Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
The Bethel Census Area in Alaska exhibits a youthful demographic, with a median age of 28.7 years, significantly lower than the state median of 35.3 years. The area has a high percentage of residents under 18 years (34.8%), compared to the state average of 24.4%. Its population growth rate is modest at 0.1%, reflecting a stable trend amidst a generally declining state population. The age dependency ratio of 73.9 indicates a heavy reliance on the working-age population, which is higher than many other counties in Alaska, suggesting potential challenges in supporting the younger population.
Total Population
18538
Sex Ratio
114.8 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
0.1 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
0.8 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
73.9 %
Median Age
28.7 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
7.7 %
Active Aging Index
26.2 %
Old Dependency Rate
13.4 %
Young Dependency Rate
60.5 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
The Bethel Census Area in Alaska, with a total of 4,565 households, exhibits a notably high average household size of 3.82 and an average family size of 4.53, indicating a strong presence of larger families compared to the state average household size of 2.67. Approximately 50% of households include children, which is significantly higher than many other counties in Alaska, such as Anchorage (32.1%) and Fairbanks (30.9%). The area has a balanced distribution of household types, with 45.5% being married couples. Despite a modest household growth rate of 1% over the past year, Bethel's growth rate is consistent with the state’s overall growth of 1.46%. This suggests a stable demographic trend, although it remains less populated than larger regions like Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Total Households
4565
Married-couple Household
2075
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
0.52 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
1 %
Average Household Size
3.82 p
Average Family Size
4.53 p
Household with Children (%)
50 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
23.5 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
48.6 %
Now Married
42.9 %
Widowed
3.8 %
Divorced
4.7 %
Marriage Status
Source: Census.gov
Marriage Status Breakdown
Source: Census.gov | S1201
Cultures
*Culture section contains several components: races, education, marriage and other factors.
Racial Profiiles
The Bethel Census Area in Alaska exhibits a striking demographic profile, with a single race percentage of 95.7%, significantly higher than both the state average of 88.7% and the national average of 91.2%. The area has a remarkable 90.9% non-white population, indicating a predominantly Indigenous demographic, which is a stark contrast to the national figure of 34.1% non-white. Additionally, the Hispanic population is notably low at 2.2%, compared to Alaska's 7.5% and the national average of 18.7%. This unique demographic composition highlights Bethel's cultural distinctiveness within Alaska and the broader United States.
One Race
95.7 %
Two or More Races
4.3 %
Non-White
90.9 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
2.2 %
White
1678
Black
215
Asian
262
Native American
15452
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
The Bethel Census Area in Alaska exhibits a notably high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 97.8%, surpassing both the state average of 92.1% and the national average of 86.3%. A significant 88.6% of its population was born in Alaska, indicating strong local roots. The area has a low foreign-born population at just 2.2%, with the majority originating from Asia (205 individuals). This contrasts sharply with other Alaskan regions like Anchorage, where 10.8% of the population is foreign-born. Overall, Bethel's demographics reflect a predominantly native population with limited immigration.
Native US Citizen
1678
Native US Citizen (%)
90.9 %
Born in Alaska (%)
88.6 %
Born in Other State (%)
9.1 %
Foreign Born (%)
2.2 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
63.5 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
9.1 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
75.7 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
19.6 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
4.6 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
62
Number of Adherents
7216
Adherents (% of Total Population)
38.9 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
37.5 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
The Bethel Census Area in Alaska shows a significant educational and economic disparity compared to both state and national averages. With only 9.7% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, it lags behind Alaska's 30.7% and the national average of 34.3%. The median earnings for this demographic are notably low at $34,293, compared to Alaska's $54,606 and the national median of $48,747. Despite a relatively high median earning of $71,554 for those with a bachelor's degree, the overall educational attainment and economic conditions highlight challenges in workforce development in this region.