Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem PA scores 74/100 on safety (about average). Crime is about 36% below the national average. Pick the neighborhood carefully. Some ZIPs are fine, others are not.

Detail: overall crime index 64 (100 = avg); violent crime index 51; property crime index 77. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Bethlehem. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Bethlehem is about $1,382/month (moderate). At $1,382/month for a typical unit, you need about $49,752+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $260,400.

Median household income is $68,879, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($68,879) clears the $49,752 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 58°F (highs near 67°F, lows near 50°F).

You can be outside most of the year without extreme gear. Heating and cooling costs are usually moderate compared with hotter or colder metros. If you visit, go in winter or midsummer (not only in spring) to see the extremes.

Who tends to thrive in Bethlehem: (1) Renters who want $1,382/month housing without coastal prices (comfort income is about $49,752) (2) People relocating for a job who can pick a safer ZIP (citywide safety is 74/100) (3) Households earning $49,752+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,382/month (4) Movers with a locked job offer in Bethlehem who already priced rent and commute

Who should look elsewhere: (1) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Bethlehem does not clear every bar) (2) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $49,752 household income for $1,382/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Bethlehem holds up well on the core metrics we publish. Safety at 74/100 makes it a reasonable choice for households who can manage $1,382/month rent. Verify school ratings for your target ZIP separately.