Cost of Living in Bethel Census Area, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bethel Census Area Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bethel Census Area ranks #2,001 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bethel Census Area, Alaska
Bethel: Alaska's Least Affordable Rentals
Renters here dedicate 24.7% of income to housing—Alaska's highest burden and nearly the national danger threshold of 30%. With a median household income of just $70,616 paired against $1,454 monthly rent, Bethel residents face the state's steepest affordability crisis.
Worst Affordability in Alaska
Bethel's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio decisively ranks worst among all Alaska counties, far exceeding the state average of 18.6%. This remote region's combination of low median income and high rent creates a perfect affordability storm.
Remote but Dramatically Unaffordable
Bethel's $1,454 rent burden rivals nearby Anchorage's cost, yet with $28,000 less annual income per household, creating a punishing 24.7% ratio. Adjacent regions like Bristol Bay Borough (15.7% rent-to-income) prove that remoteness alone doesn't explain Bethel's affordability crisis.
Income Stretched Dangerously Thin
Renters spend $1,454 monthly on a $70,616 annual income, claiming nearly 25% of earnings before taxes and leaving minimal room for food, transport, or savings. Homeowners fare better at $546 monthly, but the typical renter faces acute financial strain.
Bethel: Housing Affordability Red Flag
Bethel's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio should trigger caution for any prospective relocator—it's Alaska's most unaffordable rental market. Unless your employer guarantees significant premium pay, compare this against Anchorage (17.8%) or Bristol Bay (15.7%) before making the move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bethel Census Area
Affordability Verdict
Bethel Census Area offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,454/month — about 24.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bethel Census Area is $1,454/month, while owner costs run $546/month. Owning saves approximately $908/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $58,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,400/year. With a median household income of $70,616, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Bethel Census Area are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Bethel Census Area sits 4% more expensive than Chugach Census Area ($1,397/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bethel Census Area
Rent Burden
24.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,648
per month
Owner Cost Burden
9.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bethel Census Area
Median home value is $120,600. Estimated monthly cost: $963 vs. your max of $1,648.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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