Bethlehem, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
25,316
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$124,636/yr
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,124
1.1% year-over-year change

Bethlehem population

How many people live in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is home to 25,316 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Bethlehem locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
25,316
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
12,292
Female
51.4%
13,024
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,292 48.6% 1.2%
Female 13,024 51.4% 0.4%
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 Bethlehem is 47, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 8.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
47
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
8.9%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
22.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,459 17.6% 2.7%
15 to 24 2,257 8.9% -5.2%
25 to 44 5,789 22.9% 6.6%
45 to 64 7,194 28.4% -2.3%
Over 65 5,616 22.2% 0.3%
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, 90% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.7% of locals are Caucasian, 2.2% are African American and 3.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.4%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,785 90% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,868 7.4% 12.7%
Non-citizens 663 2.6% 7.8%
Racial breakdown
White
85.7%
Black or African American
2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 21,687 85.7%
Black or African American 546 2.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 6 0%
Asian 985 3.9%
Two or more races 1,576 6.2%
Other 516 2%

Households in Bethlehem

A peek inside Bethlehem households

Bethlehem has 10,601 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.1% are families, while the remaining 34.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,601
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,699
Family households
6,903
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,699 34.9% 3.5%
Family households 6,903 65.1% 0.2%
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 11,124 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.7% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,124
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,755 69.7%
1 unit, attached 638 5.7%
2 units 565 5.1%
3 or 4 units 596 5.4%
5 to 9 units 540 4.8%
10 to 19 units 180 1.6%
20 to 49 units 188 1.7%
50 or more units 393 3.5%
Mobile home 270 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
140
180.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem, the median construction year is 1980. About 14.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,572 14.1% -1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 709 6.4% 2.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,381 12.4% 5.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,133 10.2% 12.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,293 11.6% -19.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,203 10.8% 2.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,442 13% 6.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,272 11.4% -5.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 978 8.8% 11.3%
Built in 2020 or later 140 1.3% 180.0%
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 10,601 occupied housing units in Bethlehem, 74.5% are owner-occupied, while 25.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,601
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,703
Owner occupied
7,898
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,703 25.5% 1.2%
Owner occupied 7,898 74.5% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
4.7%
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.

Bethlehem housing costs

Housing costs in Bethlehem come to a median of $1,631 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,653.

Median housing costs per month
$1,631/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
$1,653/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 18.3% of the population in Bethlehem went to high school, while 10.3% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 26.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 34.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 239 1.2% 8.6%
High school diploma 3,682 18.3% -4.4%
College diploma 2,061 10.3% -3.2%
Associate degree 1,805 9% -5.0%
Bachelor's degree 5,292 26.4% 3.1%
Graduate degree 6,996 34.8% 3.3%
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 $136,570 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $124,636, reflecting a +3.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethlehem
$136,570/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethlehem
$124,636/year
3.1% 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 $144,718. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $150,172 overall. Overall, 94.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $144,718 -5.0%
45 - 64 $150,172 8.8%
Over 65 $82,670 2.0%
Above poverty level
23,444
Below poverty level
1,315
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,444 94.7% 0.3%
Below poverty level 1,315 5.3% 8.6%

Employment in Bethlehem

Workforce and job types in Bethlehem

92% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8% run their own businesses, 46.4% are employed by private companies, and 30.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
11,357
Blue collar
986
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,357 92% -1.0%
Blue collar 986 8% 10.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8%
Private companies
46.4%
Governmental workers
30.6%
Not for profit companies
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 981 8% -9.2%
Private companies 5,731 46.4% -2.0%
Governmental workers 3,772 30.6% 4.5%
Not for profit companies 1,859 15.1% 2.0%

Transportation in Bethlehem

How people get around in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,634 97.4% -2.0%
Taxicab 7 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 83 0.8% -2.4%
Railroad 36 0.4% N/A
Ferryboat 16 0.2% 60.0%
Bicycle 54 0.6% -12.9%
Walk 61 0.6% -24.7%
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 Bethlehem by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
12158 5,878 2,752 $97,419 $115,435
12159 8,163 3,581 $128,306 $185,461
12161 99 50 $123,750 $115,490
12067 1,165 477 $125,521 $140,538
12077 7,017 2,765 $118,257 $148,198
12054 17,436 7,192 $129,583 $151,657

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FAQs about Bethlehem demographics 

What is the total population of Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a total population of 25,316 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 +0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethlehem?

The gender ratio in Bethlehem is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (12,292 residents)
  • 51.4% females (13,024 residents)

What is the median age in Bethlehem?

The median age in Bethlehem is 47.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethlehem?

The age distribution in Bethlehem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (4,459 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.9% (2,257 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (5,789 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (7,194 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.2% (5,616 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem is as follows:
  • White: 85.7% (21,687 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.2% (546 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (6 residents)
  • Asian: 3.9% (985 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (1,576 residents)
  • Other: 2% (516 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90% of the population in Bethlehem.

How many housing units are there in Bethlehem?

There are 11,124 housing units in Bethlehem, reflecting a +1.1% 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 10,601 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a median household income of $124,636, representing a +3.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Bethlehem?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 92% (11,357 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8% (986 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8% (981 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.4% (5,731 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 30.6% (3,772 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.1% (1,859 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