Bethel, McDonough County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,816
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,840/yr
3.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,415
0.7% year-over-year change

Bethel population

How many people live in Bethel

Bethel is home to 2,816 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Bethel locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
2,816
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
1,363
Female
51.6%
1,453
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,363 48.4% -1.2%
Female 1,453 51.6% -1.6%
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 is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.2% are children under 15, then 27.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 17.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
27.7%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
17.2%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 400 14.2% 2.8%
15 to 24 780 27.7% -0.5%
25 to 44 637 22.6% 0.2%
45 to 64 484 17.2% -3.4%
Over 65 515 18.3% -5.5%
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, 95.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 83% of locals are Caucasian, 7.8% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,696 95.8% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 57 2% -35.2%
Non-citizens 62 2.2% 37.8%
Racial breakdown
White
83%
Black or African American
7.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 2,336 83%
Black or African American 220 7.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.1%
Asian 73 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0.1%
Two or more races 157 5.6%
Other 23 0.8%

Households in Bethel

A peek inside Bethel households

Bethel has 1,235 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 43.2% are families, while the remaining 56.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,235
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
701
Family households
534
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 701 56.8% 2.5%
Family households 534 43.2% -2.4%
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 1,415 units, with 60.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.7% 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 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,415
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 852 60.2%
1 unit, attached 66 4.7%
2 units 35 2.5%
3 or 4 units 77 5.4%
5 to 9 units 97 6.8%
10 to 19 units 122 8.6%
20 to 49 units 28 2%
50 or more units 74 5.2%
Mobile home 65 4.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
-100.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethel

In Bethel, the median construction year is 1970. About 23.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.9% going up by 1949. 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 330 23.3% -4.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 70 4.9% 20.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 131 9.2% 24.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 207 14.6% -1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 244 17.2% 3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 93 6.6% -19.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 115 8.1% 1.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 151 10.7% -3.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 75 5.3% 15.4%
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 1,235 occupied housing units in Bethel, 57.3% are owner-occupied, while 42.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,235
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
527
Owner occupied
708
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 527 42.7% -4.4%
Owner occupied 708 57.3% 4.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
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 $805 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $768.

Median housing costs per month
$805/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
$768/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 28.7% of the population in Bethel went to high school, while 28.7% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 16.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 46 2% 12.2%
High school diploma 672 28.7% 0.5%
College diploma 674 28.7% -7.5%
Associate degree 253 10.8% 6.8%
Bachelor's degree 378 16.1% -2.3%
Graduate degree 322 13.7% -1.5%
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 $68,509 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,840, reflecting a +3.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethel
$68,509/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethel
$56,840/year
3.3% 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 $59,427. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,216 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $26,290, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,613 in earnings. Overall, 79.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $26,290 14.8%
25 - 44 $59,427 0.3%
45 - 64 $79,216 -1.7%
Over 65 $54,613 2.2%
Above poverty level
1,924
Below poverty level
504
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,924 79.2% 2.0%
Below poverty level 504 20.8% -15.0%

Employment in Bethel

Workforce and job types in Bethel

77.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 60.2% are employed by private companies, and 22.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,038
Blue collar
309
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,038 77.1% -1.9%
Blue collar 309 22.9% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
60.2%
Governmental workers
22.6%
Not for profit companies
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 126 9.4% -1.6%
Private companies 811 60.2% 0.0%
Governmental workers 304 22.6% -3.2%
Not for profit companies 107 7.9% -0.9%

Transportation in Bethel

How people get around in Bethel

In Bethel, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 92.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,096 92.1% -0.9%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.3% 0.0%
Motorcycle 1 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 15 1.3% 15.4%
Walk 74 6.2% -15.9%
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
61455 17,317 7,620 $48,679 $69,648
62326 2,236 954 $65,000 $77,225

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FAQs about Bethel demographics 

What is the total population of Bethel?

Bethel has a total population of 2,816 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 -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethel?

The gender ratio in Bethel is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (1,363 residents)
  • 51.6% females (1,453 residents)

What is the median age in Bethel?

The median age in Bethel is 36.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethel?

The age distribution in Bethel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.2% (400 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 27.7% (780 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (637 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.2% (484 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (515 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is as follows:
  • White: 83% (2,336 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.8% (220 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (73 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (157 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (23 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.8% of the population in Bethel.

How many housing units are there in Bethel?

There are 1,415 housing units in Bethel, reflecting a +0.7% 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 1,235 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethel?

Bethel has a median household income of $56,840, representing a +3.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Bethel?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.1% (1,038 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.9% (309 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (126 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.2% (811 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.6% (304 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.9% (107 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