According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, as of 2006, there were an estimated 5,960 people living in Bethel. As of the 2000 census there were 5471 people, 1,790 households, and 1,190 families residing in the city.

The population density was 49/km² (125.0/mi²). There were 2,310 housing units at an average density of 18/km² (46/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 27% White, 1% Black or African American, 62% Native American, 3% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 7% from two or more races. 2% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,790 households out of which 46% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% are married couples living together, 18% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30% are non-families. 25% of all households are made up of individuals and 3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.0 and the average family size is 3.7.

In the city the population is spread out with 33% under the age of 18, 12% from 18 to 24, 31% from 25 to 44, 20% from 45 to 64, and 6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 29 years. For every 100 females there are 110 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 110 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $56,900, and the median income for a family is $62,400. Males have a median income of $44,900 versus $39,000 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,300. 11% of the population and 11% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10% of those under the age of 18 and 18% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.