Living in Bethlehem, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Bethlehem · Census data 2020–2024
Bethlehem has 4,101 residents with a median age of 52.7. The median household income is $87,795 (21% higher than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $327,000, the median rent is $795/month.
Bethlehem at a glance
- Population
- 4,101
- Median age
- 52.7State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $87,795State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $327,000State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $795/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 89.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 43.3%
- Average commute
- 26 min
Is Bethlehem a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 21% higher than the North Carolina median; a poverty rate of 4.5%.
Cons: Home values 13% higher than the state median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 6%.
The weather is best in April–May and September–October.
Cost of living in Bethlehem
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Bethlehem the median home value is $327,000, about the same as the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, which is 14.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,463 a month in housing costs.
Bethlehem median household income
The median household income in Bethlehem is $87,795 and the income per person is $50,266. 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Bethlehem: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,731
- Owner-occupied
- 89.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 10.5%
- Vacant
- 8.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1992
- Average household size
- 2.58
Bethlehem demographics
- Population
- 4,101
- Median age
- 52.7
- Under 18
- 13.3%
- 65 and older
- 27.9%
- Households
- 1,591
- Foreign-born
- 6.1%
- Veterans
- 8.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Bethlehem ›
Education in Bethlehem
43.3% of adults 25 and older in Bethlehem have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 11.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Bethlehem
- Unemployment rate
- 6%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 26 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 9.2%
- Drive alone
- 82.7%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 96.2%
Bethlehem vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem | 4,101 | $87,795 | $327,000 | $795 |
| Northlakes | 1,716 | $101,250 | $366,500 | — |
| Hickory | 44,258 | $64,576 | $278,400 | $1,063 |
| St. Stephens | 9,457 | $60,394 | $213,300 | $958 |
| Granite Falls | 4,929 | $56,917 | $202,400 | $905 |
| Long View | 5,011 | $46,739 | $157,300 | $794 |
| Rhodhiss | 1,166 | $63,125 | $134,700 | $846 |
| Conover | 8,580 | $65,972 | $271,300 | $898 |
| Hildebran | 2,207 | $55,703 | $193,900 | $809 |
More for people moving to Bethlehem
Bethlehem ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Bethlehem: FAQ
What is the median household income in Bethlehem, NC?
The median household income in Bethlehem is $87,795, 21% higher than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Bethlehem?
The median home value in Bethlehem is $327,000, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Bethlehem?
The median gross rent in Bethlehem is $795 per month, about 14.5% of household income.
Is Bethlehem, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 21% higher than the North Carolina median; a poverty rate of 4.5%. Minuses: home values 13% higher than the state median; an average commute of 26 minutes; unemployment of 6%.
What is the median age in Bethlehem?
The median age in Bethlehem is 52.7 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Bethlehem?
The average commute to work in Bethlehem is 26 minutes; 9.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethlehem?
The unemployment rate in Bethlehem is 6% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Bethlehem?
43.3% of adults in Bethlehem have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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