Median Income
$50,139
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,700
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
79/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$838
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Bethany Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,253
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density1,279/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,139
Per Capita$33,741
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$981M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,700
Rent$838
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$158,549
Housing Units635
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent79/100K
Property954/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault79/100K
Burglary397/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking13.2%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain41.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation657 ft (200 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband90.4%
EV Stations16
Libraries4
Is Bethany a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethany receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bethany offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethany is $50,139, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethany is $101,700, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bethany is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 954 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethany experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches, including 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bethany has a population of 1,253 with a density of 1,279 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Bethany is $50,139, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,741 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 342 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,139 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,741 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,919 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 342 |
| County GDP | $981M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 45 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,233 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Bethany is $101,700, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,549, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $838 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 635 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $5,233 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,700 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $158,549 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $838 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 635 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,233 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.15% |
In Bethany, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 19.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,627. The dentist ratio is 1:7,161. 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethany vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.5% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,627 |
| Dentists | 1:7,161 |
| Mental Health | 1:495 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,830/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Bethany has a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 79.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 954 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 556, burglary at 397, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bethany receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethany vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 79.5/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 79.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 953.9/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Burglary | 397.5/100K |
| Theft | 556.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethany experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.6 inches. The area receives 12.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 657 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.0°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 657 ft (200 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,279/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6442°N, 88.7409°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Moultrie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.6"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
48 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
85 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
90 km |
| Sep 5, 1995 |
3 km N of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Sep 10, 2023 |
9 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
135 km |
| Sep 14, 2011 |
8 km NW of Mount Erie, Illinois |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Apr 16, 1991 |
4 km E of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.7 |
133 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
1 km NNW of Emison, Indiana |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Jun 16, 2022 |
4 km ESE of Parkersburg, Illinois |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| May 17, 2022 |
6 km NNW of Mount Vernon, Illinois |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
719 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 601 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
25 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Bethany has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Bethany. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $826 |
| Toddler | $703 |
| Preschool | $611 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethany
What is the population of Bethany?
Bethany has a population of 1,253 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,279 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Bethany expensive to live in?
Bethany has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,139, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,700 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bethany safe?
Bethany is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 79 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 954 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bethany receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bethany?
Bethany has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.6 inches, with 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bethany?
The job market in Bethany is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 342 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethany?
The median home value in Bethany is $101,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,549. For renters, the median monthly rent is $838. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,233.
How are the schools in Bethany?
Schools in Bethany score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Bethany hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethany?
The obesity rate in Bethany is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 19.5% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,627.
What is transportation like in Bethany?
The average commute in Bethany is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethany?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethany is 98.7% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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