Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bethany Beach, DE
Considering a move to Bethany Beach, DE? This charming coastal town of 1,232 offers a relaxed lifestyle with a median home price of $800,000 and rents averaging $1,650. Enjoy low violent crime rates (68 per 100K), short commutes of about 20 minutes, and over 61% sunny days per year. The community is highly educated, with more than half holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and offers access to quality healthcare and reputable local schools. With its beautiful beaches, mild climate, and peaceful vibe, Bethany Beach is ideal for those seeking a safe and scenic home.
Demographics - Bethany Beach, DE
Demographics - Bethany Beach, DE
Bethany Beach is a close-knit coastal community with a population of just over 1,200, where the median age is nearly 67, reflecting a largely retirement-oriented population. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers and a balanced gender ratio. Residents enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a low population density, making it appealing for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle.
Population:
1,232
Density:
1,230 per sq mi
Median Age:
66.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.3%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
1.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bethany Beach, DE?
The cost of living in Bethany Beach is notably higher than the national average, with a median home value of $800,000 and a cost of living index of 143.5. Housing expenses are the primary driver of these higher costs, while utilities and transportation remain relatively moderate. Expect higher grocery and healthcare costs, but Delaware's state taxes are relatively reasonable for the region.
Median House Value:
$800,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$785
State Taxes:
Low:
2.2%
|
High:
6.6%
Cost Of Living Index:
143.5
Grocery:
124.6
Housing:
192.3
Utilities:
113.0
Transportation:
108.2
Health Care:
104.5
Miscellaneous:
101.2
Crime
Is Bethany Beach, DE a safe place to live?
Bethany Beach boasts a low violent crime rate, with only 68 incidents per 100,000 residents and a low chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is more common but still manageable, offering residents peace of mind in their daily lives. The community's safety is one of its appealing features for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
68
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,180
Crime Index:
1,248
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,470
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Bethany Beach, DE year-round?
Residents of Bethany Beach enjoy a mild coastal climate, with warm summers averaging highs in the mid-80s and winters that rarely dip below freezing. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall yearly and experiences sunny weather 61% of the time. This pleasant weather makes the town ideal for outdoor activities and beach living throughout most of the year.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The neighborhood features a well-educated and affluent population, with a median household income of $93,800 and over 56% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Unemployment is low at 3.7%, and the poverty rate is under 5%, indicating economic stability. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes, reflecting the town’s relaxed pace and small-town feel.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$93,800
Family Income:
$105,500
Per Capita Income:
$60,200
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
4.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.2%
Bachelors or More:
56.3%
Education
How are the schools in Bethany Beach, DE?
Families in Bethany Beach benefit from reputable public schools such as Lord Baltimore Elementary and Indian River High School, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. There are also private school options and easy access to higher education at Delaware Technical Community College, just 20 miles away. The town’s commitment to education is reflected in the high percentage of residents with advanced degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Lord Baltimore Elementary School
Street:
120 Atlantic Ave, Ocean View, DE 19970
Phone:
302-537-2700
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Indian River High School
Street:
29772 Armory Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939
Phone:
302-732-1500
Students:
960
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
The Jefferson School
Street:
22051 Wilson Rd, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone:
302-856-3300
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Delaware Technical Community College - Owens Campus
City:
Georgetown
State:
DE
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Bethany Beach residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including emergency and outpatient services at major facilities like Beebe Healthcare. The area has a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.4% and a solid availability of physicians. Healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive for a town of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Beebe Healthcare - South Coastal Health Campus
Address:
32750 Roxana Rd, Millville, DE 19967
Phone:
(302) 291-6700
Type:
Emergency & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Beebe Healthcare - Main Campus
Address:
424 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958
Phone:
(302) 645-3300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bethany Beach, DE?
The housing market in Bethany Beach is characterized by high demand and premium pricing, with median home prices around $800,000 and 84.5% owner occupancy. Rent for a two-bedroom averages $1,900, and the area maintains a low foreclosure rate and steady home value appreciation. New construction is limited, preserving the town's established charm and exclusivity.
Median Home Price:
$800,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,900
Owner Occupied Rate:
84.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Bethany Beach residents are served by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Georgetown. The DMV offers standard vehicle and licensing services, with accessible hours and helpful staff. Information and online services are available through the Delaware DMV website.
State:
Delaware
Department:
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
20653 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone:
1-302-853-1000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.