Bethlehem, PA Census Data
The 6th largest city in Pennsylvania by population · 10 cities ranked
Bethlehem is the 6th largest city in Pennsylvania by population and ranks 2nd of 10 for median household income. With 77,069 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 8 other Pennsylvania cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
77,069
48.4% male · 51.6% female
Median Age
36.2
2.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$66,443
$12,095 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
35.0%
At the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.8%
Poverty Rate
15.8%
3.4% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.2%
Broadband Access
93.1%
3.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$236,500
Median rent: $1,311 · 51% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
Labor force participation: 56.6%
Per Capita Income
$37,926
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.1%
Disability rate: 14.7%
How Bethlehem Compares to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Rankings among all 10 Pennsylvania cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 6th of 10 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 2nd of 10 | Top 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 2nd of 10 | Top 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 2nd of 10 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 2nd of 10 | Top 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Bethlehem, PA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bethlehem, PA?
The population of Bethlehem, PA is 77,069 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.2 years.
What is the median household income in Bethlehem?
The median household income in Bethlehem, PA is $66,443, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,926.
What is the poverty rate in Bethlehem?
The poverty rate in Bethlehem, PA is 15.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Bethlehem residents have a college degree?
35.0% of adults (25+) in Bethlehem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Bethlehem?
The median home value in Bethlehem, PA is $236,500. Median rent is $1,311 per month, with 51% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Bethlehem?
Bethlehem's population is 62.3% White, 9.1% Black, 29.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Bethlehem rank among Pennsylvania cities?
Bethlehem is the 6th largest city in Pennsylvania by population, the 2nd highest for median household income, the 2nd lowest for poverty rate, the 2nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 10 ranked Pennsylvania cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Bethlehem?
The unemployment rate in Bethlehem, PA is 7.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.6%. Per capita income is $37,926.
Cities Similar to Bethlehem
Other Pennsylvania cities with comparable population and income levels.