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Bethany, MO

Missouri

Bethany is a small town in Missouri with a population of 3,164. Residents earn $46,016 per year, which is 39% below the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
3,164 Population 713/sq mi density
$46,016 Median Income $24,094 per capita
$119,700 Home Value $127,395 Zillow
$634 Median Rent 31.7% income on rent
52°F Avg Temperature 272 sunny days/yr
189 Violent Crime/100K 2,137 property/100K
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.6 / 5.0
$46,016 median income, 0.9% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$119,700 home value, $634/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
189 violent crimes/100K (50% below avg)
C+
Education
2.8 / 5.0
22.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $46,016
39% lower than US avg
Home Value $119,700
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 189/100K
50% 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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$127,395
Housing Units1,499
Rent Burden31.7%

Crime

F
Violent189/100K
Property2,137/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault31/100K
Burglary314/100K

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

Violent crime in Bethany is below the national average at 189 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,137 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 4.4 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

3,164
Total Population
713
People / sq mi
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
4.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45.8%
Female 54.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Bethany vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish2.7%
80% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Bethany vs U.S. Average

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: Bethany vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$46,016
39% below US avg
Per Capita Income$24,094

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.9%
75% below US avg
Poverty Rate12.2%
2% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time18.7 min
Drive Alone74.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.7%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Burden31.7%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied62.3%
Housing Units1,499
Median Year Built1967

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

Obesity38.6%
20% above US avg
Diabetes10.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
High Blood Pressure32.9%
Asthma11.0%
COPD8.3%
Cancer7.5%
Stroke3.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking18.8%
34% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.8%
Physical Inactivity29.9%
Depression26.8%
Mental Distress19.9%
Physical Distress14.9%
Short Sleep42.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate92.9%
Uninsured9.6%
12% above US avg
Checkup Rate76.0%
Dental Visits55.0%

Food & Exercise

Bethany has a violent crime rate of 189 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 31.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 157.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,137 per 100,000, 9% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,634, burglary at 314, vehicle theft at 189 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 Violent188.6/100K
50% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape157.1/100K
Robbery0.0/100K
Assault31.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property2,137.0/100K
9% above US avg
Burglary314.3/100K
Theft1,634.2/100K
Vehicle Theft188.6/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 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 Average51.6°F
4% below US avg
January Average23°F (-5°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days272 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall35.6 inches
6% below US avg
Snowfall3.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Area4.4 sq mi (11.5 km²)
Population Density713/sq mi
Coordinates40.2683°N, 94.0283°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

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").

22.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 34% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 82.4% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 4 EV charging stations. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+22.1%
34% below US avg
High School+90.0%
Graduate Degree+5.3%
School Test Score5.51
C+ Education Grade (2.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density713/sq mi
Total Area4.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access82.4%
EV Charging Stations4
Alt Fuel Stations7

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute18.7 min
Drive Alone74.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.7%

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 4.4 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 safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 189 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,137 per 100,000 (above 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.

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.

Nearby Cities

Albany, MO 1,855 pop · 16.1 mi Gallatin, MO 1,722 pop · 24.7 mi Lamoni, IA 2,121 pop · 24.8 mi Princeton, MO 1,434 pop · 25.3 mi Trenton, MO 5,542 pop · 25.4 mi Stanberry, MO 1,190 pop · 27.4 mi Maysville, MO 1,106 pop · 31.6 mi Mount Ayr, IA 1,739 pop · 32.7 mi Leon, IA 1,795 pop · 35.7 mi Hamilton, MO 1,909 pop · 36.3 mi Cameron, MO 8,721 pop · 38.2 mi Chillicothe, MO 9,129 pop · 41.3 mi Maryville, MO 10,556 pop · 44.8 mi Bedford, IA 1,389 pop · 46.0 mi
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