Bethlehem, PA—18020
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 $415,000, with a year-over-year change of 2.9%. 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 | $415,000 | 3.0% |
| Single Family | $417,000 | 2.7% |
| Condos | $287,000 | 4.7% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $298,000 | 8.0% |
3 Bed | $366,000 | 2.5% |
4 Bed | $515,000 | 3.4% |
| 5 Bed | $610,000 | 2.7% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Bethlehem, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Bethlehem, PA is $2,240, with a year-over-year rent change of -5.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Bethlehem, PA is 1-bedrooms: $1,800, 2-bedrooms: $1,910, 3-bedrooms: $2,480, 4-bedrooms: $2,800. The most common rental property sizes in Bethlehem, PA are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 38.4% and 31.8% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,200 | $2,240 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $1,910 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,300 | $2,480 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,800 | $2,800 |
% 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 21.0% 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 14.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $427,000 | 0.0% |
Listing Count | 59 | 78.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.2% | 78.0% |
Days on Market | 31 | 21.0% |
Demographics — Bethlehem, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA has a population of 21,100, which has remained stable by 0.5% over the past 5 years. Bethlehem, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.8% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 41.8% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 14.0% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 21,100 | 0.5% |
% Under 18 | 19.8% | 4.8% |
% Seniors | 20.6% | 7.9% |
% WFH | 14.0% | 278.4% |
% w/ College Degree | 41.8% | 17.1% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA is a predominantly white area, with 70.4% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 11.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Bethlehem, PA is hispanic, making up 15.2% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 9.6% 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 | 70.4% | -11.0% |
% Black | 5.6% | -9.7% |
% Hispanic | 15.2% | 81.0% |
% Asian | 4.7% | 11.9% |
% Foreign Born | 9.6% | 2.1% |
Mortgage and Risk — Bethlehem, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 379 mortgage originations in Bethlehem, PA, of which 89.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 57.0%, with 18.0% above 90% LTV (elevated). This implies medium mortgage risk in Bethlehem, PA. Investor activity is low, as 1.0% of loans were by investors. 8.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 379 |
% Conventional Loans | 89.0% |
% Government Loans | 11.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 8.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Bethlehem, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Bethlehem, PA under the Section 8 program is 1.3%. 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 | 18 |
Total Units Section 8 | 18 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 1.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 69.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$290 | $1,800 | $1,510 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$130 | $2,000 | $1,870 |
| 3 Bedroom | $90 | $2,300 | $2,390 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$310 | $2,800 | $2,490 |
Affordability — Bethlehem, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3 |
| Median Home Price | $415,000 |
| Median Household Income | $123,000 |