IncomeBy County

Bethel Census Area, Alaska

Income Data

-11% vs. Alaska average
$70,616
Median Household Income
$24,976
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$70,616
-11% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$24,976
-37% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
58.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in Alaska
#24 / 30
by median household income

How Bethel Census Area Compares

Bethel Census Area$70,616
Alaska Average$79,407
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$70,616
Median Household Income
$24,976
Per Capita Income
$120,600
Median Home Value
58.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska

Bethel Below National Income Standard

Bethel Census Area's median household income of $70,616 falls 5.6 percent below the national median of $74,755, placing the region slightly behind typical American earnings. The modest income gap reflects Bethel's rural character and limited economic diversification.

Alaska's Lowest Income Region

Bethel Census Area ranks at the bottom of Alaska's income distribution with a median household income of $70,616, trailing the state average of $79,407 by 11 percent. The region faces economic pressures distinct from Alaska's wealthier resource-based communities.

Struggles Among Alaska's Rural Communities

Bethel's $70,616 median represents the state's lowest income level, underperforming even fellow rural areas like Aleutians East ($72,692) and Copper River ($75,053). The region's subsistence economy and limited job diversity contribute to lower wage levels across households.

Housing Costs Strain Household Budgets

Bethel Census Area faces serious affordability challenges with a rent-to-income ratio of 24.7 percent—the highest among the eight counties analyzed. At this level, housing consumes nearly one-quarter of household income, limiting resources available for savings and essentials.

Build Wealth Despite Income Constraints

Bethel households earning $70,616 annually must prioritize disciplined budgeting to create investment capacity. Even modest contributions to emergency funds and low-cost index funds can establish wealth-building momentum over time, particularly through employer retirement plans if available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska?
The median household income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is $70,616, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Bethel Census Area?
The per capita income in Bethel Census Area is $24,976, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $70,616.
How does Bethel Census Area compare to the Alaska average?
Bethel Census Area's median household income of $70,616 is lower than the Alaska state average of $79,407. The per capita income is $24,976, compared to the state average of $42,832.
What is the per capita income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska?
The per capita income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is $24,976, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Bethel Census Area a low-income area in Alaska?
Bethel Census Area's median household income of $70,616 is below the Alaska average of $79,407. The per capita income of $24,976 is also lower than the state average of $42,832. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Bethel Census Area rank for income in Alaska?
Bethel Census Area ranks #24 out of 30 counties in Alaska by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $70,616 and per capita income of $24,976, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Bethel Census Area

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Your income is above the Bethel Census Area median

County median: $70,616 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-11%

vs. National Median

-6%

vs. Bethel Census Area MedianAbout equal
vs. Alaska Average▼ 11% below
vs. National Median▼ 6% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,885) vs. median rent ($1,454/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Kingfisher County
Oklahoma
$70,617
+0%
Hubbard County
Minnesota
$70,622
+0%
Clark County
Illinois
$70,625
+0%
Clinton County
Missouri
$70,625
+0%
Bailey County
Texas
$70,625
+0%
Watonwan County
Minnesota
$70,593
+0%
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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