Bethel Census Area, Alaska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 6th-largest in Alaska
The population of Bethel Census Area, Alaska is 18,487 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest county in Alaska. The median household income is $70,616, the median home value is $120,600, and the median age is 28.7.
The population of Bethel Census Area has grown 6.8% since 2010 (17,081 → 18,237), a +0.47% annualized rate.
18,487
Population
+0.47%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
$70,616
Median Income
$120,600
Median Home Value
Bethel Census Area covers 40,661 sq mi of land at 0.5 people per square mile.
About Bethel Census Area, AK
Bethel Census Area is a county in Alaska with a population of 18,487. It ranks #6 among counties in Alaska by population. The median age is 28.7, younger than the national median. The population is 53.5% male and 46.5% female.
The median household income in Bethel Census Area is $70,616, below the US median of $74,580. 21.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $120,600, with monthly rent averaging $1,454. The homeownership rate of 60.5% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bethel Census Area reflects 10.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 7.4 minutes each way.
Bethel Census Area Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bethel Census Area had a population of 17,081 in 2010 and 18,237 in 2024, a 6.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,670 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.47%.
18,237
Population (2024)
17,081
Population (2010)
18,670
Peak (2020)
0.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,081 |
| 2011 | 17,418 |
| 2012 | 17,655 |
| 2013 | 17,855 |
| 2014 | 17,960 |
| 2015 | 17,970 |
| 2016 | 18,018 |
| 2017 | 18,102 |
| 2018 | 18,267 |
| 2019 | 18,493 |
| 2020 | 18,670 |
| 2021 | 18,589 |
| 2022 | 18,272 |
| 2023 | 18,199 |
| 2024 | 18,237 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 8.7% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 87.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
28.7
Median Age
46.5%
Female
53.5%
Male
8.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 29.6% · Seniors (65+): 8.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,616$-18,720 vs state |
| Mean household income | $90,872 |
| Per-capita income | $24,976 |
| Poverty rate | 21.3%+14.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 8.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bethel Census Area is professional & business services, accounting for 26.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
32.4%
Carpool
19.5%
Public transit
6.4%
Work from home
7.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$120,600$-212,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,454
Median rent
60.5%
Homeownership rate
6,009
Total housing units
77.6%
Occupied
22.4%
Vacant
39.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.1%
With health insurance
94.7%
With broadband internet
9.1%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
11.5%
With a disability
40.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.9%
High School+
10.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alaska
Other counties in Alaska
Part of Alaska
Metro areas in Alaska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bethel Census Area, Alaska has a population of 18,487 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest county in Alaska. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of Bethel Census Area has grown 6.8% since 2010 (17,081 → 18,237), a +0.47% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is $70,616, with mean (average) household income of $90,872 and per-capita income of $24,976. 21.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bethel Census Area, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (87.8%), White (8.7%), Black or African American (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is 28.7 years. Residents are 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
The median home value in Bethel Census Area is $120,600 and median monthly rent is $1,454. 60.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,009 total housing units, 22.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bethel Census Area, Alaska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 8.5%.
Anchorage is among the largest cities associated with Bethel Census Area, Alaska, with a population of 289,069.
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Statewide data for Alaska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Alaska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.