MarylandPop. 69,397Smaller cities
Is Bethesda a Good Place to Live? Bethesda, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bethesda ranks #4 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #3 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($192,237, #6 of 524) and low poverty (4.3%, #18 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,169,900, #500 of 524) and high rents ($2,469/mo, #483 of 524).
Bethesda by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bethesda's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Bethesda: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Bethesda safe?
What is the cost of living in Bethesda?
Bethesda's cost of living index is 108.9, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1079 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,469/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,121,468, 2.6 times the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Bethesda | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 108.9#1079 of 1,308 | 105 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $1,121,468#1134 of 1,187 | $428,308 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,038/mo#1041 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $1,169,900#1272 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,469/mo#1240 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.1x#1055 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 15.4%#72 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bethesda housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bethesda is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Bethesda safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Bethesda alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Bethesda crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Bethesda?
The median household in Bethesda earns $192,237, 2.3 times the US figure of $83,163 and 87% above Maryland ($102,905). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Bethesda | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $192,237#8 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 4.3%#63 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bethesda?
The median resident of Bethesda is 42.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 87.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #2 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bethesda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.8 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 87.1%#2 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bethesda's schools and health?
Bethesda's 12 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil. 22.2% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bethesda | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 86.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.8#712 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $19,456#228 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.2%#45 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 10.4%#4 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 4.5%#37 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,461 students are enrolled in Bethesda's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bethesda?
The average commute in Bethesda is 27.7 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 9.6% of workers take transit and 38% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bethesda scores 14.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.9°F and winters 36.4°F, with 48.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bethesda | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27.7 min#977 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 39.8% | 66.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 9.6% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6% | 2.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 38% | 15.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.3#113 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42.9 | 25.5 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 46.4 | 27.3 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 54.8 | 33.5 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 67.6 | 43.6 | 3.5 |
| May | 75.7 | 53.7 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 84 | 62.8 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 88.2 | 68 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 86.2 | 66.3 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 59.2 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 68 | 46.8 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 56.4 | 36.4 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 46.9 | 29.6 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dalecarlia Rsvr.
| Measure | Bethesda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 56.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 48.5 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dalecarlia Rsvr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bethesda?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Bethesda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.06%#9 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Montgomery County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Montgomery County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0066% | 70% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0032% | 53% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 46% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 35% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0018% | 21% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.039% | 4% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bethesda compare with similar-size cities?
Bethesda is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #3 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 69,397.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #4 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data | 27.7 min |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #1257 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 | 17.7 min |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #1295 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 | 19.1 min |
| Lakewood, NJPop. 69,585 | #950 | 50.9 | $56,968 | $1,718/mo | no data | 20.8 min |
| Yuba City, CAPop. 69,471 | #1069 | 48.5 | $75,477 | $1,454/mo | 399 | 26.9 min |
| Portland, MEPop. 68,854 | #131 | 67.1 | $79,540 | $1,577/mo | 245 | 19.4 min |
| Schenectady, NYPop. 68,847 | #907 | 51.6 | $58,399 | $1,145/mo | 705 | 22 min |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #492 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #1145 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bethesda compare with the rest of Maryland?
Bethesda ranks #1 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 76.7 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 87% above the Maryland median. Homes are 2.6 times the typical Maryland home.
| City | Rank in MD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #1 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #2 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #3 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #4 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #5 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #6 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 |
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #7 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #8 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data |
| Severn, MDPop. 58,402 | #9 | 66.0 | $134,423 | $2,175/mo | no data |
| Bel Air South, MDPop. 58,137 | #10 | 64.9 | $123,653 | $1,757/mo | no data |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #11 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #12 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 |
| Silver Spring, MDPop. 81,462 | #13 | 63.2 | $99,860 | $1,913/mo | no data |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #14 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #15 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #16 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #17 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #18 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #19 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 |
| Dundalk, MDPop. 65,969 | #20 | 45.5 | $64,520 | $1,473/mo | no data |
All 20 Maryland cities we track, by overall score. Maryland statewide: median income $102,905, violent crime 358 per 100,000.
How is Bethesda's score calculated?
Bethesda scores 76.7 out of 100, #4 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Maryland's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bethesda. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bethesda. Similar-size median 58.9.
90.3 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bethesda's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
66.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Bethesda's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
24.5 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bethesda. Similar-size median 56.1.
97.6 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bethesda. Similar-size median 50.0.
75.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bethesda's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
80.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Bethesda alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Bethesda.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bethesda's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bethesda has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bethesda
Is Bethesda, MD a good place to live?
Bethesda ranks #4 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #3 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($192,237, #6 of 524) and low poverty (4.3%, #18 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($1,169,900, #500 of 524) and high rents ($2,469/mo, #483 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Bethesda?
Bethesda's cost of living index is 108.9, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1079 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,469/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,121,468, 2.6 times the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
Is Bethesda safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Bethesda alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Bethesda crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Bethesda?
The median household in Bethesda earns $192,237, 2.3 times the US figure of $83,163 and 87% above Maryland ($102,905). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Bethesda?
Median rent in Bethesda is $2,469/mo (Census), #1240 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,038/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bethesda?
The typical home value in Bethesda is $1,121,468, up 0.7% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,169,900.
How are the public schools in Bethesda?
Bethesda's 12 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $19,456 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bethesda?
The average commute is 27.7 minutes, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bethesda?
Bethesda averages 56.2°F over the year, 75.9°F in summer and 36.4°F in winter, with 48.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bethesda walkable?
Bethesda scores 14.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #113 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bethesda at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Montgomery County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.06% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bethesda?
Montgomery County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Bethesda?
Bethesda has 69,397 residents. The median resident of Bethesda is 42.8 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 87.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #2 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bethesda compare with the rest of Maryland?
Bethesda ranks #1 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 76.7 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 87% above the Maryland median. Homes are 2.6 times the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Bethesda?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bethesda's population of 69,397 are Decatur, IL (#1257 overall), Canton, OH (#1295 overall), Lakewood, NJ (#950 overall), Yuba City, CA (#1069 overall), and Portland, ME (#131 overall). Bethesda is #4.