Bethlehem, PA
Population 77,069 · Pennsylvania
About Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 77,069 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,443 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bethlehem features a median home value of $236,500, which is 3% below 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 $1,311, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,192 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (15,596 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (15,183 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bethlehem shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bethlehem have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.0% 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 1.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Black or African American, and 7.9% Asian residents, with 10.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bethlehem Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Bethlehem, PA
Compared to national averages, Bethlehem has a median household income of $66,443 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $236,500, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,311 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Bethlehem's income is 9% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 24% above the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem offers affordable housing with a median home value of $236,500, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 35.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,443) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Bethlehem provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Bethlehem has a population of 77,069 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Bethlehem with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Bethlehem
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scranton | 76,074 | $49,531 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Erie | 94,156 | $43,397 | $108,200 | Compare |
| Reading | 94,836 | $45,599 | $109,800 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 57,683 | $63,421 | $203,700 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Wilkes-Barre | 44,217 | $47,970 | $108,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Bethlehem, PA is 77,069 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Bethlehem?
The median household income in Bethlehem, PA is $66,443 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bethlehem?
The median home value in Bethlehem, PA is $236,500, which is 3% below 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, PA is $1,311, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethlehem?
The unemployment rate in Bethlehem, PA is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bethlehem, PA a good place to live?
Bethlehem offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 77,069 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bethlehem, PA?
35.0% 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, PA: median home value is $236,500 (3% below national), median rent is $1,311/month, and median household income is $66,443. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bethlehem?
The poverty rate in Bethlehem, PA is 15.8%, 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 Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem's population is 1.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Black or African American, 7.9% Asian, and 8.4% two or more races. 10.9% of residents are foreign-born.