Bethlehem, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
77,956
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,879/yr
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
32,348
0.5% year-over-year change

Bethlehem population

How many people live in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is home to 77,956 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Bethlehem locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
77,956
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
37,638
Female
51.7%
40,318
Value Percent YoY change
Male 37,638 48.3% 0.9%
Female 40,318 51.7% 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 Bethlehem is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.3% are children under 15, then 19.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 20.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.3%
15 to 24
19.1%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
20.2%
Over 65
18.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,166 14.3% 4.2%
15 to 24 14,910 19.1% -1.7%
25 to 44 21,378 27.4% 2.5%
45 to 64 15,762 20.2% -2.0%
Over 65 14,740 18.9% 3.5%
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 Bethlehem, 82.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.5% of locals are Caucasian, 8.8% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 12% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.2%
Non-citizens
5.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 64,132 82.3% 2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,532 12.2% -8.4%
Non-citizens 4,292 5.5% 5.0%
Racial breakdown
White
60.5%
Black or African American
8.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
15.4%
Other
12%
Value Percent
White 47,131 60.5%
Black or African American 6,859 8.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 249 0.3%
Asian 2,208 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 163 0.2%
Two or more races 11,982 15.4%
Other 9,364 12%

Households in Bethlehem

A peek inside Bethlehem households

Bethlehem has 31,052 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 56.4% are families, while the remaining 43.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
31,052
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,555
Family households
17,497
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,555 43.6% -0.3%
Family households 17,497 56.4% 1.8%
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 32,348 units, with 36% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 27.9% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
32,348
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,660 36%
1 unit, attached 9,023 27.9%
2 units 1,691 5.2%
3 or 4 units 2,354 7.3%
5 to 9 units 2,424 7.5%
10 to 19 units 2,024 6.3%
20 to 49 units 910 2.8%
50 or more units 2,161 6.7%
Mobile home 89 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0%
Homes built since 2020
84
300.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem, the median construction year is 1957. About 31.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,137 31.3% -1.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,997 6.2% -6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,870 18.2% 0.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,593 11.1% -3.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,105 12.7% 0.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,380 7.4% 14.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,665 5.2% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,308 4% -4.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,209 3.7% 30.0%
Built in 2020 or later 84 0.3% 300.0%
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 31,052 occupied housing units in Bethlehem, 50% are owner-occupied, while 50% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
31,052
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15,543
Owner occupied
15,509
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15,543 50% 2.4%
Owner occupied 15,509 50% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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 $1,357 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,382.

Median housing costs per month
$1,357/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
$1,382/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 33.2% of the population in Bethlehem went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 19% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,716 2.7% 0.8%
High school diploma 21,439 33.2% -4.5%
College diploma 16,056 24.9% 3.1%
Associate degree 5,336 8.3% 4.8%
Bachelor's degree 12,264 19% 3.9%
Graduate degree 7,763 12% 6.5%
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 Bethlehem

How much people earn in Bethlehem

The average annual household income in Bethlehem was $96,317 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,879, reflecting a +3.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethlehem
$96,317/year
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethlehem
$68,879/year
3.7% 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 $73,088. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $80,713 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,397, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,225 in earnings. Overall, 84.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,397 6.7%
25 - 44 $73,088 3.7%
45 - 64 $80,713 9.2%
Over 65 $52,225 2.8%
Above poverty level
59,841
Below poverty level
10,998
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 59,841 84.5% 1.3%
Below poverty level 10,998 15.5% -0.1%

Average renter income in Bethlehem

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bethlehem, their median household income was $41,515 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,515
Rent-to-income ratio
39.9%
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 38,070 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 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, 6.2% run their own businesses, 69.1% are employed by private companies, and 8.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
38,070
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
29,341
Blue collar
8,729
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,341 77.1% 3.0%
Blue collar 8,729 22.9% 0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
69.1%
Governmental workers
8.7%
Not for profit companies
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,346 6.2% 18.7%
Private companies 26,307 69.1% 0.2%
Governmental workers 3,328 8.7% 15.2%
Not for profit companies 6,089 16% 1.3%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
-7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bethlehem stands at 6.6%, 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: 74% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% 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 27,625 74% -1.6%
Taxicab 351 0.9% 172.1%
Bus or trolleybus 693 1.9% 4.7%
Motorcycle 54 0.1% -1.8%
Bicycle 329 0.9% 15.8%
Walk 1,287 3.4% 9.7%
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
18015 34,852 12,150 $60,800 $99,146
18017 40,640 16,597 $91,173 $113,743
18018 32,965 14,119 $75,417 $102,678

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FAQs about Bethlehem demographics 

What is the total population of Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a total population of 77,956 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 Bethlehem?

The gender ratio in Bethlehem is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (37,638 residents)
  • 51.7% females (40,318 residents)

What is the median age in Bethlehem?

The median age in Bethlehem is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethlehem?

The age distribution in Bethlehem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.3% (11,166 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19.1% (14,910 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (21,378 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.2% (15,762 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.9% (14,740 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem is as follows:
  • White: 60.5% (47,131 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.8% (6,859 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (249 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (2,208 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (163 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.4% (11,982 residents)
  • Other: 12% (9,364 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.3% of the population in Bethlehem.

How many housing units are there in Bethlehem?

There are 32,348 housing units in Bethlehem, reflecting a +0.5% 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 31,052 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a median household income of $68,879, representing a +3.7% 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 93.4% in Bethlehem, with a workforce of 38,070 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.1% (29,341 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.9% (8,729 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (2,346 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.1% (26,307 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.7% (3,328 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16% (6,089 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