Bethany Beach, DE
Population 923 · Delaware
About Bethany Beach, DE
Bethany Beach is a small community located in Delaware with a population of 923 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $105,833 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 66.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bethany Beach features a median home value of $648,500, which is 165% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bethany Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,688, 45% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,630 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (450 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (24 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethany Beach shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bethany Beach have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
64.8% of Bethany Beach residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bethany Beach Ranks in Delaware
Cost of Living in Bethany Beach, DE
Compared to national averages, Bethany Beach has a median household income of $105,833 (41% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $648,500, which is 165% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,688 is 45% above the US average of $1,163. Within Delaware, Bethany Beach's income is 23% above the state average of $85,962, and home values are 67% above the state median of $387,860.
Why Live in Bethany Beach, DE?
Bethany Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $105,833, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%, and a well-educated community where 64.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $648,500. However, Bethany Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bethany Beach has a population of 923 with a median age of 66.4 years. Compare Bethany Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Delaware.
Similar Cities Near Bethany Beach
Cities in Delaware with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankford | 883 | $74,583 | $277,800 | Compare |
| Frederica | 972 | $70,288 | $216,700 | Compare |
| Blades | 1,055 | $62,596 | $209,600 | Compare |
| Felton | 1,129 | $62,000 | $276,800 | Compare |
| Ellendale | 675 | $66,875 | $223,700 | Compare |
| Newport | 1,209 | $59,833 | $230,900 | Compare |
| Arden | 600 | $80,417 | $484,200 | Compare |
| Rodney Village | 1,318 | $40,341 | $161,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Delaware
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bethany Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethany Beach
What is the population of Bethany Beach, DE?
The population of Bethany Beach, DE is 923 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Delaware.
What is the median household income in Bethany Beach?
The median household income in Bethany Beach, DE is $105,833 per year, which is 41% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethany Beach?
The median home value in Bethany Beach, DE is $648,500, which is 165% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bethany Beach?
The median monthly rent in Bethany Beach, DE is $1,688, which is 45% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethany Beach?
The unemployment rate in Bethany Beach, DE is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bethany Beach, DE a good place to live?
Bethany Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 923 and a median age of 66.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bethany Beach, DE?
64.8% of residents in Bethany Beach 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 Bethany Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bethany Beach, DE: median home value is $648,500 (165% above national), median rent is $1,688/month, and median household income is $105,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bethany Beach?
The poverty rate in Bethany Beach, DE is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bethany Beach, DE?
Bethany Beach's population is 0.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.