Moving to Bethlehem, PA: Everything You Should Know First
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
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
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
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

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
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

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

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
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
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
101 S. Mercer St, New Castle, PA 16101
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website: