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 75,961 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,325. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% 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 75,961 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 57% White, 8% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Bethlehem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 96.5. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,325. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 311 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 68. 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
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?

Bethlehem experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $62,782 and a low poverty rate of 14.6%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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

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

Bethlehem residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like St. Luke's University Hospital - Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 91.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Bethlehem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Bethlehem handle vehicle services through the PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, conveniently located in New Castle. 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
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address
101 S. Mercer St, New Castle, PA 16101
Phone
1-800-932-4600

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 75,961, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,325, commute time 23.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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