South Bethany, DE
Population 503 · Delaware
About South Bethany, DE
South Bethany is a small community located in Delaware with a population of 503 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $111,667 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 69.2 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 South Bethany features a median home value of $855,000, which is 249% above the national median of $244,900. This places South Bethany in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,276 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (310 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Bethany shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in South Bethany have an average one-way commute time of 34.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
76.0% of South Bethany 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, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Bethany Ranks in Delaware
Cost of Living in South Bethany, DE
Compared to national averages, South Bethany has a median household income of $111,667 (49% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $855,000, which is 249% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Delaware, South Bethany's income is 30% above the state average of $85,962, and home values are 120% above the state median of $387,860.
Why Live in South Bethany, DE?
South Bethany offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $111,667, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 76.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $855,000. However, South Bethany’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Bethany has a population of 503 with a median age of 69.2 years. Compare South Bethany with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Delaware.
Similar Cities Near South Bethany
Cities in Delaware with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Penn | 477 | $95,287 | $388,500 | Compare |
| Houston | 456 | $100,208 | $265,600 | Compare |
| Bethel | 431 | $91,111 | $276,300 | Compare |
| Slaughter Beach | 431 | $96,500 | $770,800 | Compare |
| Arden | 600 | $80,417 | $484,200 | Compare |
| Odessa | 392 | $86,875 | $355,000 | Compare |
| Fenwick Island | 383 | $120,625 | $1,337,500 | Compare |
| Kenton | 362 | $52,589 | $219,500 | 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 South Bethany With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Bethany
What is the population of South Bethany, DE?
The population of South Bethany, DE is 503 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 South Bethany?
The median household income in South Bethany, DE is $111,667 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Bethany?
The median home value in South Bethany, DE is $855,000, which is 249% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Bethany?
The median monthly rent in South Bethany, DE is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Bethany?
The unemployment rate in South Bethany, DE is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is South Bethany, DE a good place to live?
South Bethany offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 503 and a median age of 69.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is South Bethany, DE?
76.0% of residents in South Bethany 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 South Bethany?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Bethany, DE: median home value is $855,000 (249% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $111,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in South Bethany?
The poverty rate in South Bethany, DE is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is South Bethany, DE?
South Bethany's population is 0.4% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.