Median Income
$40,592
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,800
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$547
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Bethel Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population746
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density335/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,592
Per Capita$20,804
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$787M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,800
Rent$547
Ownership80.5%
Zillow$157,498
Housing Units383
Rent Burden20.3%
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking20.7%
Depression30.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
Rain59.1 in/yr
Elevation491 ft (150 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute23 min
Broadband94.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Bethel Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethel Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bethel Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethel Springs is $40,592, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethel Springs is $110,800, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $547 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethel Springs enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.1 inches.
Bethel Springs has a population of 746 with a density of 335 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 9.9% Hispanic, 14.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
746
Total Population
2023 Census
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bethel Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bethel Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bethel Springs is $40,592, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,804 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $861, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 544 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bethel Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,592 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,804 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $861 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,973 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 544 |
| County GDP | $787M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 87 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,033 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Bethel Springs is $110,800, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,498, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $547 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 383 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,033 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,800 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,498 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $547 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.5% |
| Housing Units | 383 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,033 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.83% |
In Bethel Springs, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 27.9% are physically inactive. 30.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,351. The dentist ratio is 1:1,999. 45.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethel Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.9% |
| Depression | 30.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,351 |
| Dentists | 1:1,999 |
| Mental Health | 1:727 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.9% |
| Premature Death | 14,361/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Bethel Springs enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 491 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 60.4°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 491 ft (150 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 335/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2341°N, 88.6131°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McNairy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Kellar-Sipes Regional (MKL)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
59.1"
56% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.75"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 29.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
183 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
142 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
128 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Nov 6, 2009 |
6 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
119 km |
| Apr 28, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Aug 12, 2013 |
7 km S of Hornbeak, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
130 km |
| May 31, 2022 |
12 km SE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
126 km |
| Aug 19, 1994 |
9 km WSW of Gilt Edge, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Apr 7, 2014 |
8 km SE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
3 km ESE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Jun 6, 1995 |
5 km SSE of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Nov 6, 1994 |
11 km WSW of Trenton, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Aug 23, 1999 |
1 km WSW of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
435 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 131 fatalities, 1,255 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
54 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
30 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
49 km |
11 |
| May 5, 1999 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF4 |
45 km |
6 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
67 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
41 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
34 km |
38 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
21 km |
9 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
71 km |
3 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
70 km |
3 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 1994 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: C-55 CHILLI LAKE (3,555 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
79 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 42 |
2,142 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB10 11 12 14 |
1,977 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,972 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,785 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
HOLLY SPRINGS RX |
1,780 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,668 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
HSRD 47 1 2 RX |
1,634 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
BURN BLOCK 58 PISGAH RD |
1,464 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,298 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
YELLOW RABBIT |
1,274 |
63 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,259 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
BURN BLOCK 61 COLLIER RD |
1,254 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
HOLLY SPRINGS - BB41 |
1,254 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
51°F (11°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Driest |
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| December |
42°F (6°C) |
5.7 in |
|
Bethel Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 39°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.1 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.8") and August the driest (3.8").
Average costs for common services in Bethel Springs. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138-$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184-$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92-$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735-$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69-$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138-$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46-$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368-$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92-$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55-$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138-$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676-$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368-$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055-$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460-$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595-$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838-$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735-$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184-$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919-$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69-$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76-$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30-$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30-$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76-$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68-$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55-$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74-$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46-$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69-$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103-$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28-$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551-$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460-$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184-$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368-$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595-$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46-$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92-$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethel Springs
What is the population of Bethel Springs?
Bethel Springs has a population of 746 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 335 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is Bethel Springs expensive to live in?
Bethel Springs is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,592, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,800 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $547 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bethel Springs?
Bethel Springs enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 59.1 inches.
How is the job market in Bethel Springs?
The job market in Bethel Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $861. There are 544 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethel Springs?
The median home value in Bethel Springs is $110,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,498. For renters, the median monthly rent is $547. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,033.
How are the schools in Bethel Springs?
Schools in Bethel Springs score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Bethel Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethel Springs?
The obesity rate in Bethel Springs is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 27.9% are physically inactive. 30.5% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,351.
What is transportation like in Bethel Springs?
The average commute in Bethel Springs is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethel Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel Springs is 78.8% White, 14.6% Black or African American, 9.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.