Bethel Census Area Income Charts

This section shows the Bethel Census Area Alaska economy using the most recent economic analysis from the 2022 Census Bureau. Starting with Figure 1 which shows the median earnings per worker, Bethel Census Area shows it has a Median earnings of $58,211 which is in the mid point range of other counties in the metropolitan area. The county with the highest median earnings per worker in the area is Nome Census Area which depicts a median earnings of $64,037 (10.0% larger). Comparing median earnings per worker to the United States average of $53,269, Bethel Census Area is 9.3% larger. Also, measured against the state of Alaska, median earnings per worker of $60,695, Bethel Census Area is only about 4.3% smaller.

In Figure 2 a more complete view of income is shown which aggregates income from all members in the household and it has a Median household income of $57,460 which is less than most other counties in the metro area. The county with the highest median household income in the area is Bristol Bay Borough which shows a median income of $81,563 (41.9% larger). Comparing median household income to the United States average of $69,021, Bethel Census Area is about 20.1% smaller. Also, benchmarked against the state of Alaska, median household income of $80,287, Bethel Census Area is approximately three-fourths the size.

The next section examines a variety of different income statistics for the Bethel Census Area metropolitan area. In Figure 3 we see that it it has one of the largest proportions of earnings less than $10,000 at 7.9% of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 Lake and Peninsula Borough (8.8%), and #1 Kusilvak Census Area (9.8%) are larger. Second, it has the smallest proportion of earnings between $15,000 and $19,999 at 21.9% of the total.

Figure 5 has the Average number of hours worked in a typical work week during the year, it has a Avg Hours Worked of 36.8 which is the smallest in order of average hours of all the other counties in the metro area. The county with the highest average hours in the area is Bristol Bay Borough which depicts an average hours of 46.5 (26.4% larger). Dividing median annual worker earnings by the average number of hours worked in a year in Figure 6 shows that it has a Avg Hrly Earnings of $30.42 which is the second most average hourly earnings of all the counties in the greater Bethel Census Area region. The county with the highest average hourly earnings in the area is Nome Census Area which indicates an average hourly earnings of $31.90 (only about 4.9% larger). Comparing average hourly earnings to the United States average of $26.40, Bethel Census Area is 15.2% larger. Also, measured against the state of Alaska, average hourly earnings of $28.26, Bethel Census Area is 7.6% larger.

Figure 7 examines the number of self employed people in the Bethel Census Area metro area based on the number of people who reported any self employment income. Bethel Census Area shows it has a Self Employed of 8.4% which is the smallest in terms of percentage of people self employed of all the other counties in the greater region. The county with the highest percentage of people self employed in the area is Bristol Bay Borough which depicts a percentage self employed of 30.5% (approximately 3.6 times bigger).

Turning our attention to Figure 8, the median household income by age group, has the percentage of median income-under 25 years in the mid range of other counties in the surrounding region at $65,192 of the total. Second, it has less than most other counties in the metro area in terms of median income-25 to 44 years at $56,892 of the total. Third, it has less than most other counties in the metropolitan area when ranked by median income-45 to 64 years at $47,500 of the total.

Figure 9 breaks down the source of income and Bethel Census Area has the smallest proportion of income from wages at 1.9% of the total.

The next chart (Figure 11) shows the percentage of households that had retirement income over the last 12 months and it has a With Retirement Income of 14.8% which is the third most households with retirement income of all other counties in the greater Bethel Census Area region. The county with the highest households with retirement income in the area is Kenai Peninsula Borough which depicts a households with retirement income of 27.1% (about twice as large).

In the next chart, Figure 12, the median family income is shown for families broken down by racial group and it has one of the largest proportions of overall family income at $131,681 of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Nome Census Area with $135,000. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of white family income at $81,429 of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Nome Census Area with $118,500. Third, it has less than most other counties in the greater region when sorted by black family income at $47,945 of the total. Also, it has the largest proportion of hawaiian family income at $162,716 of the total and is ranked #1.

Figure 13 shows the cost of living and other consumer spending categories for a variety of cost components from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bethel Census Area shows it has the hightest cost of 135.7 for the cost of healthcare group.

