Median Income
$109,718
46% higher than US avg
Home Value
$354,400
26% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
1,987/100K
423% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,657
42% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Bethel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,313
Median Age30.9 yrs
Density140/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 17%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$109,718
Per Capita$40,617
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$837M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$354,400
Rent$1,657
Ownership44.2%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units2,451
Rent Burden20.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,987/100K
Property2,017/100K
Murder15.3/100K
Assault1,207/100K
Burglary306/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking21.8%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp31°F (-0°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain19.7 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation44 ft (13 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+88.4%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score1.37
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute10 min
Broadband92.9%
Libraries2
Is Bethel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethel receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Bethel offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethel is $109,718, which is significantly higher than the national average / 46% above $75,149. This places Bethel among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethel is $354,400, 26% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,657 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,987 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,017 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 1.4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Bethel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches, including 64.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Bethel has a population of 6,313 with a density of 140 people per square mile, spread across 45.1 square miles. The median age is 30.9 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (75.2%), with 16.9% White, 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 55% of residents, while 45% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.9yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
55.0%
30% below US avg
Spanish
45.0%
236% above US avg
The median household income in Bethel is $109,718, which is 46% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,617. The average weekly wage is $1,054, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 303 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $109,718 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,617 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,054 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,363 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 303 |
| County GDP | $837M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,300 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 39.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Bethel is $354,400, 26% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,657 (42% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,719 for a one-bedroom to $1,938 for a two-bedroom apartment. 44.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,451 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $5,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $354,400 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,657 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,688 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,719 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,938 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,324 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,566 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 44.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 44.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 55.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,451 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,300 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.50% |
In Bethel, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,160. The dentist ratio is 1:630. 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 2.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,160 |
| Dentists | 1:630 |
| Mental Health | 1:35 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.3% |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 18,066/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 2.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Bethel has a violent crime rate of 1,987 per 100,000 residents, 423% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,207.2 per 100,000, robbery at 45.8, rape at 718.2. The murder rate is 15.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,017 per 100,000, 3% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,284, burglary at 306, vehicle theft at 428 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 455 federally declared disasters. Overall, Bethel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,986.6/100K |
| 423% above US avg |
| Murder | 15.3/100K |
| 143% above US avg |
| Rape | 718.2/100K |
| Robbery | 45.8/100K |
| Assault | 1,207.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,017.1/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| Burglary | 305.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,283.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 427.9/100K |
| Arson | 183.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F (-0°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 274 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 19.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 64.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 44 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
56°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 31.4°F |
| 42% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 44 ft (13 m) |
| Area | 45.1 sq mi (116.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 140/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.7939°N, 161.7961°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Bethel Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
396 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.7"
48% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 100.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M3.2 on Mar 15, 2023.
| Feb 23, 2013 |
19 km NNW of Eek, Alaska |
M4.4 |
50 km |
| Mar 6, 2014 |
13 km WSW of Aniak, Alaska |
M3.9 |
137 km |
| Mar 20, 1997 |
Southern Alaska |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Apr 4, 2004 |
17 km SSW of Aniak, Alaska |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Apr 3, 2018 |
25 km SSE of Eek, Alaska |
M3.6 |
89 km |
| Jun 1, 2010 |
9 km SE of Tuluksak, Alaska |
M3.5 |
57 km |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
5 km S of Lower Kalskag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Mar 11, 2013 |
18 km NNW of Eek, Alaska |
M3.4 |
52 km |
| Apr 22, 2009 |
3 km SE of Kalskag, Alaska |
M3.4 |
115 km |
| Mar 15, 2023 |
102 km SE of Akiak, Alaska |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Sep 10, 2009 |
105 km S of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Jan 24, 2016 |
61 km S of Aniak, Alaska |
M2.9 |
115 km |
| Feb 25, 2015 |
103 km E of Eek, Alaska |
M2.7 |
117 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
116 km NNW of Aleknagik, Alaska |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Jan 25, 2016 |
56 km S of Aniak, Alaska |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Mar 23, 2016 |
53 km S of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M2.7 |
136 km |
| May 4, 2017 |
108 km NW of Aleknagik, Alaska |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Jan 25, 2016 |
62 km S of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| Jun 17, 2019 |
18 km S of Willow Creek, Alaska |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Jun 30, 2020 |
60 km S of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
2 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2004 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2004 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KUKA CREEK 4 (70,232 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
KUKA CREEK 4 |
70,232 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
FOG RIVER |
39,019 |
58 km |
| 2015 |
BOGUS CREEK |
26,393 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
KWETHLUK RIVER 2 |
23,912 |
33 km |
| 2015 |
IZAVLKNEK RIVER |
23,341 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
PUK PALIK LAKE |
15,890 |
83 km |
| 2022 |
KWETHLUK |
10,593 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
ISRATHORAK CREEK |
6,179 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
HAWK RIVER |
5,712 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
BOGUS CREEK |
4,527 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
LITTLE KASIGLUK |
4,321 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
TAKSLESLUK NORTH |
4,025 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
IZAVIKNEK RIVER |
3,728 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
OTTER CREEK |
3,111 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
NOYUK |
3,003 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
FORK CREEK |
2,725 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
KUKA |
2,488 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
AROPUK LAKE |
2,266 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
ENGINEER LAKE 2 |
1,844 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
GWEEK RIVER |
1,380 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
56°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
47°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
32°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Bethel has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 7°F in January to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Bethel. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethel
What is the population of Bethel?
Bethel has a population of 6,313 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 140 people per square mile, spread across 45.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Bethel expensive to live in?
Bethel has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $109,718, 46% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $354,400 (26% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,657 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bethel safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bethel, with a violent crime rate of 1,987 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,017 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bethel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bethel?
Bethel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F (-0°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches, with 64.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Bethel?
Bethel has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,054. There are 303 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel is $354,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,657. Fair market rent is $1,719 for a 1-bedroom and $1,938 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 44.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,300.
How are the schools in Bethel?
Schools in Bethel have an average test score of 1.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.1% of adults in Bethel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.4% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethel?
The obesity rate in Bethel is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 11.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,160.
What is transportation like in Bethel?
The average commute in Bethel is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 39.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is 16.9% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 75.2% Hispanic or Latino. 55% of residents speak only English at home, while 45% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 84.4% have health insurance coverage.
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