Bethel city, Alaska Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Bethel city, Alaska has a total population of 6,313, the 17th largest city in Alaska, with a median household income of $109,718, which is 23% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.8%.
Bethel city Quick Facts
How Bethel city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bethel city Rankings in Alaska
Explore Alaska Rankings
Cities Similar to Bethel city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling CDP | 6,776 | $110,341 | $346,100 | 31.3% | 5.9% |
| Steele Creek CDP | 5,861 | $117,260 | $331,200 | 46.3% | 0.6% |
| South Lakes CDP | 6,132 | $89,632 | $367,700 | 23.3% | 10.6% |
| Gateway CDP | 6,716 | $137,150 | $436,200 | 38.2% | 4.3% |
| Fishhook CDP | 5,461 | $101,518 | $361,900 | 28.3% | 8.1% |
Population Overview
Bethel city is a small city located in Alaska. The total population is 6,313. It ranks as the 17th most populous out of 330 cities and towns in Alaska.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bethel city is 30.9 years. This is 13% lower than the state median of 35.6 years. With 29.5% of the population under 18, Bethel city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bethel city is $109,718. This is 23% higher than the state median of $89,336. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 40% higher. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%. This is 26% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. The median home value is $354,400. Housing costs are 6% higher than the state median of $333,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 44.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% lower than the state average of 66.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Bethel city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (16.9%) is well below the state average of 58.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.5%) is well below the state average of 7.1%.
Education
20.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 36% lower than the state rate of 31.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bethel city, Alaska is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Alaska state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 330 Census-designated places in Alaska. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bethel city, Alaska?
Bethel city, Alaska has a population of 6,313 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bethel city, AK?
The median household income in Bethel city is $109,718, which is 40% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Bethel city, AK?
The poverty rate in Bethel city is 12.8%. This means approximately 766 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bethel city, Alaska?
Bethel city's population is 16.9% White, 2.6% Black, 3.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bethel city, AK?
The median home value in Bethel city is $354,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
How educated is Bethel city, Alaska?
20.1% of adults (25+) in Bethel city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.