Bethel, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,404
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,848/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,086
2.3% year-over-year change

Bethel population

How many people live in Bethel

Bethel is home to 11,404 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.1% of Bethel locals are male, and 49.9% are female.

Total population
11,404
-1.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.1%
5,718
Female
49.9%
5,686
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,718 50.1% -0.1%
Female 5,686 49.9% -3.3%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.2% of the population, while another 31.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
22.2%
45 to 64
31.6%
Over 65
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,937 17% -15.5%
15 to 24 1,493 13.1% 21.1%
25 to 44 2,530 22.2% -6.1%
45 to 64 3,607 31.6% -0.7%
Over 65 1,837 16.1% 4.9%
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, 72.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 62.2% of locals are Caucasian, 5.4% are African American and 6.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.3%
Non-citizens
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,225 72.1% -3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,743 15.3% -6.9%
Non-citizens 1,436 12.6% 14.5%
Racial breakdown
White
62.2%
Black or African American
5.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
6.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15%
Other
10.7%
Value Percent
White 7,088 62.2%
Black or African American 616 5.4%
Asian 773 6.8%
Two or more races 1,705 15%
Other 1,222 10.7%

Households in Bethel

A peek inside Bethel households

Bethel has 4,830 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.6% are families, while the remaining 41.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,830
2.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,002
Family households
2,828
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,002 41.4% 8.9%
Family households 2,828 58.6% -2.5%
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 5,086 units, with 42.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 16% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
5,086
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,178 42.8%
1 unit, attached 816 16%
2 units 752 14.8%
3 or 4 units 572 11.2%
5 to 9 units 414 8.1%
10 to 19 units 174 3.4%
20 to 49 units 173 3.4%
50 or more units 7 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
20
33.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethel

In Bethel, the median construction year is 1975. About 19.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 980 19.3% 5.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 99 2% -42.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 497 9.8% 8.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 302 5.9% 7.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,301 25.6% 4.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 541 10.6% 7.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 337 6.6% -7.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 422 8.3% 8.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 587 11.5% -4.5%
Built in 2020 or later 20 0.4% 33.3%
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 4,830 occupied housing units in Bethel, 63.5% are owner-occupied, while 36.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,830
2.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,762
Owner occupied
3,068
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,762 36.5% 20.7%
Owner occupied 3,068 63.5% -6.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
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 $1,913 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,656.

Median housing costs per month
$1,913/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
$1,656/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 33.8% of the population in Bethel went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 20.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 412 4.5% -9.1%
High school diploma 3,065 33.8% 4.6%
College diploma 1,627 17.9% -4.8%
Associate degree 657 7.2% 12.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,891 20.8% -6.3%
Graduate degree 1,421 15.7% 12.3%
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 $121,243 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,848, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethel
$121,243/year
-1.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethel
$90,848/year
2.8% 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 $93,984. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $105,745 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $79,152, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $61,855 in earnings. Overall, 94.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $79,152 N/A
25 - 44 $93,984 -13.2%
45 - 64 $105,745 1.3%
Over 65 $61,855 45.7%
Above poverty level
10,667
Below poverty level
658
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,667 94.2% -0.4%
Below poverty level 658 5.8% -3.1%

Average renter income in Bethel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bethel, their median household income was $49,306 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,306
Rent-to-income ratio
40.3%
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 6,261 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.4% run their own businesses, 61.2% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,261
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
5,109
Blue collar
1,152
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,109 81.6% 1.3%
Blue collar 1,152 18.4% -6.6%
Employer type
Self employees
18.4%
Private companies
61.2%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,155 18.4% 5.6%
Private companies 3,829 61.2% -4.1%
Governmental workers 691 11% 2.8%
Not for profit companies 586 9.4% 13.3%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bethel stands at 3.6%, 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: 79.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% 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 4,664 79.7% -4.0%
Railroad 59 1% -36.6%
Walk 54 0.9% 80.0%
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
06801 20,796 7,782 $116,541 $150,974

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FAQs about Bethel demographics 

What is the total population of Bethel?

Bethel has a total population of 11,404 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 -1.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethel?

The gender ratio in Bethel is as follows:
  • 50.1% males (5,718 residents)
  • 49.9% females (5,686 residents)

What is the median age in Bethel?

The median age in Bethel is 41.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethel?

The age distribution in Bethel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (1,937 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (1,493 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.2% (2,530 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.6% (3,607 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.1% (1,837 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is as follows:
  • White: 62.2% (7,088 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.4% (616 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 6.8% (773 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15% (1,705 residents)
  • Other: 10.7% (1,222 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.1% of the population in Bethel.

How many housing units are there in Bethel?

There are 5,086 housing units in Bethel, reflecting a +2.3% 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 4,830 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethel?

Bethel has a median household income of $90,848, representing a +2.8% 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 96.4% in Bethel, with a workforce of 6,261 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (5,109 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (1,152 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.4% (1,155 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.2% (3,829 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (691 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (586 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