South Bethany town, Delaware Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, South Bethany town, Delaware has a total population of 503, the 60th largest city in Delaware, with a median household income of $111,667, which is 35% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Delaware.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.6% — among the lowest in Delaware.
- 76.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Delaware.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.7x the median household income.
South Bethany town Quick Facts
How South Bethany town 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: 59 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Bethany town Rankings in Delaware
Explore Delaware Rankings
Cities Similar to South Bethany town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Penn CDP | 477 | $95,287 | $388,500 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Houston town | 456 | $100,208 | $265,600 | 5.3% | 14.1% |
| Slaughter Beach town | 431 | $96,500 | $770,800 | 51.0% | 14.1% |
| Bethel town | 431 | $91,111 | $276,300 | 34.1% | 1.4% |
| Fenwick Island town | 383 | $120,625 | $1,337,500 | 57.6% | 1.3% |
Population Overview
South Bethany town is a small community located in Delaware. The total population is 503. It ranks as the 60th most populous out of 79 cities and towns in Delaware.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Bethany town is 69.2 years. This is 67% higher than the state median of 41.5 years. Only 0.4% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 22.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in South Bethany town is $111,667. This is 35% higher than the state median of $82,855. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 42% higher. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%. This is 67% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.7%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 2.7%. This is 47% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $855,000. Housing costs are 162% higher than the state median of $326,800. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 100.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 38% higher than the state average of 72.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in South Bethany town is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.8%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 4.1%.
Education
76.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places South Bethany town in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 115% higher than the state rate of 35.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 100.0%. Notably, 44.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Bethany town, Delaware 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 Delaware state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 79 Census-designated places in Delaware. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Bethany town, Delaware?
South Bethany town, Delaware has a population of 503 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Bethany town, DE?
The median household income in South Bethany town is $111,667, which is 42% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in South Bethany town, DE?
The poverty rate in South Bethany town is 3.6%. This means approximately 18 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Bethany town, Delaware?
South Bethany town's population is 83.1% White, 0.0% Black, 1.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Bethany town, DE?
The median home value in South Bethany town is $855,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.7x.
How educated is South Bethany town, Delaware?
76.0% of adults (25+) in South Bethany town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 44.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.