Bethel Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Bethel Township is a township in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Lebanon, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,526 at the 2000 census. Fredericksburg is a census-designated place within the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.8 sqmi, of which, 34.7 sqmi of it is land and 0.04 sqmi of it (0.09%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 4,526 people, 1,608 households, and 1,252 families residing in the township. The population density is 130.3 people per square mile (50.3/km²). There are 1,710 housing units at an average density of 49.2/sq mi (19.0/km²). The racial makeup of the township is 98.14% White, 0.27% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.77% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,608 households out of which 35.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.2% are married couples living together, 7.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% are non-families. 17.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.81 and the average family size is 3.19.

In the township the population is spread out with 27.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township is $41,790, and the median income for a family is $47,415. Males have a median income of $31,278 versus $26,411 for females. The per capita income for the township is $17,093. 8.1% of the population and 6.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.9% of those under the age of 18 and 13.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.