PennsylvaniaPop. 77,956Smaller cities
Is Bethlehem a Good Place to Live? Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bethlehem ranks #365 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #176 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($260,400, #125 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Bethlehem by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bethlehem'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 Bethlehem?
Bethlehem's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,382/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $361,684, 25% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Bethlehem | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100#644 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $361,684#541 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,884/mo#642 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $260,400#415 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,382/mo#618 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.1%#911 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Bethlehem 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. Bethlehem is in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Bethlehem safe?
Bethlehem recorded 197 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% below the US rate of 328 and 13% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #351 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #160 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bethlehem Police Department. Property crime runs 1,241 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bethlehem | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 197#351 of 1,085 | 227 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,241#329 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Bethlehem?
The median household in Bethlehem earns $68,879, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bethlehem | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $68,879#837 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.7%#902 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bethlehem?
The median resident of Bethlehem is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #582 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bethlehem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 36%#582 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bethlehem's schools and health?
Bethlehem's 19 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13 students per teacher and $18,143 spent per pupil. 34.8% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bethlehem | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.7%#498 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13#169 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,143#332 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.8%#758 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.6%#838 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,549 students are enrolled in Bethlehem's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bethlehem?
The average commute in Bethlehem is 22.1 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 1.9% of workers take transit and 17.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bethlehem scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.4°F and winters 32.5°F, with 47.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bethlehem | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.1 min#514 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.5%#776 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 66.8% | 68.5% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.4% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.2% | 13.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 38.4 | 21.8 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 41.6 | 23.2 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 50.8 | 30.5 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 63.4 | 40.3 | 3.7 |
| May | 73.5 | 50.6 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 81.9 | 59.9 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 64.7 | 5.3 |
| Aug | 84.3 | 62.8 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 77.4 | 55.2 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 43.8 | 4.1 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 34.1 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 43.1 | 26.8 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Allentown Lehigh Vly International Airport.
| Measure | Bethlehem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Allentown Lehigh Vly International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bethlehem?
Northampton County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Northampton County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Bethlehem | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#457 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Northampton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Northampton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0075% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.095% | 65% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 55% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0018% | 48% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0034% | 30% 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 Bethlehem compare with similar-size cities?
Bethlehem is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #176 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 77,956.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #365 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 | 22.1 min |
| Loveland, COPop. 78,410 | #397 | 60.1 | $84,604 | $1,730/mo | 163 | 26.2 min |
| Woodbury, MNPop. 78,305 | #99 | 68.4 | $125,310 | $1,908/mo | 75 | 23.9 min |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #147 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 | 25.5 min |
| Rapid City, SDPop. 77,946 | #875 | 52.1 | $70,870 | $1,109/mo | 767 | 17.5 min |
| Chino Hills, CAPop. 77,927 | #573 | 57.0 | $126,334 | $2,894/mo | 73 | 36.1 min |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #810 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 | 22.5 min |
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #43 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 | 22.1 min |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #644 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 | 21.9 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 Bethlehem compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Bethlehem ranks #6 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 60.7 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 11% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 25% 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 Bethlehem's score calculated?
Bethlehem scores 60.7 out of 100, #365 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 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 Bethlehem. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bethlehem's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
85.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bethlehem. Similar-size median 58.9.
50.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bethlehem's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
71.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bethlehem's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
70.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bethlehem. Similar-size median 56.1.
41.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bethlehem. Similar-size median 42.4.
43.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bethlehem. Similar-size median 50.0.
58.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bethlehem's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
65.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bethlehem's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
Is Bethlehem, PA a good place to live?
Bethlehem ranks #365 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #176 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($260,400, #125 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,382/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $361,684, 25% above the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem recorded 197 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% below the US rate of 328 and 13% below Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #351 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #160 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bethlehem Police Department. Property crime runs 1,241 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bethlehem?
The median household in Bethlehem earns $68,879, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bethlehem?
Median rent in Bethlehem is $1,382/mo (Census), #618 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,884/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bethlehem?
The typical home value in Bethlehem is $361,684, up 4.1% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $260,400.
How are the public schools in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem's 19 public schools graduate 88.7% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13 students per teacher and $18,143 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bethlehem?
The average commute is 22.1 minutes, #514 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 6.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem averages 53.1°F over the year, 73.4°F in summer and 32.5°F in winter, with 47.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bethlehem walkable?
Bethlehem scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 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 Bethlehem at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Northampton County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bethlehem?
Northampton County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has 77,956 residents. The median resident of Bethlehem is 36.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #582 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bethlehem compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Bethlehem ranks #6 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 60.7 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 11% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 13% below the statewide rate. Homes are 25% above the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Bethlehem?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bethlehem's population of 77,956 are Loveland, CO (#397 overall), Woodbury, MN (#99 overall), Cedar Park, TX (#147 overall), Rapid City, SD (#875 overall), and Chino Hills, CA (#573 overall). Bethlehem is #365.