45.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 67.9Safety 67.7Disaster Risk 55.7

County Report Card

About Bethel Census Area, Alaska

Moderate livability slightly below median

Bethel Census Area scores 45.9, falling just short of the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties. While not critically low, the score signals notable livability challenges that warrant consideration.

Below Alaska's average performance

At 45.9, Bethel trails Alaska's state average of 51.1, reflecting statewide livability patterns. The census area ranks among Alaska's middle-performers in this dataset.

Affordability and schools show promise

Bethel's cost score of 48.9 provides relatively better housing affordability, with median homes at $120,600 and gross rent at $1,454/month. Household incomes average $70,616 (67.9 score), and safety reaches a respectable 67.7.

Health and water access need urgent focus

Bethel faces a severe health crisis with a score of just 8.3—among the lowest in the nation—suggesting serious gaps in care access or outcomes. Water quality infrastructure is nearly nonexistent at 1.2, and school quality (48.4) trails state and national standards.

Best for cost-conscious community builders

Bethel suits individuals and families with modest budgets and strong community ties who can navigate limited health services. Healthcare workers and educators seeking affordable frontiers may find opportunity here, but expect isolation and infrastructure gaps.

2040608010048.967.78.348.467.955.71.249.9TaxCost48.9Safety67.7Health8.3Schools48.4Income67.9Risk55.7Water1.2Weather49.945.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Bethel Census Area DNA

Foverall

How Bethel Census Area compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bethel Census Area is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (67.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (1.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Cost
48.9
Safety
67.7+12.700000000000003
Health
8.3-41.7
Schools
48.4
Income
67.9+16.900000000000006
Risk
55.7+8.700000000000003
Water
1.2-56.8
Weather
49.9
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Compare mortgage rates in Bethel Census Area

Whether buying or refinancing in Bethel Census Area, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$120,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,454/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$120,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$58,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,616/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

108.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Bethel Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bethel Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Bethel's tax data remains incomplete

Bethel Census Area's effective tax rate and median property tax are not available in standard national datasets, though homes average $120,600—well below the national median of $281,900. One available data point shows merely $199 annual tax, suggesting minimal or absent property taxation.

Likely among Alaska's lightest taxed areas

Bethel's scant tax documentation suggests it ranks among Alaska's lowest-taxed regions, possibly comparable to Copper River's 0.081% rate. The $199 annual figure for one property suggests either minimal assessment or very low tax rates.

Sparse region with limited tax infrastructure

Bethel is Alaska's most remote major community; neighboring regions like Denali Borough report similarly limited tax data. This reflects Bethel's unique governance structure and sparse property tax infrastructure.

Minimal documented property tax burden

Available data suggests Bethel residents pay around $199 annually on homes valued near $120,600—a negligible effective rate. Complete tax information is needed to provide reliable estimates for median-value properties.

Request assessment clarification from the borough

Bethel's limited tax records make independent verification difficult; contact the borough assessor to confirm your property's assessed value and any applicable appeal procedures. Transparency about local tax practices can help residents plan financial obligations.

Cost of Living in Bethel Census Area

via CostByCounty

Bethel: Alaska's Least Affordable Rentals

Renters here dedicate 24.7% of income to housing—Alaska's highest burden and nearly the national danger threshold of 30%. With a median household income of just $70,616 paired against $1,454 monthly rent, Bethel residents face the state's steepest affordability crisis.

Worst Affordability in Alaska

Bethel's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio decisively ranks worst among all Alaska counties, far exceeding the state average of 18.6%. This remote region's combination of low median income and high rent creates a perfect affordability storm.

Remote but Dramatically Unaffordable

Bethel's $1,454 rent burden rivals nearby Anchorage's cost, yet with $28,000 less annual income per household, creating a punishing 24.7% ratio. Adjacent regions like Bristol Bay Borough (15.7% rent-to-income) prove that remoteness alone doesn't explain Bethel's affordability crisis.

