Median Income
$59,375
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,000
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.0%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$475
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.0%
19% lower than US avg
How Bethel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population104
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density743/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,375
Per Capita$35,365
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty10.0%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,000
Rent$475
Ownership68.0%
Zillow$275,382
Housing Units74
Rent Burden14.3%
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking22.0%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Elevation715 ft (218 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.0%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations1
Is Bethel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethel receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity 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 $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 10.0% 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 Bethel is $55,000, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 17.8 inches of snow.
Bethel has a population of 104 with a density of 743 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.3% female and 57.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
104
Total Population
2023 Census
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Bethel is $59,375, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,365. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,375 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,365 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Bethel is $55,000, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,382, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $475 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 74 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 14.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,000 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,382 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $475 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.0% |
| Housing Units | 74 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Bethel, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 35.5% have high blood pressure. 22.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 33.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Bethel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.5% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.0% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.2% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
Food & Exercise
Bethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 17.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 715 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.5°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 715 ft (218 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 743/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8767°N, 92.0241°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kirksville Regional (IRK)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.06"
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
44 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
319 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 181 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
73 km |
4 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Bethel has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.7").
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) |
$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 Bethel
What is the population of Bethel?
Bethel has a population of 104 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 743 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.3% female and 57.7% male.
Is Bethel expensive to live in?
Bethel 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 $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,000 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $475 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bethel?
Bethel has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 17.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bethel?
The job market in Bethel is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel is $55,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,382. For renters, the median monthly rent is $475. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.0%.
How are the schools in Bethel?
Schools in Bethel score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.0% of adults in Bethel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethel?
The obesity rate in Bethel is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.0% of adults are smokers. 33.2% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Bethel?
The average commute in Bethel is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is 100% White. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.