Bethel, CT
Population 11,606 · Connecticut
About Bethel, CT
Bethel is a mid-sized city located in Connecticut with a population of 11,606 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,344 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bethel features a median home value of $377,500, which is 54% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bethel in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,471, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,972 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (3,277 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (1,460 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethel shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bethel have an average one-way commute time of 31.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.4% of Bethel residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% Black or African American, and 8.1% Asian residents, with 24.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bethel Ranks in Connecticut
Cost of Living in Bethel, CT
Compared to national averages, Bethel has a median household income of $88,344 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $377,500, which is 54% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,471 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Bethel's income is 28% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 27% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Bethel, CT?
Bethel offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,344, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 38.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $377,500. However, Bethel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bethel has a population of 11,606 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Bethel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Bethel
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derby | 12,359 | $76,263 | $242,300 | Compare |
| Windsor Locks | 12,555 | $90,417 | $236,800 | Compare |
| Trumbull Center | 10,137 | $124,547 | $463,100 | Compare |
| Kensington | 9,936 | $105,000 | $304,400 | Compare |
| Sandy Hook | 9,718 | $144,335 | $460,600 | Compare |
| Storrs | 13,502 | $33,125 | $304,600 | Compare |
| Groton | 9,343 | $69,811 | $278,900 | Compare |
| Oakville | 9,233 | $89,330 | $253,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Connecticut
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bethel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethel
What is the population of Bethel, CT?
The population of Bethel, CT is 11,606 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Bethel?
The median household income in Bethel, CT is $88,344 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel, CT is $377,500, which is 54% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bethel?
The median monthly rent in Bethel, CT is $1,471, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethel?
The unemployment rate in Bethel, CT is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bethel, CT a good place to live?
Bethel offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,606 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bethel, CT?
38.4% of residents in Bethel aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bethel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bethel, CT: median home value is $377,500 (54% above national), median rent is $1,471/month, and median household income is $88,344. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bethel?
The poverty rate in Bethel, CT is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bethel, CT?
Bethel's population is 1.3% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% Black or African American, 8.1% Asian, and 10.0% two or more races. 24.5% of residents are foreign-born.