Bethel, NC
Population 1,528 · North Carolina
About Bethel, NC
Bethel is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,528 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,489 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.9 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 $114,000, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bethel one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $733, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 848 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (477 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (238 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethel shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bethel have an average one-way commute time of 25.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.1% of Bethel 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 1.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bethel, NC
Compared to national averages, Bethel has a median household income of $51,489 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,000, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $733 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Bethel's income is 20% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 50% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Bethel, NC?
Bethel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $733/month, and a low poverty rate of 12.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,489) 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 1,528 with a median age of 40.9 years. Compare Bethel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Bethel
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cove Creek | 1,533 | $53,898 | $247,700 | Compare |
| Clyde | 1,522 | $59,315 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Weldon | 1,522 | $38,725 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Dobson | 1,521 | $44,531 | $168,300 | Compare |
| Biltmore Forest | 1,536 | $172,500 | $1,249,000 | Compare |
| Princeton | 1,543 | $36,656 | $165,800 | Compare |
| Advance | 1,544 | $109,402 | $358,500 | Compare |
| Boonville | 1,502 | $77,500 | $167,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Bethel, NC is 1,528 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Bethel?
The median household income in Bethel, NC is $51,489 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethel?
The median home value in Bethel, NC is $114,000, which is 53% below 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, NC is $733, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethel?
The unemployment rate in Bethel, NC is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bethel, NC a good place to live?
Bethel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,528 and a median age of 40.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bethel, NC?
17.1% of residents in Bethel 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 Bethel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bethel, NC: median home value is $114,000 (53% below national), median rent is $733/month, and median household income is $51,489. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bethel?
The poverty rate in Bethel, NC is 12.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bethel, NC?
Bethel's population is 1.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 53.2% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.