Median Income
$38,333
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
329/100K
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$808
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.2%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Bethune Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population257
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density1,606/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,333
Per Capita$18,700
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$651M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$808
Ownership68.3%
Zillow$241,459
Housing Units77
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
F
Violent329/100K
Property1,825/100K
Health
Obesity30.2%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking14.2%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain17.1 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,254 ft (1,297 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute14 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Bethune a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethune receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Bethune has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethune is $38,333, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bethune is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $808 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bethune is below the national average at 329 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,825 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethune experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bethune has a population of 257 with a density of 1,606 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (54.9%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.3%
8% below US avg
The median household income in Bethune is $38,333, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,700 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 333 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,333 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,700 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,753 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 333 |
| County GDP | $651M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Bethune is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,459, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $808 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,161 for a one-bedroom to $1,429 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 77 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $1,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,459 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $808 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,083 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,161 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,429 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,861 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,178 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.7% |
| Housing Units | 77 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.31% |
In Bethune, 30.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,317. The dentist ratio is 1:6,961. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethune vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.8% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,317 |
| Dentists | 1:6,961 |
| Mental Health | 1:583 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.0% |
| Dental Visits | 54.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,204/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Bethune has a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 residents, 13% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,825 per 100,000, 7% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bethune receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethune vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 329.5/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,824.6/100K |
| 7% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethune experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 330 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 17.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 4,254 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,254 ft (1,297 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,606/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3038°N, 102.4234°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Kit Carson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Colorado Plains Regional (AKO)
74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.1"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 7, 2021.
| Aug 17, 2009 |
8 km E of Eads, Colorado |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Jul 15, 2014 |
23 km NNE of Haswell, Colorado |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Jan 10, 2003 |
14 km NE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
23 km NE of Sugar City, Colorado |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Aug 6, 2016 |
13 km NNE of Wiley, Colorado |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
638 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 47 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1958 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2023 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2023 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2016 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2012 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 31, 2000 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 5, 1994 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1994 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SHERIDAN LAKE (5,310 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
SHERIDAN LAKE |
5,310 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
88 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
CHERRY CREEK |
4,273 |
79 km |
| 2022 |
CR 15 |
3,244 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,535 |
40 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,530 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
FF |
2,463 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
ZWEYGARDT |
2,118 |
54 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD R |
2,080 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
WANO |
1,556 |
77 km |
| 2020 |
COUNTY RD T |
1,371 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,304 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
BRADSHAW |
1,255 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
COUNTY ROAD 56 |
1,076 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Bethune has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 30°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.9") and January the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Bethune. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$258 ($155–$412) |
| Specialist Visit |
$361 ($206–$567) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$206 ($103–$361) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,268 ($825–$5,155) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($77–$206) |
| Dental Filling |
$258 ($155–$412) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$619 ($412–$1,031) |
| Battery Replacement |
$206 ($103–$361) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$144) |
| HVAC Repair |
$412 ($155–$825) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,217 ($4,124–$12,372) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,031 ($412–$2,062) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,279 ($5,671–$15,465) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,547 ($516–$3,609) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,465 ($5,155–$30,930) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,155 ($2,062–$10,310) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,547 ($825–$3,093) |
| Will Preparation |
$516 ($206–$1,031) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,578 ($1,031–$5,155) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($77–$258) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.23 ($3.09–$5.67) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.61 ($2.58–$5.16) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.92 ($2.58–$5.67) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.64 ($3.09–$6.70) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.67 ($4.12–$7.73) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$144 ($82–$258) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$206 ($77–$516) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,062 ($1,237–$3,609) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.25–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$258) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,237 ($619–$2,578) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,031 ($516–$2,062) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$412 ($206–$722) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,031 ($412–$2,578) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,888 ($5,155–$30,930) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$206) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$309 ($155–$516) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$206 ($103–$412) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $769 |
| Toddler | $567 |
| Preschool | $555 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $786 |
| Toddler | $777 |
| Preschool | $777 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethune
What is the population of Bethune?
Bethune has a population of 257 residents and is located in Colorado. The population density is 1,606 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Bethune expensive to live in?
Bethune has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $38,333, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $808 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bethune safe?
Bethune is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,825 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bethune receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bethune?
Bethune has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bethune?
The job market in Bethune is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 333 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bethune?
The median home value in Bethune is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,459. For renters, the median monthly rent is $808. Fair market rent is $1,161 for a 1-bedroom and $1,429 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.3%. The average annual property tax is $1,800.
How are the schools in Bethune?
Schools in Bethune score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Bethune hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethune?
The obesity rate in Bethune is 30.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,317.
What is transportation like in Bethune?
The average commute in Bethune is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bethune?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethune is 54.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 84.8% have health insurance coverage.
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