Bethlehem, NC
Population 3,928 · North Carolina
About Bethlehem, NC
Bethlehem is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 3,928 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,963 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.3 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 Bethlehem features a median home value of $290,600, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bethlehem in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $737, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,793 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (1,445 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (240 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethlehem 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 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bethlehem have an average one-way commute time of 32.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.9% of Bethlehem residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bethlehem, NC
Compared to national averages, Bethlehem has a median household income of $78,963 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $290,600, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $737 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Bethlehem's income is 22% above the state average of $64,468, and home values are 27% above the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Bethlehem, NC?
Bethlehem offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,963, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $737/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 40.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average.
Bethlehem has a population of 3,928 with a median age of 52.3 years. Compare Bethlehem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Bethlehem
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Isle | 3,915 | $89,432 | $563,600 | Compare |
| Swansboro | 3,887 | $112,382 | $356,900 | Compare |
| Stanley | 4,014 | $71,333 | $229,000 | Compare |
| Skippers Corner | 3,834 | $67,469 | $249,200 | Compare |
| Elkin | 4,025 | $60,434 | $187,200 | Compare |
| Dana | 3,824 | $55,801 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Troutman | 3,813 | $76,389 | $349,100 | Compare |
| Rockfish | 3,807 | $63,046 | $191,000 | 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 Bethlehem With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethlehem
What is the population of Bethlehem, NC?
The population of Bethlehem, NC is 3,928 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 Bethlehem?
The median household income in Bethlehem, NC is $78,963 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethlehem?
The median home value in Bethlehem, NC is $290,600, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bethlehem?
The median monthly rent in Bethlehem, NC is $737, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethlehem?
The unemployment rate in Bethlehem, NC is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bethlehem, NC a good place to live?
Bethlehem offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,928 and a median age of 52.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bethlehem, NC?
40.9% of residents in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bethlehem, NC: median home value is $290,600 (19% above national), median rent is $737/month, and median household income is $78,963. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bethlehem?
The poverty rate in Bethlehem, NC is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bethlehem, NC?
Bethlehem's population is 0.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.