Bethlehem

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Overview

With a composite score of 56.0/100 and a B grade, Bethlehem ranks #4 of 20 cities in Pennsylvania. Its strongest showing is in Safety (84/100), while Outdoor Access (20/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Bethlehem

The median household income in Bethlehem is $68,719, 7% below the statewide median of $73,823. The local unemployment rate of 3.4% is lower than the state’s 4.1%. Population grew 0.8% recently.

Safety in Bethlehem

At 176.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Bethlehem sits meaningfully below the Pennsylvania average of 313 — a 77% lower gap. The property crime rate is 1597.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Bethlehem

Bethlehem has a cost of living index of 98.4 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $236,500. Median monthly rent is $1,311. Renters spend 22.9% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Education & Schools in Bethlehem

Bethlehem has a high school graduation rate of 89.5%. The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $18,178 per student, well above the national median. The city has 24 public schools serving 15,628 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Bethlehem

Bethlehem enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 56.9°F. Summers average 74.1°F. Winters average 41.5°F. Annual precipitation is 48.3 inches.

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