Bethany, MO
Population 3,164 · Missouri
About Bethany, MO
Bethany is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 3,164 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,016 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 features a median home value of $119,700, which is 51% 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 $634, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,509 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (740 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (447 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethany shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bethany have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.1% 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 2.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bethany, MO
Compared to national averages, Bethany has a median household income of $46,016 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,700, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $634 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Bethany's income is 25% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 21% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Bethany, MO?
Bethany offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $634/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,016) 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 3,164 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Bethany with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Bethany
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe City | 3,162 | $52,883 | $152,400 | Compare |
| Byrnes Mill | 3,168 | $87,663 | $249,500 | Compare |
| Country Club | 3,171 | $82,614 | $206,200 | Compare |
| Cuba | 3,172 | $44,217 | $171,000 | Compare |
| Cassville | 3,208 | $52,102 | $152,600 | Compare |
| Louisiana | 3,231 | $46,006 | $81,100 | Compare |
| Vandalia | 3,260 | $58,649 | $75,600 | Compare |
| Sugar Creek | 3,261 | $57,467 | $104,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
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, MO?
The population of Bethany, MO is 3,164 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Bethany?
The median household income in Bethany, MO is $46,016 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethany?
The median home value in Bethany, MO is $119,700, which is 51% 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, MO is $634, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethany?
The unemployment rate in Bethany, MO is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bethany, MO a good place to live?
Bethany offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,164 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bethany, MO?
22.1% 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, MO: median home value is $119,700 (51% below national), median rent is $634/month, and median household income is $46,016. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bethany?
The poverty rate in Bethany, MO is 14.5%, 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, MO?
Bethany's population is 2.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.