Violent Crime
178/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.4%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.1%
153% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
51.6%
316% higher than US avg
How Bethel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population534
Median Age29.5 yrs
Density529/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$16,744
Unemployment9.1%
Poverty51.6%
County GDP$8,097M
Housing
Ownership81.3%
Zillow$308,288
Housing Units138
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent178/100K
Property1,031/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Smoking26.6%
Heart Disease8.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain46.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation554 ft (169 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.4%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 34%
Broadband71.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Bethel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethel receives an overall livability score of 1.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Bethel faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 9.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 51.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bethel is below the national average at 178 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,031 per 100,000, 47% below the national average.
Education
3.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 46.4 inches, including 24.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Bethel has a population of 534 with a density of 529 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 29.5 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (64%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.5yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
Per capita income is $16,744 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 51.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,936 business establishments, including 232 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. 22.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $16,744 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,749 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.1% |
| 153% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 51.6% |
| 316% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,936 |
| County GDP | $8,097M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 232 |
| Healthcare | 286 |
| Retail | 413 |
| Manufacturing | 200 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,794 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 67.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $308,288. Homes sell for 112% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 138 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $5,794 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| |
| Zillow ZHVI | $308,288 |
| Median List Price | $517,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $517,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $208 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 112.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.7% |
| Housing Units | 138 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,794 |
| 66% above US avg |
In Bethel, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.6% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 26.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 38.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,729. The dentist ratio is 1:1,846. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Kidney Disease | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.6% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 45.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,729 |
| Dentists | 1:1,846 |
| Mental Health | 1:277 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,405/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 286 |
Bethel has a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,031 per 100,000, 47% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bethel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 177.7/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,030.6/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 258 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethel experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 46.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 554 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 554 ft (169 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 529/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4765°N, 76.2880°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lebanon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Reading Regional/Carl A Spaatz Field (RDG) 18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.4"
22% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0453 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
35 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
131 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
27 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
29 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Oct 23, 1990 |
3 km W of Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
73 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
37 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
78 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
29 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
81 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
27 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
72 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
43 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
287 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
234 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
345 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 208 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
71 km |
3 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
9 km |
1 |
| Mar 22, 1955 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1952 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1950 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
98 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 2019 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
121 km |
| 1840 |
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
119 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PENOBSCOT (2,091 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
HOPEWELL FIRE |
812 |
54 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Bethel has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.7").
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) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethel
What is the population of Bethel?
Bethel has a population of 534 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 529 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Bethel expensive to live in?
Bethel has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100).
Is Bethel safe?
Bethel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,031 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.4 inches, with 24.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Bethel?
The job market in Bethel faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 2,936 business establishments in the area, including 232 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Bethel?
Schools in Bethel score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.4% of adults in Bethel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethel?
The obesity rate in Bethel is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.6% of adults are smokers. 38.7% are physically inactive. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,729.
What are the demographics of Bethel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is 64% White. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.