Bethlehem Township, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
22,298
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$120,347/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,657
1.0% year-over-year change

Bethlehem population

How many people live in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is home to 22,298 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Bethlehem locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
22,298
0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
11,007
Female
50.6%
11,291
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,007 49.4% 0.7%
Female 11,291 50.6% 0.9%
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 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 26.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
26.9%
Over 65
22.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,488 15.6% -0.8%
15 to 24 2,657 11.9% -0.6%
25 to 44 5,214 23.4% 0.2%
45 to 64 5,999 26.9% -1.0%
Over 65 4,940 22.2% 5.8%
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, 88% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.5% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 5.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.4%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,626 88% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,095 9.4% 6.1%
Non-citizens 577 2.6% -3.2%
Racial breakdown
White
72.5%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
5.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.5%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 16,165 72.5%
Black or African American 1,417 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 13 0.1%
Asian 1,149 5.2%
Two or more races 2,564 11.5%
Other 990 4.4%

Households in Bethlehem

A peek inside Bethlehem households

Bethlehem has 8,432 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.5% are families, while the remaining 26.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,432
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,238
Family households
6,194
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,238 26.5% 1.7%
Family households 6,194 73.5% 1.2%
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 8,657 units, with 77.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.2% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,657
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,674 77.1%
1 unit, attached 1,055 12.2%
2 units 27 0.3%
3 or 4 units 262 3%
5 to 9 units 148 1.7%
10 to 19 units 178 2.1%
20 to 49 units 141 1.6%
50 or more units 150 1.7%
Mobile home 22 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
138
46.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem, the median construction year is 1986. About 5.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 458 5.3% -12.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 240 2.8% 0.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 715 8.3% -6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 768 8.9% -7.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,236 14.3% 5.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,558 18% 10.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,577 18.2% -1.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,278 14.8% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 688 8% 1.5%
Built in 2020 or later 138 1.6% 46.8%
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 8,432 occupied housing units in Bethlehem, 84% are owner-occupied, while 16% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,432
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,353
Owner occupied
7,079
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,353 16% -1.7%
Owner occupied 7,079 84% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
2.6%
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 $1,668 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,739.

Median housing costs per month
$1,668/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
$1,739/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 29.3% of the population in Bethlehem went to high school, while 18.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 25% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 291 1.6% 0.0%
High school diploma 5,303 29.3% 0.0%
College diploma 3,331 18.4% -2.9%
Associate degree 1,648 9.1% 3.8%
Bachelor's degree 4,523 25% 0.1%
Graduate degree 2,988 16.5% 10.9%
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 $144,748 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $120,347, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethlehem
$144,748/year
3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethlehem
$120,347/year
3.9% 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 $130,993. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $156,296 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $122,629, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $77,388 in earnings. Overall, 95.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $122,629 8.1%
25 - 44 $130,993 7.6%
45 - 64 $156,296 4.3%
Over 65 $77,388 4.0%
Above poverty level
20,455
Below poverty level
1,030
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,455 95.2% 1.6%
Below poverty level 1,030 4.8% -5.2%

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 50.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,515
Rent-to-income ratio
50.3%
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

83.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.1% run their own businesses, 67.8% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
9,943
Blue collar
1,944
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,943 83.6% 2.8%
Blue collar 1,944 16.4% 8.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9.1%
Private companies
67.8%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
11.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,087 9.1% 3.7%
Private companies 8,064 67.8% 1.7%
Governmental workers 1,330 11.2% 14.7%
Not for profit companies 1,406 11.8% 6.1%

Transportation in Bethlehem

How people get around in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem, the average commute time is 7 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
7 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,328 96.7% 0.5%
Taxicab 14 0.2% -17.6%
Bus or trolleybus 86 0.9% -7.5%
Railroad 44 0.5% -38.0%
Bicycle 6 0.1% -72.7%
Walk 167 1.7% 40.3%
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
18020 21,204 7,791 $126,166 $149,298
18045 30,429 12,115 $114,528 $139,340

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FAQs about Bethlehem demographics 

What is the total population of Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a total population of 22,298 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:
  • 49.4% males (11,007 residents)
  • 50.6% females (11,291 residents)

What is the median age in Bethlehem?

The median age in Bethlehem is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethlehem?

The age distribution in Bethlehem is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (3,488 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (2,657 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (5,214 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.9% (5,999 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.2% (4,940 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethlehem is as follows:
  • White: 72.5% (16,165 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (1,417 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (13 residents)
  • Asian: 5.2% (1,149 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.5% (2,564 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (990 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88% of the population in Bethlehem.

How many housing units are there in Bethlehem?

There are 8,657 housing units in Bethlehem, reflecting a +1.0% 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 8,432 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethlehem?

Bethlehem has a median household income of $120,347, representing a +3.9% 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: 83.6% (9,943 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.4% (1,944 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.1% (1,087 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.8% (8,064 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (1,330 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.8% (1,406 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