A city in the eastern portion Pennsylvania in Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem lies in the Lehigh and Northampton counties. With a population of 74,982 as of the 2010 census, the city is the seventh largest in the state with a population density of 3,704.4 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 76.4% White, 6.9% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.9% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 10.0% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races.
Of the 28,116 reported households, 44.1% were married couples living together, 26.3% of households had children under the age of 18, with the average household size of 2.34. The cities population was reported to be 21% under the age of 18, 14.4% aged 18 to 24, 26.6% 25 to 44, 20.1% aged 45 to 64, and 17.9% reported 65 years of age or older.
The median household income was reported as $35,815, while the median family income was $45,354. 11.1% of families and 15% of the population are reported below the poverty line.
Education is a key component to a successful and productive society, and the city is a great center for growth! Home to four post secondary educational institutes, Lehigh University was ranked No. 44 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 ratings of America’s best colleges.
The Bethlehem Area School District covers a 40 square mile area including the city and surrounding boroughs. With two high schools, four middle schools, and 16 public elementary schools, the BASD offers the best possible education for your family!
The city’s downtown and South Side have really thrived in the past two decades, with many shops and restaurants opening. Main Street south of Broad in particular has seen a experienced a resurgence in new business entering the area. On the northern end of downtown lies The Bethlehem Commons indoor mall and historic Sun Inn, while the southern end is occupied by Moravian College’s Main Street Campus and Central Moravian Church.
In the two-blocks in between lies numerous galleries and boutiques selling everything from artwork to clothing to gourmet foods. Just outside the city center are several shopping centers including:
