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Bethlehem, New Zealand

Bay of Plenty · New Zealand

Bethlehem is a small city in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand with a population of 9,270. Elevation: 118 ft (36 m). Average temperature: 59°F (15°C).

Data updated June 2026

2.1 /5.0
C Fair
9,270 Population 37/sq mi density
118 ft Elevation 36 meters
59°F Avg Temperature 15°C
104.5 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$24,000 Median Income
C
Overall
2.1 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$24,000 median income, 2.4% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$332,800 home value, $1,664/mo rent

Discover Bethlehem, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

About Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a suburb of Tauranga in New Zealand's North Island. Originally a small independent town, it has now been absorbed by Tauranga and comprises a number of subdivisions including Bethlehem Heights, Sterling Gate, La Cumbre, Saint Andrews, and Mayfield.

People

Population9,270
Median Age49.1 yrs
Density37/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$24,000
Per Capita$24,000
Unemployment2.4%

Housing

F
Home Value$332,800
Rent$1,664
Ownership82.6%
Housing Units3,708

Climate

Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain104.5 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation118 ft (36 m)
Population9,270
Population Density37 / sq mi
Elevation118 ft (36 m)
Coordinates-37.6950°, 176.1086°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceBay of Plenty
Average Temperature59°F (15°C)
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average52°F (11°C)
Annual Precipitation104.5 inches (2,655 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$24,000
Median Age49.1 years

About Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a small city in New Zealand (Bay of Plenty) with a population of 9,270. The city sits at an elevation of 118 feet (36 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 59°F (15°C). Temperatures range from 66°F in January to 52°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 104.5 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Bethlehem has a population of 9,270 with a density of 37 people per square mile, spread across 252.0 square miles. The median age is 49.1 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

9,270
Total Population
37
People / sq mi
49.1yrs
Median Age
26% above New Zealand avg
252.0mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Bethlehem vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Bethlehem is $24,000, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,000 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $462, 68% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 853 business establishments.

Income: Bethlehem vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$24,000
68% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$24,000
Avg Weekly Wage$462

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.4%
33% below New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)853

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Bethlehem is $332,800, 18% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,664 (43% above the national average of $1,163). 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,708 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 13.9x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$332,800
18% above New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,664
43% above New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership82.6%
Owner-Occupied82.6%
Renter-Occupied17.4%
Housing Units3,708

Property Tax

Bethlehem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 66°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 290 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 104.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 118 feet.

Temperature

66°F Jan (19°C) 52°F Jul (11°C)
Annual Average59.2°F
10% above New Zealand avg
January Average66°F (19°C)
July Average52°F (11°C)
Sunny Days290 days/yr

Geography

Elevation118 ft (36 m)
Area252.0 sq mi (652.8 km²)
Population Density37/sq mi
Coordinates-37.6950°N, 176.1086°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 104.5"
175% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Jun) 6.89"
Driest Month (Feb) 4.17"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,473 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M4.1 on Aug 5, 2025.

Dec 15, 1994 83 km NNE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.5 133 km
Dec 7, 2012 27 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M6.3 82 km
Jun 21, 1992 31 km NNW of Whakatane, New Zealand M6.2 66 km
Oct 25, 1999 24 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M6.2 115 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 132 km
Aug 18, 1999 74 km N of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.7 115 km
Jan 27, 2011 21 km NNW of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 90 km
Jul 18, 2004 20 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.6 49 km
May 5, 2023 82 km NNE of Whakatane, New Zealand M5.6 112 km
Oct 16, 2012 8 km NE of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 105 km
Mar 22, 1990 115 km NE of Maketu, New Zealand M5.6 129 km
Mar 25, 1992 28 km N of Whakatane, New Zealand M5.6 76 km
Nov 16, 1991 60 km NNE of Maketu, New Zealand M5.5 74 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 145 km
Jul 5, 2011 29 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M5.5 113 km
Mar 23, 1999 12 km NNW of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.4 64 km
Sep 29, 2010 126 km ENE of Tairua, New Zealand M5.4 145 km
Mar 17, 2023 8 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.3 60 km
Apr 8, 2006 20 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M5.3 74 km
Aug 17, 2002 13 km W of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.3 59 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 145 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m - 125 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m - 137 km
1895 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake - - 123 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown - - 145 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

9 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Mayor Island (48 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Mayor Island Shield 355 m (1,165 ft) -5060 48 km
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 58 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 81 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 83 km
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 96 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 126 km
Auckland Volcanic Field Volcanic field 260 m (853 ft) 1350 141 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 168 km
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 182 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 66°F (19°C) 4.4 in Warmest
February 66°F (19°C) 4.2 in Driest
March 63°F (17°C) 5.9 in
April 58°F (15°C) 4.6 in
May 53°F (12°C) 5.6 in
June 49°F (10°C) 6.9 in Coldest, Wettest
July 52°F (11°C) 6.2 in
August 50°F (10°C) 6.5 in
September 53°F (11°C) 5.6 in
October 56°F (13°C) 4.9 in
November 59°F (15°C) 4.8 in
December 63°F (17°C) 5.5 in

Bethlehem has a seasonal temperature swing of 17°F / from 49°F in June to 66°F in January. Total annual precipitation is 65.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.9") and February the driest (4.2").

View full weather details →

Schools in Bethlehem

6 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Franklin Institute of Agro - Technology - - - -
Te Puna School - - - -
Bethlehem College - - - -
Tauranga Adventist School - - - -
Bethlehem School - - - -
Te Wharekura o Mauao - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Bethlehem

5 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Sub FM deep house, drum 'n' bass MP3 192 kbps
Gaia FM (New Zealand) celtic, easy listening AAC+ 128 kbps
RadiJohan decades, eclectic MP3 128 kbps
Radio Te Aroha 88FM community, oldies MP3 128 kbps
The Rhythm 89FM alternative, local AAC

Museums in Bethlehem

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
Kevs Museum
The Elms - Te Papa Tauranga
The Historic Village
The Lion & Tusk Museum
Village Radio

Libraries in Bethlehem

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Former Katikati Library0.0
Greerton library0.0
Library0.0
Library and Service Centre0.0
Mount Maunganui Library0.0
Omokoroa Library0.0
Papamoa Beach Library/ Toys0.0
Papamoa Library0.0
Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Library0.0

Restaurants in Bethlehem

3 restaurants within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

House of Spice
Pizza Hut
The Cider Factorie

Cafes in Bethlehem

6 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Café Botannix
Cafe Nourish
Columbus Coffee Bethlehem, Tauranga
Gold Star Lunch Bar
Kofi Stop
The Coffee Club

Theatres in Bethlehem

1 theatres within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Amphitheatre

Veterinaries in Bethlehem

1 veterinaries within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Vet Care Tauranga

Gas Stations in Bethlehem

4 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

BP Connect
BP Te Puna
Gull
Z Bethlehem

Banks in Bethlehem

2 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

ANZ
Kiwibank

Stadiums & Teams in Bethlehem

TeamLeagueDivision

Airports Near Bethlehem

13 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Rotorua Regional AirportROTMedium Airport
Tauranga AirportTRGMedium Airport
Galatea Airfield-Small Airport
Matakana Island Airport-Small Airport
Matamata Glider AirportMTASmall Airport
Motiti Island Airport-Small Airport
Mount Tarawera Airport-Small Airport
Pauanui Aerodrome-Small Airport
Te Aroha Airfield-Small Airport
Thames AerodromeTMZSmall Airport
Tokoroa AirfieldTKZSmall Airport
Waihi Beach Airport-Small Airport
Wharepapa South Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in Bethlehem

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
NZ Post

Churches & Religious Organizations in Bethlehem

3 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Bethlehem Community Church
Tauranga Seventh-day Adventist Church

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bethlehem

What is the population of Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a population of 9,270 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 37 people per square mile, spread across 252.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Bethlehem expensive to live in?

The median household income is $24,000, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $332,800 (18% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,664 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 13.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 66°F in January, while summers reach an average of 52°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 104.5 inches.

How is the job market in Bethlehem?

The job market in Bethlehem is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $462. There are 853 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Bethlehem?

The median home value in Bethlehem is $332,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,664. The homeownership rate is 82.6%.

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