Bethlehem, PA vs Plainfield, NJ
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Bethlehem
74.1
#632 nationally
Plainfield
64.6
#1687 nationally
Bethlehem leads in crime level (5.6 vs 11.3). Bethlehem leads in average commute (22.6 min vs 30.6 min). Bethlehem leads in cost of living index (99 vs 122).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Plainfield, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.1 (#632) | 64.6 (#1687) |
| Population | 78,300 | 54,670 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $364,711 | $521,339 |
| Median Household Income | $62,072 | $70,712 |
| Average Commute | 22.6 min | 30.6 min |
| Walk Score | 59 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 11.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 122 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.7 | D+13.9 |
C
74.1 Score
Bethlehem, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$364,711
Population
78,300
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
59
Northeast
View Bethlehem, PA →
D
64.6 Score
Plainfield, NJ
New Jersey community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$521,339
Population
54,670
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
54
Northeast
View Plainfield, NJ →
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