Bethel, ME
Population 546 · Maine
About Bethel, ME
Bethel is a small community located in Maine with a population of 546 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 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 $357,100, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bethel in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $864, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 518 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (140 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (131 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethel shows an unemployment rate of 8.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bethel have an average one-way commute time of 9.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.7% of Bethel 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 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bethel Ranks in Maine
Cost of Living in Bethel, ME
Compared to national averages, Bethel has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $357,100, which is 46% above the national median. Monthly rent at $864 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Maine, Bethel's income is 100% below the state average of $64,613, and home values are 42% above the state median of $251,113.
Why Live in Bethel, ME?
Bethel offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $864/month, and a well-educated community where 46.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 9.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Bethel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bethel has a population of 546 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Bethel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maine.
Similar Cities Near Bethel
Cities in Maine with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turner | 543 | $67,065 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Brownville Junction | 559 | $41,250 | $81,000 | Compare |
| Rangeley | 532 | $29,231 | $158,300 | Compare |
| Southwest Harbor | 563 | $31,518 | $407,700 | Compare |
| Hartland | 572 | $61,917 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Casco | 573 | $0 | $196,500 | Compare |
| Mapleton | 582 | $67,900 | $152,500 | Compare |
| Cousins Island | 509 | $121,250 | $634,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maine
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, ME?
The population of Bethel, ME is 546 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Maine.
What is the median household income in Bethel?
The median household income in Bethel, ME is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel, ME is $357,100, which is 46% 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, ME is $864, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethel?
The unemployment rate in Bethel, ME is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bethel, ME a good place to live?
Bethel offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 546 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bethel, ME?
46.7% 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, ME: median home value is $357,100 (46% above national), median rent is $864/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bethel?
The poverty rate in Bethel, ME is 17.2%, 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 Bethel, ME?
Bethel's population is 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.