Median Income
$51,489
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,000
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
430/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$733
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.1%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Bethel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,528
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density1,455/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,489
Per Capita$30,801
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$808M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,000
Rent$733
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$151,594
Crime
F
Violent430/100K
Property2,336/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault369/100K
Burglary123/100K
Health
Obesity44.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain53.4 in/yr
Elevation69 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+86.8%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 45%
Commute25 min
Libraries2
Is Bethel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethel receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bethel has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethel is $51,489, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethel is $114,000, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 430 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,336 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethel enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Bethel has a population of 1,528 with a density of 1,455 people per square mile. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (53.2%), with 38.4% White, 1.7% Hispanic.
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.5% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.5% |
| 96% below US avg |
The median household income in Bethel is $51,489, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,489 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,801 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $742 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $49,342 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 494 |
| County GDP | $808M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 63 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,589 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Work from Home | 0.4% |
The median home value in Bethel is $114,000, 60% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $733 (37% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,594.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,000 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,594 |
| Median List Price | $164,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $164,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $82 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.4% |
| Price Drops | 45.5% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $733 |
| 37% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,589 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.27% |
In Bethel, 44.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.3% report depression. 30.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Bethel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.1% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.7% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 79.8% |
| Premature Death | 14,543/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 63 |
Bethel has a violent crime rate of 430 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,336 per 100,000 (19% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Bethel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 430.2/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 61.5/100K |
| Assault | 368.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,335.6/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
| Burglary | 122.9/100K |
| Theft | 2,089.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 122.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethel has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.1°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 53.4 inches |
| 41% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 3.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,455/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.8072°N, 77.3763°W |
| County FIPS | 37117 |