AlaskaPop. 6,312Towns
Is Bethel a Good Place to Live? Bethel, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bethel ranks #363 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (9.8 min, #3 of 234) and fast population growth (+4.2%, #4 of 151), and trails on low graduation rates (59%, #152 of 153) and high violent crime (1,278 per 100,000, #144 of 146).
Bethel by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bethel's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bethel?
Bethel's cost of living index is 96.2, 4% below the US level of 100 and #494 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,678/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $360,200.
| Measure | Bethel | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 96.2#494 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $360,200#685 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,678/mo#854 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 17.2%#173 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Bethel safe?
Bethel recorded 1,278 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.9 times the US rate of 328 and 75% above Alaska's 729. That ranks #1067 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #144 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bethel Police Department. Property crime runs 1,010 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bethel | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 1,278#1067 of 1,085 | 729 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,010#221 of 1,085 | 1,893 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bethel?
The median household in Bethel earns $117,255, 41% above the US figure of $83,163 and 23% above Alaska ($95,665). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bethel | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $117,255#177 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 11.6%#626 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +4.2%#30 of 1,132 | +0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bethel?
The median resident of Bethel is 32.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bethel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 32.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.5%#992 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 47.2% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bethel's schools and health?
Bethel's 4 public schools graduate 59% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $41,997 spent per pupil. 33.7% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Bethel | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 59%#1058 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $41,997#2 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.7%#673 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 11.8%#857 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,199 students are enrolled in Bethel's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bethel?
The average commute in Bethel is 9.8 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 0.5% of workers take transit and 8.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bethel scores 5.5 of 20 (least walkable), #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 54.5°F and winters 10.1°F, with 19.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bethel | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 9.8 min#3 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 0%#1 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 40.4% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 18.6% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.5% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 5.5#1301 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12.7 | 1.2 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 20.1 | 6.5 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 22 | 7 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 36.9 | 21.2 | 0.8 |
| May | 52 | 34.1 | 1.2 |
| Jun | 62.1 | 44.5 | 1.8 |
| Jul | 63.6 | 49 | 2.6 |
| Aug | 60.5 | 47.3 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 52.7 | 39.4 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 37.9 | 26.4 | 1.8 |
| Nov | 24.3 | 12.8 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 16.3 | 3.7 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bethel Airport.
| Measure | Bethel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 31.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 54.5°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 10.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 19.7 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bethel Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bethel?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Bethel's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bethel Census Area's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.05% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
| Measure | Bethel | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.05%#3 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bethel Census Area: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bethel Census Area
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 91% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.012% | 86% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0039% | 59% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0019% | 56% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.026% | 1% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bethel compare with similar-size cities?
Bethel is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #57 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 6,312.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel, AKPop. 6,312 | #363 | 60.8 | $117,255 | $1,678/mo | 1,278 | 9.8 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Valley City, NDPop. 6,541 | #870 | 52.2 | $60,339 | $780/mo | 61 | 15.8 min |
| Shelburne, VTPop. 6,499 | #6 | 76.0 | $109,583 | $1,439/mo | 61 | 20.7 min |
| Douglas, WYPop. 6,420 | #421 | 59.7 | $83,147 | $841/mo | 124 | 16.5 min |
| Edgemoor, DEPop. 6,349 | #1143 | 46.9 | $59,424 | $1,438/mo | no data | 26.3 min |
| Sidney, MTPop. 6,171 | #725 | 54.6 | $62,538 | $931/mo | 655 | 21.2 min |
| Madison, SDPop. 6,094 | #662 | 55.7 | $65,593 | $981/mo | 99 | 11.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bethel compare with the rest of Alaska?
Bethel ranks #5 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 23% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 75% above the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in AK | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #1 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #2 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #3 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #4 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 |
| Bethel, AKPop. 6,312 | #5 | 60.8 | $117,255 | $1,678/mo | 1,278 |
| Sterling, AKPop. 6,323 | #6 | 58.8 | $102,415 | $1,248/mo | no data |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #7 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #8 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 |
| Kalifornsky, AKPop. 8,663 | #9 | 55.3 | $93,508 | $1,394/mo | no data |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #10 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #11 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data |
| Palmer, AKPop. 6,268 | #12 | 53.5 | $72,201 | $1,125/mo | 206 |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #13 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #14 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #15 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #16 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data |
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #17 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #18 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data |
| Wasilla, AKPop. 9,720 | #19 | 47.6 | $67,234 | $1,153/mo | 432 |
| Meadow Lakes, AKPop. 8,689 | #20 | 44.6 | $81,699 | $1,377/mo | no data |
All 20 Alaska cities we track, by overall score. Alaska statewide: median income $95,665, violent crime 729.3 per 100,000.
How is Bethel's score calculated?
Bethel scores 60.8 out of 100, #363 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alaska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bethel. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
71.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bethel's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
36.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bethel. Similar-size median 56.5.
54.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bethel's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
51.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bethel's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
64.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bethel. Similar-size median 50.8.
69.8 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bethel. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
88.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bethel. Similar-size median 48.3.
77.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bethel's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
23.7 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
99.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bethel's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bethel has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bethel
Is Bethel, AK a good place to live?
Bethel ranks #363 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #57 of 234 towns and #5 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (9.8 min, #3 of 234) and fast population growth (+4.2%, #4 of 151), and trails on low graduation rates (59%, #152 of 153) and high violent crime (1,278 per 100,000, #144 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Bethel?
Bethel's cost of living index is 96.2, 4% below the US level of 100 and #494 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,678/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $360,200.
What is the crime rate in Bethel?
Bethel recorded 1,278 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.9 times the US rate of 328 and 75% above Alaska's 729. That ranks #1067 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #144 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bethel Police Department. Property crime runs 1,010 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bethel?
The median household in Bethel earns $117,255, 41% above the US figure of $83,163 and 23% above Alaska ($95,665). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bethel?
Median rent in Bethel is $1,678/mo (Census), #854 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bethel?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Bethel is $360,200, #685 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Bethel?
Bethel's 4 public schools graduate 59% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $41,997 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bethel?
The average commute is 9.8 minutes, #3 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 0% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bethel?
Bethel averages 31.4°F over the year, 54.5°F in summer and 10.1°F in winter, with 19.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bethel walkable?
Bethel scores 5.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (least walkable), #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bethel at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bethel Census Area's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, wildfire, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.05% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
Who lives in Bethel?
Bethel has 6,312 residents. The median resident of Bethel is 32.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bethel compare with the rest of Alaska?
Bethel ranks #5 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 23% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 75% above the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Bethel?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bethel's population of 6,312 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Valley City, ND (#870 overall), Shelburne, VT (#6 overall), and Douglas, WY (#421 overall). Bethel is #363.