 968/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2843°N, 81.2829°W |
| County FIPS | 37071 |