Bethlehem, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,101
4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,795/yr
11.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,731
-3.5% year-over-year change

Bethlehem population

How many people live in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is home to 4,101 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Bethlehem locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
4,101
4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
1,910
Female
53.4%
2,191
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,910 46.6% -5.1%
Female 2,191 53.4% 14.3%
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 Bethlehem is 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.8% are children under 15, then 5.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 30.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
52.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.8%
15 to 24
5.5%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
30.5%
Over 65
27.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 483 11.8% 10.0%
15 to 24 227 5.5% -33.8%
25 to 44 997 24.3% 31.0%
45 to 64 1,249 30.5% -5.2%
Over 65 1,145 27.9% 7.3%
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 Bethlehem, 91% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 1.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,731 91% 2.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 370 9% 35.5%
Racial breakdown
White
91.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.2%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 3,767 91.9%
Asian 254 6.2%
Two or more races 51 1.2%
Other 29 0.7%

Households in Bethlehem

A peek inside Bethlehem households

Bethlehem has 1,591 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.7% are families, while the remaining 25.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,591
-5.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
402
Family households
1,189
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 402 25.3% -17.6%
Family households 1,189 74.7% -0.7%
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 Bethlehem

The housing landscape of Bethlehem

Bethlehem's housing consists of 1,731 units, with 87.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% 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% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,731
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,514 87.5%
1 unit, attached 43 2.5%
2 units 123 7.1%
Mobile home 51 3%
Homes built since 2020
98
250.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem, the median construction year is 1992. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 38 2.2% -37.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 121 7% 278.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 142 8.2% 34.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 263 15.2% -17.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 224 12.9% -18.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 351 20.3% -30.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 413 23.9% 20.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 81 4.7% -13.8%
Built in 2020 or later 98 5.7% 250.0%
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.

Bethlehem occupancy rates

Out of the 1,591 occupied housing units in Bethlehem, 89.5% are owner-occupied, while 10.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,591
-5.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
167
Owner occupied
1,424
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 167 10.5% -30.4%
Owner occupied 1,424 89.5% -1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
8.1%
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.

Bethlehem housing costs

Housing costs in Bethlehem come to a median of $915 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $795.

Median housing costs per month
$915/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 Bethlehem
$795/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 Bethlehem

Bethlehem education at a glance

About 27% of the population in Bethlehem went to high school, while 15.2% pursued college studies. Another 14.3% earned an associate degree and 31% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 70 2% -23.9%
High school diploma 959 27% -3.6%
College diploma 540 15.2% 0.2%
Associate degree 507 14.3% 17.9%
Bachelor's degree 1,101 31% 29.1%
Graduate degree 377 10.6% -15.3%
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 Bethlehem

How much people earn in Bethlehem

The average annual household income in Bethlehem was $110,285 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -13.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,795, reflecting a +11.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethlehem
$110,285/year
-13.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethlehem
$87,795/year
11.2% year-over-year change

Bethlehem income by age

In Bethlehem, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,321. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $99,482 overall. Overall, 95.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $82,321 4.8%
45 - 64 $99,482 -23.3%
Over 65 $75,677 13.8%
Above poverty level
3,883
Below poverty level
185
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,883 95.4% 2.8%
Below poverty level 185 4.6% 21.7%

Average renter income in Bethlehem

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bethlehem, their median household income was $67,826 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 14.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$67,826
Rent-to-income ratio
14.1%
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 Bethlehem

Workforce and job types in Bethlehem

The job market in Bethlehem is powered by 1,920 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 23.4% run their own businesses, 60.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,920
4.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,625
Blue collar
295
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,625 84.6% -1.5%
Blue collar 295 15.4% 50.5%
Employer type
Self employees
23.4%
Private companies
60.3%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 449 23.4% 22.0%
Private companies 1,158 60.3% -4.5%
Governmental workers 202 10.5% -9.8%
Not for profit companies 111 5.8% 164.3%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
134.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bethlehem stands at 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 Bethlehem

How people get around in Bethlehem

Commuting methods vary: 88.1% 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 1,692 88.1% 4.6%
Walk 16 0.8% N/A
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.

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FAQs about Bethlehem demographics 

What is the total population of Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a total population of 4,101 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 +4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethlehem?

The gender ratio in Bethlehem is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (1,910 residents)
  • 53.4% females (2,191 residents)

What is the median age in Bethlehem?

The median age in Bethlehem is 52.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethlehem?

The age distribution in Bethlehem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.8% (483 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.5% (227 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (997 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.5% (1,249 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.9% (1,145 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem is as follows:
  • White: 91.9% (3,767 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 6.2% (254 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.2% (51 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (29 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91% of the population in Bethlehem.

How many housing units are there in Bethlehem?

There are 1,731 housing units in Bethlehem, reflecting a -3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Bethlehem has a total of 1,591 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a median household income of $87,795, representing a +11.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Bethlehem, with a workforce of 1,920 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.6% (1,625 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.4% (295 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 23.4% (449 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.3% (1,158 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (202 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.8% (111 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