Bethel, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,544
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,961/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
810
-4.5% year-over-year change

Bethel population

How many people live in Bethel

Bethel is home to 1,544 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.1% of Bethel locals are male, and 54.9% are female.

Total population
1,544
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.1%
697
Female
54.9%
847
Value Percent YoY change
Male 697 45.1% 4.2%
Female 847 54.9% -1.4%
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 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.2% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 20.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.2%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
20.7%
Over 65
22%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 266 17.2% -7.3%
15 to 24 207 13.4% 33.5%
25 to 44 412 26.7% -1.7%
45 to 64 319 20.7% -7.8%
Over 65 340 22% 5.9%
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, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 7.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,533 99.3% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 0.7% 22.2%
Racial breakdown
White
40.1%
Black or African American
50.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.2%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 619 40.1%
Black or African American 785 50.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.2%
Two or more races 112 7.2%
Other 25 1.6%

Households in Bethel

A peek inside Bethel households

Bethel has 711 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.1% are families, while the remaining 41.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
711
-0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
298
Family households
413
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 298 41.9% 0.0%
Family households 413 58.1% -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

The housing landscape of Bethel

Bethel's housing consists of 810 units, with 87.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
810
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 712 87.9%
1 unit, attached 2 0.2%
2 units 10 1.2%
3 or 4 units 22 2.7%
10 to 19 units 30 3.7%
Mobile home 34 4.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethel

In Bethel, the median construction year is 1964. About 25.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.8% 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 206 25.4% -4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 63 7.8% 12.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 69 8.5% -36.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 152 18.8% -15.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 147 18.2% 34.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 85 10.5% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 47 5.8% -14.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 27 3.3% 17.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 14 1.7% -6.7%
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.

Bethel occupancy rates

Out of the 711 occupied housing units in Bethel, 67.2% are owner-occupied, while 32.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
711
-0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
233
Owner occupied
478
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 233 32.8% -2.1%
Owner occupied 478 67.2% 0.2%
Unoccupied housing units
12.2%
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 $693 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $684.

Median housing costs per month
$693/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
$684/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 57.1% of the population in Bethel went to high school, while 14.4% pursued college studies. Another 12% earned an associate degree and 6.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 49 3.9% 40.0%
High school diploma 716 57.1% 7.7%
College diploma 180 14.4% -1.6%
Associate degree 150 12% -6.2%
Bachelor's degree 83 6.6% -31.4%
Graduate degree 75 6% 15.4%
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 $67,708 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,961, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethel
$67,708/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethel
$52,961/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Bethel income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,750 overall. Overall, 82.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $68,750 3.3%
Over 65 $26,250 -20.1%
Above poverty level
1,264
Below poverty level
260
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,264 82.9% -4.7%
Below poverty level 260 17.1% 42.1%

Average renter income in Bethel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bethel, their median household income was $19,044 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,044
Rent-to-income ratio
43.1%
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 658 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 63.5% are employed by private companies, and 23.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
658
-1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
503
Blue collar
155
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 503 76.4% -2.7%
Blue collar 155 23.6% 1.3%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
63.5%
Governmental workers
23.7%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 38 5.8% -9.5%
Private companies 418 63.5% 1.9%
Governmental workers 156 23.7% -9.8%
Not for profit companies 46 7% 2.2%
Unemployment rate
9.9%
18.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bethel stands at 9.9%, 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: 98.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 648 98.9% -1.4%
Walk 5 0.8% -28.6%
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
27812 2,188 1,045 $53,268 $69,082

Explore more communities

FAQs about Bethel demographics 

What is the total population of Bethel?

Bethel has a total population of 1,544 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethel?

The gender ratio in Bethel is as follows:
  • 45.1% males (697 residents)
  • 54.9% females (847 residents)

What is the median age in Bethel?

The median age in Bethel is 40.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethel?

The age distribution in Bethel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.2% (266 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (207 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (412 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.7% (319 residents)
  • Over 65: 22% (340 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethel is as follows:
  • White: 40.1% (619 residents)
  • Black or African American: 50.8% (785 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.2% (112 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (25 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Bethel.

How many housing units are there in Bethel?

There are 810 housing units in Bethel, reflecting a -4.5% 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 711 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethel?

Bethel has a median household income of $52,961, representing a +2.9% 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 90.1% in Bethel, with a workforce of 658 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.4% (503 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.6% (155 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (38 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.5% (418 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.7% (156 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (46 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