PennsylvaniaPop. 32,881Small cities
Is Bethel Park a Good Place to Live? Bethel Park, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bethel Park ranks #24 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (44 per 100,000, #5 of 174) and high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182) and long commutes (26.5 min, #170 of 208).
Bethel Park by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bethel Park'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 Park?
Bethel Park's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,311/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,152, 5% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Bethel Park | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 94.7#427 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $305,152#388 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,524/mo#355 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $273,400#456 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,311/mo#540 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.7%#55 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania 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.
Bethel Park housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bethel Park is in the Pittsburgh, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Bethel Park safe?
Bethel Park recorded 44 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% below the US rate of 328 and 81% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #17 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bethel Park Police Department. Property crime runs 576 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bethel Park | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 44#17 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 576#43 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania 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 Park?
The median household in Bethel Park earns $107,090, 29% above the US figure of $83,163 and 38% above Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bethel Park | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $107,090#266 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 4%#48 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bethel Park?
The median resident of Bethel Park is 48.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 53.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bethel Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 48.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 53.5%#206 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 76.4% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bethel Park's schools and health?
Bethel Park's 7 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $21,188 spent per pupil. 28.3% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Bethel Park | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.2#193 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $21,188#156 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 28.3%#283 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13%#66 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 4.4%#30 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,643 students are enrolled in Bethel Park's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bethel Park?
The average commute in Bethel Park is 26.5 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 4.4% of workers take transit and 23.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bethel Park scores 10.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.7°F and winters 32°F, with 41.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bethel Park | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 26.5 min#892 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.4%#761 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 64.5% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 4.4% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 23.9% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.3#665 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania 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 | 36.6 | 22.3 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 39.9 | 24.3 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 49.4 | 31.3 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 62.5 | 41.8 | 3.4 |
| May | 71.9 | 51.8 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 79.1 | 59.9 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 83 | 64.1 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 81.3 | 62.8 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 74.8 | 55.9 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 63.3 | 45.1 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 51.1 | 35.3 | 3 |
| Dec | 41 | 27.7 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pittsburgh Allegheny Co Airport.
| Measure | Bethel Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 52.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 71.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 32°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pittsburgh Allegheny Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bethel Park?
Allegheny County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Allegheny County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Bethel Park | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#341 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Allegheny County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Allegheny County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.097% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.002% | 22% 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 Park compare with similar-size cities?
Bethel Park is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #5 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 32,881.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #24 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 | 26.5 min |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #395 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 | 26.1 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 min |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #279 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data | 23.7 min |
| Opelika, ALPop. 32,820 | #709 | 54.8 | $65,004 | $950/mo | 458 | 22.1 min |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #374 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 | 23.3 min |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #1311 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data | 23.2 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 Park compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Bethel Park ranks #1 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 72.4 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 38% above the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 81% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Bethel Park's score calculated?
Bethel Park scores 72.4 out of 100, #24 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania'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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bethel Park. Similar-size median 52.9.
73.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bethel Park's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
99.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bethel Park. Similar-size median 52.2.
72.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bethel Park's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
83.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bethel Park's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
73.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bethel Park. Similar-size median 46.7.
79.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bethel Park. Similar-size median 44.2.
39.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bethel Park. Similar-size median 47.3.
61.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bethel Park's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
48.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
56.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bethel Park's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bethel Park 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 Park
Is Bethel Park, PA a good place to live?
Bethel Park ranks #24 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (44 per 100,000, #5 of 174) and high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182) and long commutes (26.5 min, #170 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Bethel Park?
Bethel Park's cost of living index is 94.7, 5% below the US level of 100 and #427 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,311/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,152, 5% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Bethel Park?
Bethel Park recorded 44 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 87% below the US rate of 328 and 81% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #17 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bethel Park Police Department. Property crime runs 576 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bethel Park?
The median household in Bethel Park earns $107,090, 29% above the US figure of $83,163 and 38% above Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bethel Park?
Median rent in Bethel Park is $1,311/mo (Census), #540 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,524/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bethel Park?
The typical home value in Bethel Park is $305,152, up 2.1% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $273,400.
How are the public schools in Bethel Park?
Bethel Park's 7 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13.2 students per teacher and $21,188 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bethel Park?
The average commute is 26.5 minutes, #892 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 6.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bethel Park?
Bethel Park averages 52.4°F over the year, 71.7°F in summer and 32°F in winter, with 41.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bethel Park walkable?
Bethel Park scores 10.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #665 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 Park at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Allegheny County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bethel Park?
Allegheny County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 46% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bethel Park?
Bethel Park has 32,881 residents. The median resident of Bethel Park is 48.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 53.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bethel Park compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Bethel Park ranks #1 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 72.4 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 38% above the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 81% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Bethel Park?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bethel Park's population of 32,881 are Bluffton, SC (#235 overall), Rochester, NH (#395 overall), Bethany, OR (#9 overall), Sherwood, AR (#743 overall), and Eagle, ID (#279 overall). Bethel Park is #24.