Income Stretched Dangerously Thin

Renters spend $1,454 monthly on a $70,616 annual income, claiming nearly 25% of earnings before taxes and leaving minimal room for food, transport, or savings. Homeowners fare better at $546 monthly, but the typical renter faces acute financial strain.

Bethel: Housing Affordability Red Flag

Bethel's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio should trigger caution for any prospective relocator—it's Alaska's most unaffordable rental market. Unless your employer guarantees significant premium pay, compare this against Anchorage (17.8%) or Bristol Bay (15.7%) before making the move.

Income & Jobs in Bethel Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Safety in Bethel Census Area

via CrimeByCounty

Bethel Maintains Strong Safety Score

Bethel Census Area reports a total crime rate of 755.2 per 100,000, which is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a high safety score of 98.8.

Ranked Above the State Average

Bethel's safety score of 98.8 slightly exceeds the Alaska state average of 98.6. Its total crime rate of 755.2 also falls below the state average of 861.7.

Moderate Risk Compared to Neighbors

While Bethel is safer than Bristol Bay Borough, which has a 1,639.4 crime rate, it is more active than the Chugach Census Area. It serves as a relatively safe regional hub for western Alaska.

Violent Crime Exceeds Property Crime

Interestingly, Bethel’s violent crime rate of 534.0 is higher than its property crime rate of 221.2. This contrasts with national trends where property crime is usually far more prevalent.

Focus on Personal and Home Safety

Because violent crime rates are higher than property rates, focusing on secure door locks and exterior lighting is important. Building a strong network with your neighbors can also improve overall community safety.

Schools in Bethel Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast educational reach in Western Alaska

Forty-one schools serve this expansive region, providing education to 4,759 students across three districts. While most facilities are PK-12 'other' schools, there are six elementary and five dedicated high schools.

Tough academic hurdles in rural hubs

The area faces a 57.7% graduation rate, which sits well below the state average of 79.0%. Despite these challenges, the $13,032 per-pupil expenditure matches national spending levels to support a school score of 49.6.

Lower Kuskokwim dominates the region

The Lower Kuskokwim School District is the largest by far, managing 29 schools and 3,970 students. One charter school operates here, providing a distinct alternative within the local public school system.

Rural schools with a regional focus

Thirty-eight of the 41 schools are rural, with an average enrollment of 116 students. Bethel Regional High is the largest campus with 494 students, while many village schools remain much smaller and more intimate.

Locate near regional educational centers

Families moving to this area often look for homes in Bethel to be near the region's largest schools and diverse programs. Understanding the district boundaries is essential for buyers prioritizing access to specific rural school sites.

Disaster Risk in Bethel Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Below national average despite wildfire exposure

Bethel Census Area's 44.31 composite score is well below the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating despite the state's second-highest wildfire risk (83.84). The region's low flood and tornado risks help offset the significant fire threat.

Mid-range risk in Alaska's landscape

At 44.31, Bethel Census Area ranks above Alaska's 35.22 state average and occupies the moderate-risk tier among the state's 29 counties. It's riskier than coastal boroughs but less exposed than Anchorage Municipality.

Wildfire exposure sets it apart

Bethel Census Area's wildfire risk of 83.84 ranks second-highest statewide, significantly outpacing the modest fire exposure in nearby Bristol Bay Borough (34.22). This wildfire intensity is the primary factor elevating Bethel's overall risk profile above many Alaska neighbors.

Wildfire and earthquake threaten equally

Wildfire risk scores an extreme 83.84—second only to Denali Borough—while earthquake risk at 49.40 poses the secondary threat. Flood (9.57) and tornado (1.43) risks remain manageable, making fire and seismic hazards the clear priorities.

Prepare for fire and seismic activity

Wildfire poses the most immediate threat to Bethel homes; create defensible space, clear gutters, and ensure fire-resistant landscaping. Add earthquake insurance to your standard homeowners policy to address the region's secondary seismic exposure.

