Bethlehem, PA—18017
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Bethlehem, PA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Bethlehem, PA is $370,000, with a year-over-year change of 3.1%. This indicates that home prices in Bethlehem, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.2%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $370,000 | 3.1% |
| Single Family | $371,000 | 2.8% |
| Condos | $300,000 | 6.8% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $281,000 | 4.9% |
3 Bed | $337,000 | 3.1% |
4 Bed | $491,000 | 4.5% |
| 5 Bed | $566,000 | 4.4% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Bethlehem, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Bethlehem, PA is $2,210, with a year-over-year rent change of 7.8%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Bethlehem, PA is studios: $2,610, 1-bedrooms: $1,660, 2-bedrooms: $2,210, 3-bedrooms: $2,340, 4-bedrooms: $3,190. The most common rental property sizes in Bethlehem, PA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 37.7% and 29.9% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,000 | $2,210 |
| Studio Rent | $2,610 | $2,610 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,750 | $1,660 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,950 | $2,210 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,400 | $2,340 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,700 | $3,190 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Bethlehem, PA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Bethlehem, PA is 31. This is a increase of 55.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 17.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $494,000 | 45.0% |
Listing Count | 94 | 124.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.1% | 124.0% |
Days on Market | 31 | 55.0% |
Demographics — Bethlehem, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA has a population of 40,500, which has increased by 4.6% over the past 5 years. Bethlehem, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 21.1% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 39.9% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 12.5% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 40,500 | 4.6% |
% Under 18 | 21.1% | 0.0% |
% Seniors | 25.0% | 10.1% |
% WFH | 12.5% | 150.0% |
% w/ College Degree | 39.9% | 12.1% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA is a predominantly white area, with 63.9% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 8.8% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Bethlehem, PA is hispanic, making up 24.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 9.7% of the population in Bethlehem, PA, and this percentage has increased by 2.1% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 63.9% | -8.8% |
% Black | 5.6% | -22.2% |
% Hispanic | 24.5% | 34.6% |
% Asian | 3.6% | 9.1% |
% Foreign Born | 9.7% | 2.1% |
Mortgage and Risk — Bethlehem, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 612 mortgage originations in Bethlehem, PA, of which 87.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 56.0%, with 18.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Bethlehem, PA. Investor activity is low, as 2.0% of loans were by investors. 12.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 612 |
% Conventional Loans | 87.0% |
% Government Loans | 13.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 12.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Bethlehem, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Bethlehem, PA under the Section 8 program is 8.7%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. In Bethlehem, PA, none of the tracked home sizes currently have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting limited Section 8 opportunity.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,289 |
Total Units Section 8 | 472 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 8.7% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 90.9% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$290 | $1,750 | $1,460 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$130 | $1,950 | $1,820 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$80 | $2,400 | $2,320 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$280 | $2,700 | $2,420 |
Affordability — Bethlehem, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.7 |
| Median Home Price | $370,000 |
| Median Household Income | $88,900 |