Bethel, AK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,312
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$117,255/yr
6.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,495
0.4% year-over-year change

Bethel population

How many people live in Bethel

Bethel is home to 6,312 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.8% of Bethel locals are male, and 44.2% are female.

Total population
6,312
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.8%
3,521
Female
44.2%
2,791
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,521 55.8% 0.3%
Female 2,791 44.2% -0.5%
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 is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.1% are children under 15, then 14.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.3% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.1%
15 to 24
14.9%
25 to 44
29.3%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,522 24.1% -3.0%
15 to 24 942 14.9% 1.3%
25 to 44 1,848 29.3% -0.2%
45 to 64 1,545 24.5% 3.8%
Over 65 455 7.2% -4.0%
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, 95% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 20% of locals are Caucasian, 3% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,994 95% 0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 212 3.4% -9.0%
Non-citizens 106 1.7% 12.8%
Racial breakdown
White
20%
Black or African American
3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
65.6%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 1,265 20%
Black or African American 190 3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4,143 65.6%
Asian 177 2.8%
Two or more races 484 7.7%
Other 53 0.8%

Households in Bethel

A peek inside Bethel households

Bethel has 2,095 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.8% are families, while the remaining 33.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,095
5.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
696
Family households
1,399
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 696 33.2% 8.4%
Family households 1,399 66.8% 4.2%
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

The housing landscape of Bethel

Bethel's housing consists of 2,495 units, with 62.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,495
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,558 62.4%
1 unit, attached 39 1.6%
2 units 420 16.8%
3 or 4 units 128 5.1%
5 to 9 units 36 1.4%
10 to 19 units 62 2.5%
20 to 49 units 128 5.1%
50 or more units 28 1.1%
Mobile home 96 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethel

In Bethel, the median construction year is 1990. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 30 1.2% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 105 4.2% -23.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 521 20.9% 2.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 611 24.5% -7.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 401 16.1% -14.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 512 20.5% 26.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 315 12.6% 7.1%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 2,095 occupied housing units in Bethel, 47.2% are owner-occupied, while 52.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,095
5.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,106
Owner occupied
989
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,106 52.8% -0.2%
Owner occupied 989 47.2% 12.8%
Unoccupied housing units
16.0%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Bethel come to a median of $1,717 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,678.

Median housing costs per month
$1,717/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
$1,678/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

Bethel education at a glance

About 49.9% of the population in Bethel went to high school, while 18.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 13.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 158 3.5% 51.9%
High school diploma 2,240 49.9% -9.3%
College diploma 825 18.4% -5.9%
Associate degree 299 6.7% 34.1%
Bachelor's degree 612 13.6% 51.5%
Graduate degree 351 7.8% -5.9%
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

How much people earn in Bethel

The average annual household income in Bethel was $131,455 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $117,255, reflecting a +6.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethel
$131,455/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethel
$117,255/year
6.9% year-over-year change

Bethel income by age

In Bethel, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $118,265. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $136,250 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $67,031, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,635 in earnings. Overall, 88.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $67,031 N/A
25 - 44 $118,265 29.6%
45 - 64 $136,250 -2.8%
Over 65 $66,635 -19.6%
Above poverty level
5,295
Below poverty level
684
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,295 88.6% 3.2%
Below poverty level 684 11.4% -9.0%

Average renter income in Bethel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bethel, their median household income was $81,818 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$81,818
Rent-to-income ratio
24.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bethel

Workforce and job types in Bethel

The job market in Bethel is powered by 2,947 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.5% run their own businesses, 31.5% are employed by private companies, and 28.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,947
4.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,449
Blue collar
498
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,449 83.1% 4.3%
Blue collar 498 16.9% 5.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5.5%
Private companies
31.5%
Governmental workers
28.4%
Not for profit companies
34.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 162 5.5% -23.9%
Private companies 927 31.5% 4.8%
Governmental workers 837 28.4% 12.7%
Not for profit companies 1,021 34.6% 4.3%
Unemployment rate
8.2%
55.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bethel stands at 8.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bethel

How people get around in Bethel

Commuting methods vary: 62.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 18.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,824 62.2% 10.2%
Taxicab 211 7.2% -19.8%
Bus or trolleybus 14 0.5% -6.7%
Motorcycle 12 0.4% N/A
Bicycle 21 0.7% -8.7%
Walk 544 18.6% 8.2%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
99559 7,241 2,274 $113,333 $127,140

Explore more communities

FAQs about Bethel demographics 

What is the total population of Bethel?

Bethel has a total population of 6,312 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 -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethel?

The gender ratio in Bethel is as follows:
  • 55.8% males (3,521 residents)
  • 44.2% females (2,791 residents)

What is the median age in Bethel?

The median age in Bethel is 32.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethel?

The age distribution in Bethel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.1% (1,522 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.9% (942 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.3% (1,848 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (1,545 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.2% (455 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is as follows:
  • White: 20% (1,265 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3% (190 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 65.6% (4,143 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (177 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (484 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (53 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95% of the population in Bethel.

How many housing units are there in Bethel?

There are 2,495 housing units in Bethel, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Bethel has a total of 2,095 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethel?

Bethel has a median household income of $117,255, representing a +6.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bethel?

The employment rate is 91.8% in Bethel, with a workforce of 2,947 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.1% (2,449 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.9% (498 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.5% (162 residents)
  • Private companies: 31.5% (927 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.4% (837 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 34.6% (1,021 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