Water Quality in Bethel Census Area

via WaterByCounty

Bethel Faces Severe Health Violation Spike

Bethel Census Area faces a severe compliance challenge with 400 health violations and an F grade. The violation rate of 2698.0 per 100,000 residents is more than double the Alaska state average of 1249.1.

No Federal Watershed Assessment Data Reported

Water bodies in this region have not been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) program yet. As a result, the percentage of impaired waters remains unknown relative to the state's 16.1% benchmark.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Metal Levels

A robust monitoring network of 45 sites has produced 691 measurements over the last five years. Testing focuses on physical properties, metals, and major inorganic groups to track the health of the Kuskokwim region.

Kuskokwim River Hits Critical Low Flow

The Kuskokwim River at Crooked Creek is flowing at 14,900 cubic feet per second, a sharp drop from its mean. Current levels sit at just 35% of the typical flow, signaling a significant drought event.

Urgent Need for Rigorous Water Treatment

Given the high rate of 400 health violations, residents must use reliable water treatment methods to ensure safety. The Kuskokwim River’s critically low flow also demands heightened awareness of how source water availability impacts local supplies.

Weather & Climate in Bethel Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

A True Subarctic Interior

Bethel averages just 31.4°F annually, placing it among the coldest regions in the United States. This temperature is far below the national median and reflects a landscape dominated by permafrost and long winters.

Colder Than the State Baseline

The census area's 31.4°F annual average is significantly lower than the 35.9°F state average for Alaska. It experiences much harsher winter conditions than the coastal southern boroughs.

Harsher Winters Than Bristol Bay

Bethel is much colder than its neighbor, Bristol Bay Borough, which averages 36.5°F annually. Bethel's January average of 6.9°F is nearly 10 degrees colder than Bristol Bay's 16.6°F.

Extreme Cold and Low Humidity

Winters are brutal with a December-February average of 10.1°F and 64 inches of snow. Summers are brief and cool, with July averaging 56.3°F and no recorded days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Invest in Extreme Cold Gear

Living here requires specialized cold-weather gear rated for sub-zero temperatures. Because the area only receives 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, wind protection is often more critical than waterproof layering.

Lawn Care in Bethel Census Area

via LawnByCounty

Growing Lawns on the Tundra

Bethel Census Area carries a lawn difficulty score of 55.6, which is slightly below the state average of 57.8. This score indicates a moderately challenging environment where the short season and lower rainfall require more attention. However, it still ranks as slightly easier than the national median difficulty of 50.0.

Short Seasons and Dry Air

With only 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, Bethel is significantly drier than the state average of 53.5 inches. You have roughly 501 growing degree days to work with, meaning growth is concentrated in a tight window. The frost-free period typically runs from May 21 to September 22, leaving little room for error in your maintenance schedule.

Acknowledge Your Soil Limits

Comprehensive soil data is not available for this region, necessitating local testing for successful lawn establishment. Northern soils in this area can be lean, so regular applications of organic matter may be needed to support healthy turf. Keep a close eye on drainage, as permafrost can sometimes impact how water moves through the ground.

Managing Abnormal Dryness

About 30.7% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry (D0), and the region has faced two weeks of drought in the past year. Because annual rainfall is low at 19.7 inches, supplemental watering is often necessary to keep grass from going dormant. Focus on evening watering to minimize evaporation and help your lawn survive these dry cycles.

Choosing Hardy Varieties

Fine fescues are recommended for Bethel because they require less water and handle the cold better than most varieties. Aim to get your seeds in the ground by late May to maximize the short 501 growing degree days available. Rapid establishment is key, as the first frost typically arrives by September 22.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bethel Census Area's county score?
Bethel Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 45.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bethel Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Bethel Census Area ranks #24 among all counties in Alaska on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What is the median household income in Bethel Census Area?
The median household income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is $70,616 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bethel Census Area earns an income score of 67.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bethel Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Bethel Census Area scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Bethel Census Area is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bethel Census Area with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.