Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Bethlehem

Affordability in Bethlehem, PA

The median household income in Bethlehem is $68,879 and the median gross rent is $1,382 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). About 50% of residents rent their homes, reflecting a city where affordable housing options are in significant demand.

Bethlehem has 11 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties totaling 1,025 units, offering income-qualified renters alternatives below market-rate costs.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Bethlehem Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

Getting Around Bethlehem

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Bethlehem rates 84 (Very Walkable), 42 for Transit (Some Transit), and 44 for Biking. These scores reflect conditions near the income-based and HUD-assisted properties listed on this page.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 25 public schools across 6 districts serve Bethlehem, including 15 elementary, 5 middle, and 5 high schools. Quality and resources vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Living in Bethlehem, PA

The median household income in Bethlehem is $68,879 per year, and the median monthly rent across all rental housing is $1,382, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. Affordable and income-based housing in the city can offer significant savings for renters who qualify.

• Median household income: $68,879 per year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median monthly rent (all rentals): $1,382 (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 50% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)

With half of Bethlehem households renting, competition for affordable units can be real. The 1,025 income-based and HUD-assisted units across 11 properties in the city represent an important resource for cost-burdened renters.

Environment and Flood Risk

All 11 affordable properties in Bethlehem have been mapped for flood exposure. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to HUD-assisted property flood data.