Median Income
$46,016
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,700
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
33/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.1%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$634
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
2% lower than US avg
How Bethany Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,164
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density713/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,016
Per Capita$24,094
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty12.2%
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,700
Rent$634
Ownership62.3%
Zillow$127,395
Housing Units1,499
Rent Burden31.7%
Crime
F
Violent33/100K
Property1,664/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault33/100K
Burglary457/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking18.8%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain35.6 in/yr
Sunny Days272/yr
Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.1%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute19 min
Broadband82.4%
EV Stations4
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, high obesity rates. 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 $46,016, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethany is $119,700, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $634 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x 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 33 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,664 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% 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 52°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 272 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bethany has a population of 3,164 with a density of 713 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.2% female and 45.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Bethany is $46,016, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,094 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,016 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,094 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.7% |
The median home value in Bethany is $119,700, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,395. Monthly rent averages $634 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,499 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,700 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,395 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $634 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,499 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
In Bethany, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Bethany vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.0% |
Food & Exercise
Bethany has a violent crime rate of 33 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 32.6 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 1,664 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,044, burglary at 457, vehicle theft at 163 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Bethany receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethany vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 32.6/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 32.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,664.0/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Burglary | 456.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,044.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 163.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethany experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 272 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 35.6 inches. The area receives 3.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 906 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 272 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 713/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2683°N, 94.0283°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
76 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.6"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
92 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
453 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 218 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
17 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HIGHWAY E (897 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Bethany has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethany
What is the population of Bethany?
Bethany has a population of 3,164 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 713 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.2% female and 45.8% male.
Is Bethany expensive to live in?
Bethany is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,016, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,700 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $634 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, 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 33 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,664 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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 272 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.6 inches, with 3.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bethany?
The job market in Bethany is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 11.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethany?
The median home value in Bethany is $119,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,395. For renters, the median monthly rent is $634. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.3%.
How are the schools in Bethany?
Schools in Bethany score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.1% of adults in Bethany hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethany?
The obesity rate in Bethany is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Bethany?
The average commute in Bethany is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethany?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethany is 94.6% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Asian. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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