Violent Crime
1,581/100K
316% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
70.2%
466% higher than US avg
How Bethlehem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population218
Median Age11.6 yrs
Density56/mi²
Male / Female33% / 67%
Largest GroupWhite 41%
Veterans70.0%
Economy
Per Capita$18,387
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty70.2%
County GDP$1,206M
Housing
Ownership48.1%
Zillow$156,602
Housing Units154
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,581/100K
Property4,490/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking21.0%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain58.6 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation382 ft (116 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.89
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Bethlehem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethlehem receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Bethlehem faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 70.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
With 1,581 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,490 per 100,000, 129% above the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Bethlehem enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 58.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bethlehem has a population of 218 with a density of 56 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 11.6 years, 70% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 67% female and 33% male. The city is predominantly White (40.8%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 70.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
11.6yrs
Median Age
70% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bethlehem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bethlehem vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $18,387 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 70.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 566 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bethlehem vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $18,387 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,326 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 70.2% |
| 466% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 566 |
| County GDP | $1,206M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 107 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,874 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,602. Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 154 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2003. The average annual property tax is $2,874 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.9% |
| Housing Units | 154 |
| Median Year Built | 2003 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,874 |
| 18% below US avg |
In Bethlehem, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 42.2% have high blood pressure. 21.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.6% report binge drinking. 35.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,745. The dentist ratio is 1:6,822. 35.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethlehem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.0% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.6% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 16.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 14.8% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,745 |
| Dentists | 1:6,822 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,844 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Dental Visits | 9.0% |
| Premature Death | 16,967/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Bethlehem has a violent crime rate of 1,581 per 100,000 residents, 316% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,490 per 100,000, 129% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bethlehem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethlehem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,580.8/100K |
| 316% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,489.9/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethlehem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 301 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 58.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 382 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.8°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 382 ft (116 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 56/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.5773°N, 89.3289°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tupelo Regional (TUP)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.6"
54% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.14"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jun 25, 2016.
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Aug 25, 2015 |
9 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Aug 29, 1990 |
9 km WSW of Central, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Aug 19, 1994 |
9 km WSW of Gilt Edge, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Oct 26, 2002 |
3 km SE of Alligator, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Aug 7, 2015 |
16 km W of Millington, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
111 km |
| Apr 3, 1992 |
4 km NE of Central, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
8 km ESE of Darling, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Feb 25, 1999 |
10 km NE of Oakland, Mississippi |
M2.8 |
69 km |
| Jan 16, 2009 |
8 km NE of Garland, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
123 km |
| Jan 3, 1993 |
4 km SW of Sunset, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
108 km |
| Sep 8, 2002 |
6 km W of Henning, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Feb 11, 1991 |
10 km SSW of Clarksdale, Mississippi |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
17 km E of Olivet, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
138 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
9 km ENE of Clarkedale, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
112 km |
| Jun 25, 2016 |
2 km SSE of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
111 km |
| Nov 9, 2009 |
3 km SE of Marion, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
102 km |
| Sep 2, 2013 |
0 km SW of Jericho, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
114 km |
| Jan 25, 1990 |
1 km ESE of Garland, Tennessee |
M2.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Katrina (2005, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
298 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
448 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 136 fatalities, 1,206 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF4 |
35 km |
9 |
| Apr 19, 1970 |
EF4 |
34 km |
4 |
| Apr 29, 1963 |
EF4 |
76 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
46 km |
16 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
83 km |
38 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
80 km |
9 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
4 |
| May 2, 2010 |
EF3 |
28 km |
3 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
3 |
| Feb 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
61 km |
6 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
150 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COMP 109 (3,663 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
COMP 109 |
3,663 |
24 km |
| 2014 |
C-55 CHILLI LAKE |
3,555 |
20 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,152 |
18 km |
| 2014 |
C-39 EAST CHEWALLA |
3,107 |
18 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,031 |
21 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 119/90/88 |
2,955 |
12 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,848 |
14 km |
| 2006 |
WITCHDCE W |
2,846 |
80 km |
| 2014 |
C-84 BAGLEY BOTTOMS |
2,766 |
13 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,645 |
25 km |
| 2013 |
MIDWAY CEM PRESCRIBED BURN |
2,513 |
10 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,376 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
WITCHDANCE EAST |
2,285 |
81 km |
| 2013 |
PUSKUS LAKE |
2,271 |
16 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,248 |
5 km |
| 2021 |
TOMBIGBEE CPT - 18/19/23/24 |
2,201 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB 51/52/53 |
2,182 |
22 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 42 |
2,142 |
14 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,073 |
13 km |
| 2022 |
HOLLY SPRINGS BB10 11 12 14 |
1,977 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.8 in |
|
Bethlehem has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.4 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.1") and August the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Bethlehem. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174–$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696–$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348–$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131–$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480–$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348–$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785–$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435–$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350–$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740–$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696–$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870–$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65–$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61–$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18–$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61–$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48–$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44–$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044–$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522–$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435–$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348–$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350–$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $660 |
| Toddler | $615 |
| Preschool | $563 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethlehem
What is the population of Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has a population of 218 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 56 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 11.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 67% female and 33% male.
Is Bethlehem expensive to live in?
Bethlehem is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Bethlehem safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bethlehem, with a violent crime rate of 1,581 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,490 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bethlehem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 58.6 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bethlehem?
The job market in Bethlehem is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 566 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Bethlehem?
Schools in Bethlehem have an average test score of 3.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.4% of adults in Bethlehem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethlehem?
The obesity rate in Bethlehem is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.0% of adults are smokers. 35.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 35.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,745.
What are the demographics of Bethlehem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem is 40.8% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 70.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.6% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
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