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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 0 people per square mile. With 18,487 residents, Bethel Census Area is a county in Alaska. It is the #6-largest of all counties in Alaska nationally.
Median household income is $70,616, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 21.3%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $120,600, with typical rent around $1,454.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 10.4%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 7 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.