Median Income
$65,556
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$243,000
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
195/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
53.0%
57% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,066
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
25.7%
20% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Bethlehem Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,097
Median Age45.7 yrs
Density673/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,556
Per Capita$32,722
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$183M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$243,000
Rent$1,066
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$343,664
Housing Units421
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent195/100K
Property779/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault39/100K
Burglary195/100K
Health
Obesity25.7%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking10.1%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain41.0 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation1,466 ft (447 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+53.0%
High School+99.4%
Graduate+38.2%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 39%
Commute19 min
Broadband92.8%
EV Stations8
Libraries4
Is Bethlehem a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethlehem receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Bethlehem offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethlehem is $65,556, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethlehem is $243,000, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,066 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bethlehem is below the national average at 195 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 779 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
Bethlehem is a highly educated community / 53.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bethlehem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches, including 100.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Bethlehem has a population of 1,097 with a density of 673 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 45.7 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.2% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.7yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bethlehem vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bethlehem vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bethlehem is $65,556, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,722 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $955, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 180 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 104.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 39.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bethlehem vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,556 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,722 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $955 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,928 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 180 |
| County GDP | $183M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,350 |
| 81% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 104.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 41.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 39.3% |
The median home value in Bethlehem is $243,000, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $343,664, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,066 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,422 for a one-bedroom to $1,851 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 421 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $6,350 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $243,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $343,664 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $195 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,066 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,322 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,422 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,851 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 421 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,350 |
| 81% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.61% |
In Bethlehem, 25.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.2% have high blood pressure. 10.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 18.5% report binge drinking. 16.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,925. The dentist ratio is 1:1,998. 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethlehem vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 25.7% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.1% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.0% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.6% |
| Physical Distress | 9.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,925 |
| Dentists | 1:1,998 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,503 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 71.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,787/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Bethlehem has a violent crime rate of 195 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 38.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 155.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 779 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 506, burglary at 195, vehicle theft at 78 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Bethlehem receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethlehem vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 194.6/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 155.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 38.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 778.5/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Burglary | 194.6/100K |
| Theft | 506.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 77.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethlehem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches. The area receives 100.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 1,466 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.1°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,466 ft (447 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 673/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.2787°N, 71.6890°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Essex County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mount Washington Regional (HIE)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.0"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
37 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.8 on Jul 28, 2024.
| Oct 16, 2012 |
5 km W of Hollis Center, Maine |
M4.7 |
112 km |
| Jun 16, 1995 |
8 km N of Lisbon, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
18 km |
| Aug 21, 1996 |
12 km N of Livermore, New Hampshire |
M3.8 |
29 km |
| Jan 17, 2000 |
4 km NNE of Dixfield, Maine |
M3.6 |
104 km |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
4 km W of Leeds, Maine |
M3.5 |
121 km |
| Oct 6, 1992 |
1 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
2 km SW of Canterbury, New Hampshire |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| May 6, 2020 |
9 km SE of Bedford, Canada |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Nov 20, 1994 |
4 km WNW of Norway, Maine |
M3.0 |
87 km |
| Apr 15, 2010 |
7 km WNW of Valcourt, Canada |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jan 27, 2000 |
3 km WNW of Fremont, New Hampshire |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| Apr 25, 2023 |
4 km SW of Center Sandwich, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
58 km |
| Feb 4, 2022 |
0 km SSW of Gorham, New Hampshire |
M2.9 |
43 km |
| May 14, 2007 |
5 km ESE of Benson, Vermont |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Mar 23, 1992 |
5 km SE of Hill, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Mar 21, 2016 |
4 km ESE of Warner, New Hampshire |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
1 km NNE of Turner, Maine |
M2.8 |
115 km |
| Jul 28, 2024 |
6 km W of Gardiner, Maine |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Sep 30, 1991 |
0 km SSE of Bedford, New Hampshire |
M2.7 |
150 km |
| Feb 13, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Tamworth, New Hampshire |
M2.7 |
59 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Bob (1991, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
280 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
79 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 14 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1973 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1972 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1966 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1963 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2011 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2010 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2009 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2009 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2002 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2001 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2000 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Bethlehem has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 16°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.2").
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) |
$261 ($156–$417) |
| Specialist Visit |
$365 ($208–$573) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$208 ($104–$365) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,292 ($834–$5,210) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$135 ($78–$208) |
| Dental Filling |
$261 ($156–$417) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$125) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$625 ($417–$1,042) |
| Battery Replacement |
$208 ($104–$365) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$104 ($63–$156) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$94 ($52–$146) |
| HVAC Repair |
$417 ($156–$834) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,294 ($4,168–$12,504) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,042 ($417–$2,084) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,378 ($5,731–$15,630) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,563 ($521–$3,647) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,630 ($5,210–$31,260) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,210 ($2,084–$10,420) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,563 ($834–$3,126) |
| Will Preparation |
$521 ($208–$1,042) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,605 ($1,042–$5,210) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$104) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$156 ($78–$261) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$135) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.27 ($3.13–$5.73) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.65 ($2.61–$5.21) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.96 ($2.61–$5.73) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.69 ($3.13–$6.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.73 ($4.17–$7.82) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.04 ($0.63–$1.88) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$146 ($83–$261) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$156) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$125) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$73 ($42–$104) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($31–$104) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($52–$156) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$208 ($78–$521) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,084 ($1,250–$3,647) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$73 ($31–$135) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.34–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$104 ($31–$261) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,250 ($625–$2,605) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,042 ($521–$2,084) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$417 ($208–$729) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$104) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,042 ($417–$2,605) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,025 ($5,210–$31,260) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$104 ($52–$208) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($31–$104) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$313 ($156–$521) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$208 ($104–$417) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethlehem
What is the population of Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has a population of 1,097 residents and is located in New Hampshire. The population density is 673 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.2% male.
Is Bethlehem expensive to live in?
Bethlehem has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 104.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $65,556, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $243,000 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,066 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bethlehem safe?
Bethlehem is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 195 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 779 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bethlehem receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.0 inches, with 100.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Bethlehem?
The job market in Bethlehem is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $955. There are 180 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 39.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethlehem?
The median home value in Bethlehem is $243,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $343,664. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,066. Fair market rent is $1,422 for a 1-bedroom and $1,851 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,350.
How are the schools in Bethlehem?
Schools in Bethlehem score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 53.0% of adults in Bethlehem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.4% have completed high school. 38.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethlehem?
The obesity rate in Bethlehem is 25.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.1% of adults are smokers. 16.0% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 31.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,925.
What is transportation like in Bethlehem?
The average commute in Bethlehem is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 41.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 39.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethlehem?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem is 99.3% White. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
