Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bethlehem, PA
Planning a move to Bethlehem, PA? This vibrant city of 75,961 residents offers a reasonable cost of living, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents at $1,325. Commute times are short at 23 minutes, and the city boasts two major hospitals and well-regarded schools, including Lehigh University. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons and 54% sunny days each year. With moderate crime rates and a welcoming community, Bethlehem is a great choice for affordable, comfortable living in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.
Demographics - Bethlehem, PA
Demographics - Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem is home to about 76,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 35.9 and a population density of 3,900 people per square mile. The city is diverse, with over 16% of residents speaking a language other than English at home and a mix of ethnic backgrounds contributing to its vibrant culture.
Population:
75,961
Density:
3,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.9
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
57.0%
Black:
8.3%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
31.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with median home values around $265,000 and average monthly rent at $1,325. Utilities and everyday expenses are generally affordable, making it an attractive city for families and professionals seeking value in Pennsylvania.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,325
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$123
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,660
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.5
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
89.5
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
93.2
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Bethlehem, PA a safe place to live?
Bethlehem experiences moderate crime rates, with about 311 violent crimes and 1,481 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Most residents find the city to be safe and welcoming, with proactive community efforts helping to maintain its secure neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
311
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,481
Crime Index:
1,792
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 322
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Bethlehem, PA year-round?
Residents of Bethlehem enjoy four distinct seasons, including warm summers with highs around 85°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Bethlehem’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $62,782 and a family income of $77,300, with most residents commuting just over 23 minutes to work. The community is well-educated, with nearly 88% holding a high school diploma or higher and about 29% possessing a bachelor’s degree or beyond.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$62,782
Family Income:
$77,300
Per Capita Income:
$30,375
Income Male:
$43,600
Income Female:
$34,100
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$1,325
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
29.4%
Education
How are the schools in Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem boasts a variety of educational options, including public schools like Freedom High School and Nitschmann Middle School, as well as private institutions and higher education at Lehigh University and Moravian University. The city’s schools are well-regarded and support a strong academic environment for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Freedom High School
Street:
3149 Chester Ave
Phone:
610-867-5843
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Nitschmann Middle School
Street:
1002 W Union Blvd
Phone:
610-866-5781
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6

Private Schools
Name:
Bethlehem Catholic High School
Street:
2133 Madison Ave
Phone:
610-866-0791
Students:
750

Colleges
Name:
Lehigh University
City:
Bethlehem
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,200
Name:
Moravian University
City:
Bethlehem
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Bethlehem is robust, anchored by major hospitals like St. Luke's University Hospital and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg, both offering emergency services. With 91.6% of residents insured and a solid supply of physicians, the city provides excellent access to quality care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Luke's University Hospital - Bethlehem
Address:
801 Ostrum St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone:
(484) 526-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg
Address:
2545 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone:
(484) 884-2200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
71.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bethlehem, PA?
Bethlehem’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $265,000 and over half of residents owning their homes. Rental options are accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,325 and low foreclosure rates contributing to a healthy market.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,325
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Bethlehem residents are served by PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, which offers convenient access to licensing and vehicle registration. The nearest office can be reached online or by phone, making DMV tasks straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
101 S. Mercer St, New Castle, PA 16101
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
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.