2023 Bethel Census Area, Alaska Demographics | Data & Analysis
Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Bethel Census Area, Alaska, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Total Population
18,487
Median Age
28.7 years
Median Household Income
$70,616
Median Property Value
$120,600
Bachelor's Degree+
10.39%
Uninsured Rate
12.9%
Total Households
4,661
Total Workers
6,564
Citizenship Rate
99.2%
Total Veterans
725
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
21.3%
Families in Poverty
753
SNAP Recipients
42.35%
Households w/ SNAP
1,974
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following statistics highlight Bethel Census Area, Alaska population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 18,487
- Median Age (Total)
- 28.7 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 29.1 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 28.2 years
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Population Age Distribution 2023
| Age Cohort | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 10.59% |
| 5–17 years (Children) | 24.25% |
| 18–24 years (Young Adults) | 10.09% |
| 25–34 years | 16.47% |
| 35–54 years | 19.64% |
| 55–64 years | 10.95% |
| 65 years and over (Seniors) | 8.02% |
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 74.98
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 60.96 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 14.03 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Bethel Census Area, Alaska (2023)?
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Bethel Census Area, Alaska are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 29.23
- Diversity Tier
- low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random from Bethel Census Area, Alaska will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Population by Race/Ethnicity
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 83.56% |
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 8.75% |
| Two or More Races | 3.55% |
| Asian Alone | 1.40% |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 1.39% |
| Black/African American Alone | 1.15% |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.21% |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.00% |
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $70,616 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 4,661
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Household Income Distribution by Income Brackets
| Annual Income Range | Share of Households |
|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 15.02% |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 11.48% |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 12.44% |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 14.63% |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 26.80% |
| $150,000 or more | 19.63% |
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $120,600
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 2,820 (Owner-occupied units)
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Property Value Brackets
| Value Range | Share of Properties |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 23.72% |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 9.96% |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 11.81% |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 13.44% |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 36.42% |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 4.29% |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.35% |
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 81.93%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 10.39%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 10,181
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Education Levels
| Education Level | Share of Population (25+) |
|---|---|
| Less than high school graduate | 18.07% |
| High school graduate (incl. equivalency) | 47.89% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 23.64% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 5.56% |
| Graduate or professional degree | 4.83% |
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 12.9%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 2,343
- Total Civilian Population
- 18,198
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Uninsured Rates by Demographics
| Age Group | Male Uninsured % | Female Uninsured % |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 5.6% | 5.3% |
| 18-34 years | 20.0% | 16.3% |
| 35-64 years | 25.0% | 15.3% |
| 65+ years | 1.7% | 3.2% |
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 99.2% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 221 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 152
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Nativity Breakdown
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 97.9% |
| Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas | 0.0% |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.1% |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.2% |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 0.8% |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 99.2% |
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 29.5%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.4%
- Work From Home Rate
- 6.4%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 6,416
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Commute Breakdown
| Transportation Method | Percentage | Number of Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 29.5% | 1,891 |
| Public transportation | 0.4% | 26 |
| Bicycle | 0.4% | 23 |
| Walked | 32.4% | 2,080 |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means | 30.9% | 1,983 |
| Worked from home | 6.4% | 413 |
| Total Workers | - | 6,416 |
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Bethel Census Area, Alaska by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 6,564
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Employment Sector Breakdown
| Employment Class | Male Workers | Female Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit | 1,368 (20.8%) | 583 (8.9%) |
| Private Non-Profit | 522 (8.0%) | 944 (14.4%) |
| Government (All Levels) | 1,461 (22.3%) | 1,451 (22.1%) |
| • Local Government | 841 | 757 |
| • State Government | 514 | 508 |
| • Federal Government | 106 | 186 |
| Self-Employed | 150 (2.3%) | 84 (1.3%) |
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 725
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
188 veterans (25.9%)
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Service Period Breakdown
| Period of Service | Number of Veterans | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) | 188 | 25.9% |
| Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) | 155 | 21.4% |
| Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) | 143 | 19.7% |
| Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) | 111 | 15.3% |
| Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 106 | 14.6% |
| Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) | 13 | 1.8% |
| Gulf War and Vietnam Era | 6 | 0.8% |
| Between Vietnam Era and Korean War | 3 | 0.4% |
| Total Veterans | 725 | 100.0% |
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data categorizes families in Bethel Census Area, Alaska by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 21.3% (753 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 42.8% (1,510 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 35.9% (1,267 families)
Bethel Census Area, Alaska Income-to-Poverty Ratio Breakdown
| Income-to-Poverty Ratio Category | Number of Families | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Below 50% of Poverty | 283 | 8.0% |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 244 | 6.9% |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 226 | 6.4% |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 240 | 6.8% |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 235 | 6.7% |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 238 | 6.7% |
| 175-184% of Poverty | 81 | 2.3% |
| 185-199% of Poverty | 112 | 3.2% |
| 200-299% of Poverty | 604 | 17.1% |
| 300-399% of Poverty | 282 | 8.0% |
| 400-499% of Poverty | 220 | 6.2% |
| 500%+ of Poverty | 765 | 21.7% |
| Total Families | 3,530 | 100.0% |
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Bethel Census Area, Alaska
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 1,974 (42.35% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 1,256 (63.63% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 4,661
Bethel Census Area, Alaska SNAP Recipient Demographics
| Household Type | With Children Under 18 | No Children Under 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Married-Couple Family | 710 (35.97%) | 101 (5.12%) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 152 (7.70%) | 60 (3.04%) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 391 (19.81%) | 111 (5.62%) |
| Nonfamily Households | 3 (0.15%) | 446 (22.59%) |
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The age breakdown for Bethel Census Area, Alaska is as follows: Under 5: 10.59%, Ages 5–17: 24.25%, Ages 18–24: 10.09%, Ages 25–34: 16.47%, Ages 35–54: 19.64%, Ages 55–64: 10.95%, and 65 or older: 8.02%.
The racial and ethnic composition of Bethel Census Area, Alaska is dominated by: American Indian and Alaska Native Alone: 83.56%, White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 8.75%, Two or More Races: 3.55%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.
The median household income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is $70,616. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.
The household income distribution in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 15.02%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 11.48%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 12.44%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 14.63%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 26.80%, High Income ($150,000+): 19.63%.
Approximately 35.01% of households in Bethel Census Area, Alaska earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.
The median property value for owner-occupied housing units in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is $120,600. This represents the midpoint of all property values in the area, meaning half of homes are valued above this amount and half are valued below. The median is a better indicator of typical home values than the average because it is not skewed by extremely high or low property values.
The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is: Less than $25,000: 23.72%, $25,000-$49,999: 9.96%, $50,000-$99,999: 11.81%, $100,000-$199,999: 13.44%, $200,000-$499,999: 36.42%, $500,000-$999,999: 4.29%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.35%.
There are 2,820 owner-occupied housing units in Bethel Census Area, Alaska. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.
Approximately 4.65% of owner-occupied housing units in Bethel Census Area, Alaska are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 10.39% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.
The educational attainment breakdown for Bethel Census Area, Alaska (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 18.07%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 47.89%, Some college or associate's degree: 23.64%, Bachelor's degree: 5.56%, Graduate or professional degree: 4.83%.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 81.93% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 12.9% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 2,343 individuals out of a total population of 18,198 people.
The uninsured rates vary by age group in Bethel Census Area, Alaska. For young adults (18-34 years), 20.0% of males and 16.3% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 25.0% of males and 15.3% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.
Children under 18 in Bethel Census Area, Alaska have uninsured rates of 5.6% for males and 5.3% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 1.7% for males and 3.2% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 99.2% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 18,487 people, 18,335 are U.S. citizens.
Bethel Census Area, Alaska has 221 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 1.2% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.
The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Bethel Census Area, Alaska is: 97.9% were born in the United States, 0.0% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.1% were born abroad of American parent(s), 1.2% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 0.8% are foreign-born non-citizens.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 29.5% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 6,416 total workers, 1,891 use personal vehicles for their commute.
26 workers in Bethel Census Area, Alaska use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.4% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.
Alternative commute methods in Bethel Census Area, Alaska include: 6.4% work from home, 32.4% walk to work, 0.4% bicycle, and 30.9% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.
"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Bethel Census Area, Alaska. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.
According to the American Community Survey, Bethel Census Area, Alaska has 6,564 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 20.8% of male workers and 8.9% of female workers in this category.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, there are 1,461 male government workers and 1,451 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 22.3% of male workers and 22.1% of female workers.
Self-employment in Bethel Census Area, Alaska includes 150 males (2.3%) and 84 females (1.3%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 1,974 households (42.35% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 4,661 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.
Of the SNAP-receiving households in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 1,256 (63.63%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.
SNAP recipients in Bethel Census Area, Alaska include diverse household types. Among households with children, 391 (19.81%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 710 (35.97%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 725 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Bethel Census Area, Alaska. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.
The most common period of military service for veterans in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is Vietnam Era Only, with 188 veterans (25.9% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Post-9/11 Only, with 155 veterans (21.4%).
"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Bethel Census Area, Alaska provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.
Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 71.9% of all veterans in Bethel Census Area, Alaska. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 521 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 753 families (21.3% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 3,530 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.
"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.
Beyond families living in poverty, Bethel Census Area, Alaska has 1,510 families (42.8%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 713 families (20.2%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.
In Bethel Census Area, Alaska, 283 families (8.0%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 1,267 families (35.9%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.