Bethel Census Area Labor Force Charts

The next two charts look at very recent, monthly trended employment related performance using data estimated by economists at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS tracks unemployment statistics for a large number of areas throughout the country on a month to month basis. However, not every location in the U.S. is tracked by the BLS so the chart will only show the closest location available (which may be the same location.) Figure 14 shows the monthly unemployment rate for the area as well as a comparison to the overall national economy measure for the United States. Note that in March to April 2020, the Covid 19 recession or great recession occurred and affects this metric. . It depicts that from February 2010 to before the Wuhan Coronavirus/COVID Pandemic the monthly unemployment rate went from 15.6% to 11.3% in February 2020. This represents a decrease in the monthly unemployment rate of 27.6%. Since that time, the monthly unemployment rate has gone to 9.6% This represents a decrease in the monthly unemployment rate of 15.0%. In Figure 15 the monthly labor force participation which are people actively looking for work are also defined as unemployed but do not include people who have given up looking for work. . It shows that from February 2010 to before the Wuhan Coronavirus Pandemic the monthly labor force participation went from 7,035 to 7,407 in March 2020. This represents an increase in the monthly labor force participation of 5.3%. Since that time, the monthly labor force participation has gone to 7,161 This represents a decrease in the monthly labor force participation of 3.3%.

The next two charts look at the annual unemployment rate/eligible for unemployment benefits and is based on the American Community survey. Figure 16 shows Bethel Census Area shows it has a Unemployment Rate of 11.3% which is the third most unemployment rate of all other counties in the greater Bethel Census Area region. The county with the highest unemployment rate in the area is Kusilvak Census Area which depicts a rate of 14.1% (24.9% larger). Figure 17 shows the labor force participation using the estimated percentage of people either working or actively looking for work. Bethel Census Area shows it has a Labor Force Participation of 62.7% which is in the mid point range of other counties in the metropolitan area.

The percentage of full-time workers are compared to the number of part-time workers in Figure 19. Bethel Census Area depicts full time employees about twice as large as the part time employees.

The next employment related data item is shown in Figure 21 which is the percentage of families with only a single earner in the greater Bethel Census Area area. Bethel Census Area shows it has a Single Earner Families of 27.1% which is the second smallest when sorted by families with a single earner of all the other counties in the local area. The county with the highest families with a single earner in the area is Bristol Bay Borough which depicts a single earners rate of 34.9% (28.7% larger). The percentage of families with no one working is depicted in Figure 22. Bethel Census Area depicts it has a Families with No One Working of 14.7% which is in the mid range of other counties in the area. The county with the highest families with no one working in the area is Kenai Peninsula Borough which depicts a families with no worker of 20.4% (38.7% larger).

Bethel Census Area Poverty Charts

The next section details economy analysis about poverty for residents of the Bethel Census Area community. This performance can be enhanced by government programs such as economic opportunity zone to influence manufacturing, job growth, economic opportunity an hopefully lead to economic recovery after the recent Covid 19 recession. In Figure 23 the total number of people earning less than the poverty level are shown. Bethel Census Area shows it has a Total In Poverty of 5,186 which is the second most total people earning less than the poverty level of all the counties in the greater Bethel Census Area region. The county with the highest total people earning less than the poverty level in the area is Kenai Peninsula Borough which depicts a total people earning less than the poverty level of 6,819 (31.5% larger).

In Figure 24 the percentage of people earning less than the poverty level is shown and compared across the group of places. Bethel Census Area depicts it has a Percent of Population In Poverty of 28.5% which is the second most percent of people earning less than the poverty level of all the counties in the greater Bethel Census Area region. The county with the highest percent of people earning less than the poverty level in the area is Kusilvak Census Area which depicts a percent of people in poverty of 36.6% (28.4% larger).

The next chart, Figure 26, shows the percentage of people in poverty by racial group. Bethel Census Area has one of the largest proportions of white poverty rate at 9% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Nome Census Area with 9%. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of black poverty rate at 32% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Kusilvak Census Area with 39%. Third, it has the largest proportion of american indian poverty rate at 34% of the total and is ranked #1.

Figure 27 shows key poverty statistics for groups based on marriage status. Bethel Census Area has one of the largest proportions of married with children and in poverty at 48% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Kusilvak Census Area with 52%. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of unmarried with children and in poverty at 43% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Kusilvak Census Area with 51%. Third, it has the largest proportion of unmarried female with children and in poverty at 59% of the total and is ranked #1.

The next chart looks at the percentage of people in poverty based on their education level in Figure 28 marriage status. Bethel Census Area has one of the largest proportions of less than highschool in poverty at 28% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Kusilvak Census Area with 29%. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of highschool graduate and in poverty at 17% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Kusilvak Census Area with 21%. Figure 29 looks at only those people who make less than the poverty level of income and breaks down there employment status. Bethel Census Area has the smallest proportion of people who are in poverty and unemployed at 16.0% of the total. Additionally, Figure 30 looks at the percentage of people who receive some form of public assistance including general assistance, temporary assistance or food stamps (i.e. SNAP.) Bethel Census Area shows it has a Public Assistance Percent of 44.3% which is the second most of all the counties in the surrounding region. The county with the highest households with public assistance in the area is Kusilvak Census Area which depicts a households with public assistance of 55.4% (25.0% larger).

