Bethel County

Bethel Census Area, Alaska, has a population of approximately 18,386. The racial composition includes 82% Native American, 10% White, 1% Asian, 1% African American, and 6% other races. The median household income stands around $61,000, with a poverty rate of 18%. The area covers 40,570 square miles, featuring mainly rural communities. Age distribution reveals 35% under 18, 7% over 65, and a median age of 26. Family size averages 3.8 individuals, reflecting a young, community-oriented population.

Bethel County, AK, features a median home value of approximately $214,300. Monthly rental costs average around $1,295. The homeownership rate is 62%, with a vacancy rate of about 9%. Housing types are varied, but single-family homes dominate. Construction costs are high due to remote location and limited supply chain, impacting housing affordability. The average household size is 3.3 persons. Housing assistance programs are available to address affordability issues.

(Data based on the most recent available statistics as of 2023; values subject to change.)

Bethel County, Alaska, conducts elections for various municipal, state, and federal positions. For the 2022 General Election, key races included the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and Alaska State Legislature.

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Republican Lisa Murkowski faced Democratic challenger Pat Chesbro, with Murkowski securing 44.4% of votes statewide. In the U.S. House race, Democrat Mary Peltola, Republican Sarah Palin, and other candidates vied for the at-large seat, with Peltola receiving 36.8% of votes in Bethel County.

State legislative races included District 38, where Democrat C.J. McCormick and Independent Carl Moses were primary candidates. Local municipal elections filled council and school board positions, often with participation rates around 15-20% of registered voters.

For more precise data, including vote totals and detailed candidate information, the Alaska Division of Elections website provides comprehensive resources.

As of the most recent data, Bethel Census Area in Alaska shows lower educational attainment compared to national and state averages. About 80.9% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, while the national average is approximately 88% and Alaska's average is around 92%. For higher education, only 14.4% of Bethel residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly less than the national average of about 33% and Alaska's average of roughly 29%. These figures indicate that Bethel County trails behind both the state and national metrics in terms of educational achievement.

As of the most recent data, Bethel Census Area, AK, has an estimated workforce of around 6,000 individuals. The employment rate is typically lower than the national average, with higher than average unemployment rates due to its remote location and unique economic conditions. Key industries include public administration, healthcare, education, and retail trade.

Public administration employs about 35% of the workforce, which is significantly higher than the national average of around 15%. Health care and social assistance make up approximately 20%, compared to the national figure of 14%. Education services also play a major role, employing around 14%, while retail trade constitutes about 10%.

These percentages highlight dependence on government and essential services, contrasting with the U.S. where professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as manufacturing, hold larger shares. Statewide, Alaska also shows a higher focus on these sectors, but Bethel's isolation deepens this trend.

As of the most recent data, Bethel County, Alaska exhibits a median household income of approximately $57,000. By comparison, the median household income for Alaska is around $77,640, while the national median income stands at approximately $68,700. Thus, Bethel County's income is noticeably lower than both the state and national averages.

Bethel County's income level underscores significant economic disparities when viewed against broader benchmarks.

As of the latest available data, Bethel County, Alaska has exhibited various crime rates per 1,000 residents. Here is a summary of the primary types of crimes:

Violent crimes include offenses like assault, robbery, and homicide, while property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Bethel's crime rates are relatively high compared to national averages, particularly for property crimes. Community efforts and law enforcement are continually working to address these concerns. It's advisable for residents and visitors to stay informed on local crime trends and take precautions.