Special Interest
Housing in Bethel Census Area
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Bethel Census Area averages $1,474/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Alaska median of $1,419 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 24% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Bethel Census Area FMR Area are $1,879 for a studio, $1,913 for 1‑bedroom, $2,157 for 2‑bedroom, $2,586 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,856 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $683 increase for a 2-bedroom in Bethel Census Area shows a 46% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Bethel Census Area was 10.8% in 2024, compared to Alaska at 4.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
