Median Income
$111,667
49% higher than US avg
Home Value
$855,000
203% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
76.0%
126% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.3%
15% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How South Bethany Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population503
Median Age69.2 yrs
Density1,006/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans22.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$111,667
Per Capita$106,415
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$23,356M
Commute35 min
Housing
C
Home Value$855,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$1,177,315
Housing Units1,261
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property7,821/100K
Health
Obesity27.3%
Uninsured3.8%
Smoking7.3%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease4.1%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.3 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+76.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+41.9%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute35 min
Broadband98.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is South Bethany a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Bethany receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. South Bethany offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Bethany is $111,667, which is significantly higher than the national average / 49% above $75,149. This places South Bethany among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Bethany is $855,000, making it a premium housing market at 203% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.7x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in South Bethany is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,821 per 100,000, 299% above the national average.
Education
South Bethany is a highly educated community / 76.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
South Bethany enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.3 inches, including 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
South Bethany has a population of 503 with a density of 1,006 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 69.2 years, 78% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.9% female and 58.1% male. The city is predominantly White (83.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 22.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
69.2yrs
Median Age
78% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Bethany vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Bethany vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Bethany is $111,667, which is 49% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $106,415 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,059, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 11,171 business establishments, including 688 restaurants. The cost of living index is 99.8, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 40.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Bethany vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $111,667 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $106,415 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,059 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,378 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 11,171 |
| County GDP | $23,356M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 688 |
| Healthcare | 716 |
| Retail | 1,067 |
| Manufacturing | 130 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,326 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 99.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 56.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 40.1% |
The median home value in South Bethany is $855,000, 203% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,177,315, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,250 for a one-bedroom to $1,560 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,261 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $3,326. 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.7x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $855,000 |
| 203% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $1,177,315 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,205 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,560 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,990 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,293 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,261 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,326 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.39% |
In South Bethany, 27.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.1% of residents, below the national average. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 7.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 13.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.8% report depression. 12.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628. The dentist ratio is 1:4,490. 54.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South Bethany vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 3.4% |
| Cancer | 8.3% |
| Stroke | 1.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 7.3% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 13.6% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 12.7% |
| Physical Distress | 8.3% |
| Short Sleep | 29.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 3.8% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,628 |
| Dentists | 1:4,490 |
| Mental Health | 1:433 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.5% |
| Dental Visits | 73.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,330/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 716 |
South Bethany has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,821 per 100,000, 299% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 42 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Bethany receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Bethany vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 175.8/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,820.7/100K |
| 299% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
South Bethany enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 293 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 47.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.5°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,006/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5163°N, 75.0581°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Sussex County County |
| Nearest Airport | Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY) 27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.3"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0463 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.20 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 94.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 9, 2023.
| Oct 23, 1990 |
3 km W of Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey |
M3.2 |
117 km |
| Jul 1, 2009 |
3 km ESE of Pennsville, New Jersey |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
284 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
170 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 2 |
164 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
47 km |
| 2010 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
261 km |
| 2002 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
293 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
212 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
213 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
198 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
150 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
125 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
50 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
112 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 58 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2019 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1992 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1984 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jun 9, 1977 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1971 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 27, 1967 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1956 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1955 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 2021 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2021 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2021 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1840 |
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
143 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
90 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
81 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
80 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
82 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
SLAU BCH 2 |
1,578 |
47 km |
| 2020 |
SPLIT DITCH |
1,518 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
RAILROAD |
1,431 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
|
South Bethany has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 37°F in February to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and November the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in South Bethany. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$399) |
| Specialist Visit |
$349 ($200–$549) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$349) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,196 ($798–$4,990) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$399) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$299 ($150–$499) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$599 ($399–$998) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$349) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$399 ($150–$798) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,986 ($3,992–$11,976) |
| Roof Repair |
$998 ($399–$1,996) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,982 ($5,489–$14,970) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,497 ($499–$3,493) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,970 ($4,990–$29,940) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,990 ($1,996–$9,980) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,497 ($798–$2,994) |
| Will Preparation |
$499 ($200–$998) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,495 ($998–$4,990) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.09 ($2.99–$5.49) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.49 ($2.50–$4.99) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.79 ($2.50–$5.49) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.49 ($2.99–$6.49) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.49 ($3.99–$7.49) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$499) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,996 ($1,198–$3,493) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.98–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,198 ($599–$2,495) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$998 ($499–$1,996) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$399 ($200–$699) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$998 ($399–$2,495) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,475 ($4,990–$29,940) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$299 ($150–$499) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$399) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $789 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $626 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $566 |
| Preschool | $566 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South Bethany
What is the population of South Bethany?
South Bethany has a population of 503 residents and is located in Delaware. The population density is 1,006 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 69.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.9% female and 58.1% male.
Is South Bethany expensive to live in?
South Bethany has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 99.8 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $111,667, 49% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $855,000 (203% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is South Bethany safe?
South Bethany is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,821 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Bethany receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Bethany?
South Bethany enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.3 inches, with 10.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in South Bethany?
The job market in South Bethany is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,059. There are 11,171 business establishments in the area, including 688 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 40.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Bethany?
The median home value in South Bethany is $855,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $1,177,315. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,326.
How are the schools in South Bethany?
Schools in South Bethany score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 76.0% of adults in South Bethany hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 41.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Bethany?
The obesity rate in South Bethany is 27.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 7.3% of adults are smokers. 13.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 3.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 54.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,628.
What is transportation like in South Bethany?
The average commute in South Bethany is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 56.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 40.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Bethany?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Bethany is 83.9% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 22.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.