Bethany, IL
Population 1,253 · Illinois
About Bethany, IL
Bethany is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,253 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,139 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bethany features a median home value of $101,700, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bethany one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $838, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 599 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (388 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (186 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethany shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bethany have an average one-way commute time of 23.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Bethany residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bethany, IL
Compared to national averages, Bethany has a median household income of $50,139 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,700, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $838 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Bethany's income is 33% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 39% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Bethany, IL?
Bethany offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $838/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,139) that falls below the national average. However, Bethany’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bethany has a population of 1,253 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Bethany with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Bethany
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neoga | 1,248 | $70,804 | $104,600 | Compare |
| Rossville | 1,246 | $62,708 | $97,800 | Compare |
| Stillman Valley | 1,261 | $87,311 | $168,000 | Compare |
| Divernon | 1,262 | $72,936 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Kincaid | 1,243 | $68,875 | $81,000 | Compare |
| Oakwood | 1,243 | $43,894 | $98,300 | Compare |
| Germantown | 1,268 | $83,661 | $185,300 | Compare |
| Cambria | 1,271 | $51,042 | $140,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bethany With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethany
What is the population of Bethany, IL?
The population of Bethany, IL is 1,253 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Bethany?
The median household income in Bethany, IL is $50,139 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethany?
The median home value in Bethany, IL is $101,700, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bethany?
The median monthly rent in Bethany, IL is $838, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethany?
The unemployment rate in Bethany, IL is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bethany, IL a good place to live?
Bethany offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,253 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bethany, IL?
18.8% of residents in Bethany aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bethany?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bethany, IL: median home value is $101,700 (58% below national), median rent is $838/month, and median household income is $50,139. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bethany?
The poverty rate in Bethany, IL is 18.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bethany, IL?
Bethany's population is 1.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.