Bethel, ME

Maine

Bethel is a small town in Maine with a population of 546.

4.7 /5.0
A+ Excellent
546 Population 335/sq mi density
N/A Median Income $45,875 per capita
$357,100 Home Value $436,600 Zillow
$864 Median Rent
44°F Avg Temperature
A+
Overall
4.7 / 5.0
Excellent overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Education
4.7 / 5.0
46.7% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $357,100
27% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 46.7%
39% higher than US avg
Median Rent $864
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 16.5%
33% higher than US avg

How Bethel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population546
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density335/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 98%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$45,875
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty16.5%
County GDP$2,577M
Commute10 min

Housing

Home Value$357,100
Rent$864
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$436,600

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity32.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease5.6%

Climate

Avg Temp44°F
AQI34 (Good)
Rain50.9 in/yr
Elevation738 ft

Education

A+
Bachelor's+46.7%
High School+98.2%
School Score5.64

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute10 min
EV Stations9
Libraries18

Is Bethel a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Bethel receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Bethel stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 16.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Bethel is $357,100, 27% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $864 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 46.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.

Climate & Weather

Bethel has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.

Bethel has a population of 546 with a density of 335 people per square mile. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (98.4%), with 1.6% Hispanic.

Population

546
Total Population
335
People / sq mi
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
1.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.5%
Female 51.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Bethel vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.2%
91% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Bethel vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Bethel is N/A. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes.

Income: Bethel vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$45,875
Avg Weekly Wage$977
IRS Avg AGI$59,894

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.9%
64% above US avg
Poverty Rate16.5%
33% above US avg
Establishments (County)1,839
County GDP$2,577M

Business (County)

Restaurants151
Healthcare140
Retail221
Manufacturing54

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$5,355
53% above US avg
Effective Tax Rate1.50%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time9.8 min
Work from Home34.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Bethel is $357,100, 27% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $864 (26% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $436,600.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$357,100
27% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$436,600

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$864
26% below US avg

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$1,108
1 Bedroom$1,186
2 Bedrooms$1,497
3 Bedrooms$1,951
4 Bedrooms$2,190

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied51.7%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$5,355
53% above US avg
Effective Rate1.50%
In Bethel, 32.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.3% report depression. 20.0% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Bethel vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity32.8%
2% above US avg
Diabetes9.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
High Blood Pressure28.9%
Asthma13.1%
COPD6.9%
Stroke2.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking19.1%
Physical Inactivity20.0%
Depression27.3%
Mental Distress18.5%
Physical Distress13.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate96.6%
Checkup Rate78.3%
Premature Death9,428/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.7/10
Exercise Access39.6%
Healthcare Facilities140

Crime Rates: Bethel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)7

Safety Score

Bethel has an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation is 50.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.

Temperature

18°F Jan (-8°C) 68°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average43.9°F
19% below US avg
January Average18°F (-8°C)
July Average68°F (20°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall50.9 inches
34% above US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median34.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation738 ft (225 m)
Area1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²)
Population Density335/sq mi
Coordinates44.4038°N, 70.7864°W
County FIPS23017
It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent. 46.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (39% above US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 12.9-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.6%
D 42.7%

Winner: Republican by 12.9 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+46.7%
39% above US avg
High School+98.2%
School Test Score5.64
A+ Education Grade (4.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 6Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent
Population Density335/sq mi
Total Area1.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

EV Charging Stations9
Alt Fuel Stations9
Public Libraries18
Healthcare Facilities140
Restaurants151
Retail Stores221

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)7

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute9.8 min
Work from Home34.1%

Nearby Cities

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