Figure 31 shows the "Gini Index of Income Inequality" with a range from zero (perfect equality) to one (perfect inequality). Bethel Census Area depicts it has a Gini Index of 45.7% which is more than all other counties in the greater Bethel Census Area region.

Bethel Census Area Work Commute Charts

Figure 33 shows a more detailed view of how the population commutes to work for (for example to downtown Bethel Census Area or elsewhere.) Bethel Census Area has the percentage of people who drove alone the second smallest in order of people who drove alone of all the other counties in the local area at 23% of the total. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of people who took a taxicab, motorcycle or other at 27% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Kusilvak Census Area with 46%.

In Figure 35 is shown a frequency distribution of the time that people leave for work. Bethel Census Area has the smallest proportion of people who leave for work between 12am to 5am at 1% of the total.

The next graph in Figure 36 shows the average number of minutes that it takes for people to commute to work. Bethel Census Area has the percentage of people with commute time of less than 5 minutesutes in the center range of other counties in the local area at 41% of the total. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of people with commute time between 5 to 9 minutes at 19% of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 Dillingham Census Area (20%), and #1 Bristol Bay Borough (21%) are larger. Third, it has less than most other counties in the greater region in order of people with commute time between 10 to 14 minutes at 4% of the total.

The average commute time is shown in Figure 37. Bethel Census Area depicts it has a Avg Commute Time of 7 which is in the intermediate range of other counties in the local area. Figure 38 shows the difference between male versus female commuting time. Bethel Census Area depicts average commute time in minutes for men 28.8% larger as the average commute time in minutes for women. Figure 40 shows the total number of vehicles available for transportation and Bethel Census Area has the percentage of no vehicle available less than most other counties in the metro area at 25% of the total. Second, it has the second smallest when sorted by no vehicle available of all the other counties in the area in order of 1 vehicle available at 16% of the total. Third, it has the second smallest in order of no vehicle available of all the other counties in the local area in terms of 2 vehicles available at 5% of the total. Also, it has in the mid range of other counties in the metro area in order of 3 vehicles available at 1% of the total. In addition, it has less than most other counties in the surrounding region when sorted by 4 vehicles available at 0% of the total. Figure 41 shows the percentage of people who both work and live in the same city (town or place.) Bethel Census Area indicates it has a Work in city or place where live of 92% which is the third most of all other counties in the metro area. The county with the highest people who both work and live in the same city in the area is Lake and Peninsula Borough which shows a people who both work and live in the same city of 95% (only about 3.4% larger). Comparing people who both work and live in the same city to the United States average of 44%, Bethel Census Area is about twice as large. Also, measured against the state of Alaska, people who both work and live in the same city of 72%, Bethel Census Area is 28.3% larger.

Bethel Census Area Jobs Charts

The next to charts break out the median earnings for major job categories for men and women. Figure 46 shows the median earnings of men for the job categories. Bethel Census Area depicts it has the hightest median earnings of $98,393 for the earnings-computer, engineering, and science occupations group. Similarly, Figure 47 shows the median earnings of women for the job categories and Bethel Census Area depicts it has the hightest median earnings of $98,864 for the earnings-healthcare practitioners and tech occupations grouping. The table in Figure 48, shows Bethel Census Area employment data in terms of job categories and salary data.

Bethel Census Area Self Employment Charts

Figure 49 shows economic activity in terms of the number of people who are self employed in incorporated local business by industry. Bethel Census Area depicts it has the hightest entrepreneurs of 49% for the self employed management, business, science, and arts businesses classification.

Similar to the last chart is Figure 50 which shows the number of people who are self employed but in more detailed industry categories such as manufacturing, retail sales, residential real estate, commercial real estate, health care, exports/imports, and advanced industries, etc. Bethel Census Area depicts it has the hightest entrepreneurs of 28% for the self employed in transportation, warehousing, and utilities group.

In Figure 51 the average annual self employment/entrepreneur income is shown. Bethel Census Area shows it has a Self Employment Income of $17,576 which is the second smallest when ranked by average annual self employment income of all the other counties in the greater region. The county with the highest average annual self employment income in the area is Bristol Bay Borough which depicts an average annual self employment income of $53,598 (approximately 3.0 times bigger). Comparing average annual self employment income to the United States average of $42,141, Bethel Census Area is approximately half the size. Also, measured against the state of Alaska, average annual self employment income of $38,150, Bethel Census Area is approximately half the size.

Figure 52 shows the difference between the number of self employed men and self employed women (i.e. entrepreneurs.) Bethel Census Area depicts total number of self-employed men about twice as large as the total number of self-employed women.