Bethlehem, PA—18015
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 $281,000, with a year-over-year change of 4.3%. This indicates that home prices in Bethlehem, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.6%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $281,000 | 4.3% |
| Single Family | $281,000 | 4.5% |
| Condos | $274,000 | 8.3% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $216,000 | 8.0% |
2 Bed | $221,000 | 6.2% |
3 Bed | $267,000 | 4.7% |
4 Bed | $408,000 | 3.8% |
| 5 Bed | $369,000 | 4.2% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Bethlehem, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Bethlehem, PA is $1,790, with a year-over-year rent change of 4.1%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Bethlehem, PA is studios: $1,230, 1-bedrooms: $1,380, 2-bedrooms: $1,770, 3-bedrooms: $2,040, 4-bedrooms: $2,130. The most common rental property sizes in Bethlehem, PA are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 31.6% and 28.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $1,790 |
| Studio Rent | $1,300 | $1,230 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,300 | $1,380 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,800 | $1,770 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,950 | $2,040 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $2,130 |
% 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 37. This is a decrease of -31.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market shorter 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 | $450,000 | -2.0% |
Listing Count | 84 | 56.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 56.0% |
Days on Market | 37 | -31.0% |
Demographics — Bethlehem, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA has a population of 34,300, which has increased by 2.1% over the past 5 years. Bethlehem, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 17.9% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 30.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 13.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 34,300 | 2.1% |
% Under 18 | 17.9% | -6.3% |
% Seniors | 13.5% | 21.6% |
% WFH | 13.1% | 227.5% |
% w/ College Degree | 30.7% | 15.4% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethlehem, PA is a predominantly white area, with 52.6% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 4.4% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Bethlehem, PA is hispanic, making up 29.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 11.7% of the population in Bethlehem, PA, and this percentage has increased by 21.9% 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 | 52.6% | -4.4% |
% Black | 10.6% | 63.1% |
% Hispanic | 29.4% | -7.3% |
% Asian | 4.5% | 2.3% |
% Foreign Born | 11.7% | 21.9% |
Mortgage and Risk — Bethlehem, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 304 mortgage originations in Bethlehem, PA, of which 84.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 65.0%, with 23.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Bethlehem, PA. Investor activity is low, as 12.0% of loans were by investors. 13.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 304 |
% Conventional Loans | 84.0% |
% Government Loans | 16.0% |
% Investor Loans | 12.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 13.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Bethlehem, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Bethlehem, PA under the Section 8 program is 11.6%. 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 | 1,078 |
Total Units Section 8 | 680 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 11.6% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 79.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$100 | $1,300 | $1,200 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$310 | $1,800 | $1,490 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$50 | $1,950 | $1,900 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$20 | $2,000 | $1,980 |
Affordability — Bethlehem, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 4.2 |
| Median Home Price | $281,000 |
| Median Household Income | $58,500 |