Pennsylvania / Northampton County

Moving to Bethlehem, PA

Thinking of making a move to Bethlehem, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bethlehem, PA

Considering a move to Bethlehem, PA? This welcoming community of 75,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents near $1,520. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Bethlehem's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem has a population of 75,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 69% White, 10% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
75,000
Density
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age
37.4
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
68.5%
Black
9.6%
Asian
3.9%
Others
18.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Bethlehem, PA?

The cost of living in Bethlehem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.6. Median home values are around $285,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$285,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$680
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
98.6
Grocery
99.1
Housing
95.4
Utilities
102.3
Transportation
101.5
Health Care
103.0
Miscellaneous
96.8

Crime

Is Bethlehem, PA a safe place to live?

Bethlehem is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 275 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 61. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
275
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,650
Crime Index
1,925
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 364
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 61

Weather

What is the weather like in Bethlehem, PA year-round?

Bethlehem experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,000 and a low poverty rate of 13.1%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 11% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$67,000
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$31,800
Income Male
$49,000
Income Female
$40,000
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Non English Speakers
18.9%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
11.4%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.6%
Bachelors or More
32.8%

Education

How are the schools in Bethlehem, PA?

Bethlehem offers quality education options, with public schools like Bethlehem Area School District - Freedom High School and Bethlehem Area School District - Liberty High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Moravian University, Lehigh University, and Northampton Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Bethlehem Area School District - Freedom High School
Street
3149 Chester Ave
Phone
610-691-7200
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Bethlehem Area School District - Liberty High School
Street
1115 Linden St
Phone
610-861-5500
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
15.3

Private Schools

Name
Moravian Academy
Street
4313 Green Pond Rd
Phone
610-866-6677
Students
950
Name
Notre Dame High School
Street
3417 Church Rd
Phone
610-868-1431
Students
400

Colleges

Name
Moravian University
City
Bethlehem
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
2,100
Name
Lehigh University
City
Bethlehem
State
PA
Distance
2 miles
Students
7,000
Name
Northampton Community College
City
Bethlehem
State
PA
Distance
3 miles
Students
20,000

Healthcare

Bethlehem residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Luke's University Hospital - Bethlehem Campus and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 94.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
St. Luke's University Hospital - Bethlehem Campus
Address
801 Ostrum St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone
(866) 785-8537
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg
Address
2545 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone
(610) 402-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
Health Care Index
76.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bethlehem, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $285,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 60%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.0%. Bethlehem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Bethlehem handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Address
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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.

FAQs About Moving to Bethlehem, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Bethlehem, review the core fields on this page: population 75,000, median home value $285,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,520, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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