Bethlehem, PA—18018
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 $288,000, 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 2.7%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $288,000 | 3.1% |
| Single Family | $289,000 | 3.2% |
| Condos | $239,000 | 2.6% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $256,000 | 4.1% |
3 Bed | $282,000 | 3.3% |
4 Bed | $318,000 | 2.9% |
| 5 Bed | $344,000 | 2.7% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Bethlehem, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Bethlehem, PA is $1,830, with a year-over-year rent change of 0.0%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Bethlehem, PA is studios: $1,770, 1-bedrooms: $1,520, 2-bedrooms: $1,830, 3-bedrooms: $2,050, 4-bedrooms: $2,480. The most common rental property sizes in Bethlehem, PA are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 44.5% and 30.7% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,830 |
| Studio Rent | $1,240 | $1,770 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,520 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,750 | $1,830 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,980 | $2,050 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,500 | $2,480 |
% 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 20. This is a decrease of 0.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market about the same amount of time than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 5.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $313,000 | 5.0% |
Listing Count | 77 | 103.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.1% | 103.0% |
Days on Market | 20 | 0.0% |
Demographics — Bethlehem, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA has a population of 32,300, which has remained stable by 1.0% over the past 5 years. Bethlehem, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 15.5% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 37.1% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 15.6% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 32,300 | 1.0% |
% Under 18 | 15.5% | -11.9% |
% Seniors | 19.1% | 15.1% |
% WFH | 15.6% | 457.1% |
% w/ College Degree | 37.1% | 32.0% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA is a predominantly white area, with 64.6% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 4.7% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Bethlehem, PA is hispanic, making up 23.9% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 9.1% of the population in Bethlehem, PA, and this percentage has increased by 40.0% 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 | 64.6% | -4.7% |
% Black | 6.3% | -10.0% |
% Hispanic | 23.9% | 4.4% |
% Asian | 1.7% | 13.3% |
% Foreign Born | 9.1% | 40.0% |
Mortgage and Risk — Bethlehem, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 515 mortgage originations in Bethlehem, PA, of which 84.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 61.0%, with 24.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Bethlehem, PA. Investor activity is low, as 8.0% 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 | 515 |
% Conventional Loans | 84.0% |
% Government Loans | 16.0% |
% Investor Loans | 8.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% 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 10.2%. 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. 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Bethlehem, PA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,033 |
Total Units Section 8 | 651 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 10.2% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 84.1% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$180 | $1,450 | $1,270 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$170 | $1,750 | $1,580 |
| 3 Bedroom | $40 | $1,980 | $2,020 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$400 | $2,500 | $2,100 |
Affordability — Bethlehem, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.5 |
| Median Home Price | $288,000 |
| Median Household Income | $72,000 |