Bethlehem, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Bethlehem, West Virginia had a total population of 2,592, the 61st largest village in West Virginia, with a median household income of $83,409, which is 40% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in West Virginia.
- 45.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in West Virginia.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
Bethlehem Quick Facts
How Bethlehem Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,568 | 2,592 | +0.9% |
| Median household income | $87,500 | $83,409 | -4.7% |
| Median home value | $203,000 | $200,000 | -1.5% |
How Bethlehem Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 19 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bethlehem Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia Rankings
Other Cities in Ohio County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeling | 26,350 | $48,590 | 20.5% | $146,500 |
| West Liberty | 1,481 | $43,750 | 33.6% | $151,900 |
| Triadelphia | 825 | $48,281 | 26.9% | $93,600 |
| Clearview | 500 | $81,750 | 10.0% | $211,600 |
| Valley Grove | 363 | $58,125 | 10.9% | $122,700 |
Cities Similar to Bethlehem
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inwood | 2,794 | $84,286 | $268,400 | 27.4% | 14.5% |
| Williamstown | 2,980 | $89,013 | $182,500 | 44.3% | 5.2% |
| Shinnston | 2,352 | $69,844 | $153,200 | 26.1% | 11.8% |
| Paden City | 2,415 | $66,101 | $103,200 | 15.8% | 12.2% |
| Fayetteville | 2,817 | $67,623 | $184,000 | 28.3% | 10.3% |
Population Overview
Bethlehem is a small community located in West Virginia, within Ohio County. The total population is 2,592. It ranks as the 61st most populous out of 429 Census-designated places in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bethlehem is 41.7 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 42.7 years. 11.1% 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 Bethlehem is $83,409. This is 40% higher than the state median of $59,608. It is also 3% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.8%. This is 47% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.7%. The unemployment rate is 3.0%. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $200,000. Housing costs are 23% higher than the state median of $162,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Bethlehem is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 88.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 74.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Bethlehem has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.9% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.0%.
Education
45.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Bethlehem in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 88% higher than the state rate of 24.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 99.1%. Notably, 19.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bethlehem, West Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against West Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 429 Census-designated places in West Virginia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bethlehem, West Virginia?
Bethlehem, West Virginia has a population of 2,592 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bethlehem, WV?
The median household income in Bethlehem is $83,409, which is 3% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Bethlehem, WV?
The poverty rate in Bethlehem is 8.8%. This means approximately 228 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bethlehem, West Virginia?
Bethlehem's population is 94.9% White, 2.0% Black, 1.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bethlehem, WV?
The median home value in Bethlehem is $200,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Bethlehem, West Virginia?
45.3% of adults (25+) in Bethlehem hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 19.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.