Bethel Census Area, Alaska Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Bethel Census Area is located in Alaska with a total population of 18,487. It is the 6th most populous county out of 30 in Alaska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bethel Census Area is 28.7 years. This is 19% lower than the state median of 35.6 years. With 34.8% of the population under 18, Bethel Census Area has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bethel Census Area is $70,616. This is 21% lower than the state median of $89,336. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 10% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.0%. This is 136% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 14.1%. This is 145% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $120,600. Housing costs are 64% lower than the state median of $333,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Bethel Census Area is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 60.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 66.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bethel Census Area is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 1.4%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (8.8%) is well below the state average of 58.3%. The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 3.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 7.1%. The Asian population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 6.3%.

Education

10.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 67% 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 81.9%.