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CITY · 2000 CENSUS

Bethlehem

Pennsylvania · 71,329 residents · 19.115 sq mi
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The short version

Bethlehem has lower-than-average household income, with a median household income of $35,815. Population has held roughly steady since 1990. Median home value is $97,100.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $42,589
Mid-age
median age 36.2
US median: 35.2
Average education
24% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 24%
More affordable
home values down 18%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $120,530
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
71,329
Unchangedsince 1990
from 71,428 in 1990
1990 – 2025
Population density
3,732 / sq mi
Unchangedsince 1990
from 3,737 / sq mi in 1990
US average: 242
Median age
36.2
+6%since 1990
from 34.1 in 1990
US average: 35.2
Population, 1990 – 2024
71K73K75K77K79K1990201020202024Bethlehem
202478K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$35,815
−4%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $28,375 in 1990
US average: $42,589
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$18,987
+39%since 1990
from $13,684 in 1990
US average: $21,522
Poverty rate
15.0%
+2.1 ptssince 1990
from 13.0% in 1990
US average: 12.4%
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$97,100
−18%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $89,800 in 1990
US average: $120,530
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$559
−6%inflation adjusted, since 1990
from $453 in 1990
US average: $602
Owner-occupied
58.1%
−2.9 ptssince 1990
from 61.0% in 1990
41.9% rent
Afford Score
2.7
−14%since 1990
from 3.2 in 1990
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Bethlehem on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

1990
White, non-Hispanic87.7%(62,647)
Black2.8%(2,017)
Hispanic / Latino12.8%(9,113)
Asian1.7%(1,204)
Diversity Score47.1%(33,622)
2000
White, non-Hispanic74.9%(53,408)
Black3.1%(2,244)
Hispanic / Latino18.2%(13,002)
Asian2.2%(1,557)
Diversity Score48.2%(34,377)
Diversity Score
48
+2%since 1990
from 47 in 1990
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
23.8%
+3.7 ptssince 1990
from 20.2% in 1990
US average: 24.4%
High school or higher
78.4%
+7.4 ptssince 1990
from 71.1% in 1990
US average: 80.3%
Graduate degree
9.6%
+1.3 ptssince 1990
from 8.4% in 1990
US average: 8.8%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
14.0 min
−14%since 1990
from 16.3 min in 1990
US average: 17.6
Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Bethlehem

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Pop 82,396
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Pop 81,858
Miami Beach
Pop 81,594
Places similar to Bethlehem
Head to head

Compare Bethlehem to nearby cities

BETHLEHEM VS
Phillipsburg
Income$68,324+91%
Home value$193,200+99%
Population15,456−81%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
BETHLEHEM VS
Hackettstown
Income$93,083+160%
Home value$361,600+272%
Population10,185−87%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
BETHLEHEM VS
Bradley Gardens
Income$177,849+397%
Home value$546,300+463%
Population14,165−82%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
BETHLEHEM VS
Budd Lake
Income$114,154+219%
Home value$456,100+370%
Population10,650−87%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has about 71,329 residents according to the 2000 Census.

What is the median household income in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

The typical household in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania earns about $35,815 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Bethlehem, Pennsylvania expensive?

In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the median home is worth about $97,100, and the typical rent is about $559 a month.

How educated are people in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

About 23.8% of adults age 25 and over in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

About 15.0% of people in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania live below the federal poverty line.

Has Bethlehem, Pennsylvania grown since 1990?

Yes, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has shrunk since 1990. The population has lost about 99 residents, a change of about -0 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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