Bethel County, AK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
31,017
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,818/yr
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,104
-0.2% year-over-year change

Bethel County population

How many people live in Bethel County

Bethel County is home to 31,017 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.8% of Bethel County locals are male, and 47.2% are female.

Total population
31,017
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.8%
16,378
Female
47.2%
14,639
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,378 52.8% 2.0%
Female 14,639 47.2% -2.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bethel County is 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.1% are children under 15, then 15.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.2% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 9.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
26.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.1%
15 to 24
15.3%
25 to 44
30.2%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
9.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 7,161 23.1% 0.5%
15 to 24 4,759 15.3% 5.5%
25 to 44 9,367 30.2% -2.9%
45 to 64 6,797 21.9% -2.3%
Over 65 2,933 9.5% 2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bethel County, 91.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 23.3% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 5.9% have Asian roots. Another 56% are Indigenous American, 0.4% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.8%
Non-citizens
3.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,435 91.7% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,491 4.8% -12.1%
Non-citizens 1,091 3.5% -10.7%
Racial breakdown
White
23.3%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
56%
Asian
5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.4%
Two or more races
9.8%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 7,237 23.3%
Black or African American 984 3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17,384 56%
Asian 1,832 5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 113 0.4%
Two or more races 3,030 9.8%
Other 437 1.4%

Households in Bethel County

A peek inside Bethel County households

Bethel County has 10,797 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 59% are families, while the remaining 41% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,797
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
4,431
Family households
6,366
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,431 41% 3.0%
Family households 6,366 59% 1.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bethel County

The housing landscape of Bethel County

Bethel County's housing consists of 13,104 units, with 46.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,104
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,094 46.5%
1 unit, attached 600 4.6%
2 units 1,024 7.8%
3 or 4 units 1,428 10.9%
5 to 9 units 822 6.3%
10 to 19 units 878 6.7%
20 to 49 units 1,311 10%
50 or more units 480 3.7%
Mobile home 467 3.6%
Homes built since 2020
34
209.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethel County

In Bethel County, the median construction year is 1988. About 0.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 45 0.3% 21.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 296 2.3% 9.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 730 5.6% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,893 14.4% 0.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,559 27.2% -0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,510 19.2% -1.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,654 12.6% -7.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,532 11.7% 10.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 851 6.5% -4.4%
Built in 2020 or later 34 0.3% 209.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bethel County occupancy rates

Out of the 10,797 occupied housing units in Bethel County, 44.5% are owner-occupied, while 55.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,797
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,992
Owner occupied
4,805
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,992 55.5% 0.5%
Owner occupied 4,805 44.5% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
17.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bethel County housing costs

Housing costs in Bethel County come to a median of $492 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $738.

Median housing costs per month
$492/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bethel County
$738/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bethel County

Bethel County education at a glance

About 51.8% of the population in Bethel County went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.5% earned an associate degree and 12.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 974 4.3% 5.5%
High school diploma 11,699 51.8% 2.0%
College diploma 4,604 20.4% -3.7%
Associate degree 1,015 4.5% -29.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,780 12.3% 4.6%
Graduate degree 1,490 6.6% 2.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bethel County

How much people earn in Bethel County

The average annual household income in Bethel County was $71,165 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,818, reflecting a +5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethel County
$71,165/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethel County
$51,818/year
5.2% year-over-year change

Bethel County income by age

In Bethel County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $51,042 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $62,949, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,625 in earnings. Overall, 78.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $62,949 1.4%
25 - 44 $56,250 0.4%
45 - 64 $51,042 -5.6%
Over 65 $50,625 7.2%
Above poverty level
23,668
Below poverty level
6,482
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,668 78.5% -2.3%
Below poverty level 6,482 21.5% 8.6%

Employment in Bethel County

Workforce and job types in Bethel County

79.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.3% run their own businesses, 45.5% are employed by private companies, and 32.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
10,881
Blue collar
2,860
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,881 79.2% -0.2%
Blue collar 2,860 20.8% -11.2%
Employer type
Self employees
5.3%
Private companies
45.5%
Governmental workers
32.1%
Not for profit companies
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 733 5.3% -4.9%
Private companies 6,257 45.5% -10.9%
Governmental workers 4,408 32.1% 8.2%
Not for profit companies 2,343 17% 4.1%

Transportation in Bethel County

How people get around in Bethel County

In Bethel County, the average commute time is 76 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 72.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 19.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
76 min
-24.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,974 72.7% 2.1%
Taxicab 448 4.1% 7.2%
Bus or trolleybus 92 0.8% -12.4%
Ferryboat 1 0% -50.0%
Motorcycle 140 1.3% 27.3%
Bicycle 164 1.5% 12.3%
Walk 2,148 19.6% -6.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bethel County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
99503 12,964 6,103 $76,144 $98,776
99551 736 162 $30,000 $45,741
99552 377 88 $78,929 $82,289
99557 714 226 $74,286 $109,950
99559 7,241 2,274 $113,333 $127,140
99561 620 136 $51,818 $71,904
99575 17 8 $58,750 $62,550
99578 174 41 $45,417 $54,366
99589 115 38 $26,875 $32,318
99607 239 55 $47,917 $68,125

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FAQs about Bethel County demographics 

What is the total population of Bethel County?

Bethel County has a total population of 31,017 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethel County?

The gender ratio in Bethel County is as follows:
  • 52.8% males (16,378 residents)
  • 47.2% females (14,639 residents)

What is the median age in Bethel County?

The median age in Bethel County is 26.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethel County?

The age distribution in Bethel County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.1% (7,161 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.3% (4,759 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.2% (9,367 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (6,797 residents)
  • Over 65: 9.5% (2,933 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel County is as follows:
  • White: 23.3% (7,237 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (984 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 56% (17,384 residents)
  • Asian: 5.9% (1,832 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% (113 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.8% (3,030 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (437 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bethel County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.7% of the population in Bethel County.

How many housing units are there in Bethel County?

There are 13,104 housing units in Bethel County, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bethel County and what is the average household size?

Bethel County has a total of 10,797 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethel County?

Bethel County has a median household income of $51,818, representing a +5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Bethel County?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.2% (10,881 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.8% (2,860 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.3% (733 residents)
  • Private companies: 45.5% (6,257 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 32.1% (4,408 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17% (2,343 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025