Bethany Beach, DE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
905
-1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$117,159/yr
10.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,605
-0.9% year-over-year change

Bethany Beach population

How many people live in Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is home to 905 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Bethany Beach locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
905
-1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
415
Female
54.1%
490
Value Percent YoY change
Male 415 45.9% 3.2%
Female 490 54.1% -6.0%
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 Bethany Beach is 66, with the population distributed as follows: about 3.3% are children under 15, then 7.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 7.6% of the population, while another 28.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 53.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
66.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
3.3%
15 to 24
7.1%
25 to 44
7.6%
45 to 64
28.1%
Over 65
53.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 30 3.3% -36.2%
15 to 24 64 7.1% 6.7%
25 to 44 69 7.6% -5.5%
45 to 64 254 28.1% 1.6%
Over 65 488 53.9% -1.0%
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 Bethany Beach, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 96.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.2%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 848 93.7% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 47 5.2% -19.0%
Non-citizens 10 1.1% -37.5%
Racial breakdown
White
96.1%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 870 96.1%
Black or African American 1 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.4%
Asian 18 2%
Two or more races 12 1.3%

Households in Bethany Beach

A peek inside Bethany Beach households

Bethany Beach has 461 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.1% are families, while the remaining 36.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
461
-2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
170
Family households
291
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 170 36.9% -12.8%
Family households 291 63.1% 4.3%
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 Bethany Beach

The housing landscape of Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach's housing consists of 2,605 units, with 72% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 25% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
2,605
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,877 72%
1 unit, attached 651 25%
2 units 18 0.7%
3 or 4 units 32 1.2%
10 to 19 units 27 1%
Homes built since 2020
23
91.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethany Beach

In Bethany Beach, the median construction year is 1987. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 20 0.8% -28.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 21 0.8% 10.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 132 5.1% 15.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 547 21% 12.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 890 34.2% 4.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 347 13.3% -16.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 361 13.9% -14.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 264 10.1% -5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.9% 91.7%
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.

Bethany Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 461 occupied housing units in Bethany Beach, 93.7% are owner-occupied, while 6.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 82.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
461
-2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
29
Owner occupied
432
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 29 6.3% 20.8%
Owner occupied 432 93.7% -4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
82.3%
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.

Bethany Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Bethany Beach come to a median of $920 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,375.

Median housing costs per month
$920/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 Bethany Beach
$1,375/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 Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach education at a glance

About 10.6% of the population in Bethany Beach went to high school, while 15.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 38% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 24.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 1.5% 0.0%
High school diploma 92 10.6% -23.3%
College diploma 137 15.8% 3.8%
Associate degree 80 9.2% 35.6%
Bachelor's degree 329 38% -4.9%
Graduate degree 215 24.8% 10.3%
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 Bethany Beach

How much people earn in Bethany Beach

The average annual household income in Bethany Beach was $189,952 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +15.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $117,159, reflecting a +10.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethany Beach
$189,952/year
15.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethany Beach
$117,159/year
10.7% year-over-year change

Bethany Beach income by age

In Bethany Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $125,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $152,083 overall. Overall, 98.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $125,313 21.3%
45 - 64 $152,083 -5.1%
Over 65 $91,964 4.9%
Above poverty level
890
Below poverty level
15
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 890 98.3% -0.8%
Below poverty level 15 1.7% -42.3%

Average renter income in Bethany Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bethany Beach, their median household income was $98,750 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 16.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$98,750
Rent-to-income ratio
16.7%
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 Bethany Beach

Workforce and job types in Bethany Beach

The job market in Bethany Beach is powered by 342 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 98.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.8% run their own businesses, 58.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
342
3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
338
Blue collar
4
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 338 98.8% 4.0%
Blue collar 4 1.2% -42.9%
Employer type
Self employees
20.8%
Private companies
58.8%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 71 20.8% 7.6%
Private companies 201 58.8% -8.6%
Governmental workers 43 12.6% 48.3%
Not for profit companies 27 7.9% 58.8%
Unemployment rate
1.7%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bethany Beach stands at 1.7%, 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 Bethany Beach

How people get around in Bethany Beach

Commuting methods vary: 51.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.4% 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 177 51.8% -0.6%
Subway or elevated 3 0.9% N/A
Bicycle 17 5% -22.7%
Walk 22 6.4% 29.4%
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 Bethany Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19930 3,014 1,551 $125,491 $204,958

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FAQs about Bethany Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Bethany Beach?

Bethany Beach has a total population of 905 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 -1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethany Beach?

The gender ratio in Bethany Beach is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (415 residents)
  • 54.1% females (490 residents)

What is the median age in Bethany Beach?

The median age in Bethany Beach is 66.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethany Beach?

The age distribution in Bethany Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 3.3% (30 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.1% (64 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 7.6% (69 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.1% (254 residents)
  • Over 65: 53.9% (488 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethany Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethany Beach is as follows:
  • White: 96.1% (870 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (18 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.3% (12 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in Bethany Beach.

How many housing units are there in Bethany Beach?

There are 2,605 housing units in Bethany Beach, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Bethany Beach has a total of 461 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethany Beach?

Bethany Beach has a median household income of $117,159, representing a +10.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bethany Beach?

The employment rate is 98.3% in Bethany Beach, with a workforce of 342 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.8% (338 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.2% (4 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.8% (71 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.8% (201 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (43 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (27 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