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Is North Bethesda a Good Place to Live? North Bethesda, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
North Bethesda ranks #29 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($129,092, #15 of 208) and low poverty (5.2%, #24 of 208), and trails on high rents ($2,191/mo, #197 of 208) and high living costs (108.9, #195 of 208).
North Bethesda by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with North 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 North Bethesda: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is North Bethesda safe?
What is the cost of living in North Bethesda?
North 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 $2,191/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $731,800.
| Measure | North Bethesda | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 108.9#1079 of 1,308 | 105 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $731,800#1166 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $2,191/mo#1167 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.4%#500 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Is North Bethesda safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for North Bethesda alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a North 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 North Bethesda?
The median household in North Bethesda earns $129,092, 55% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Maryland ($102,905). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | North Bethesda | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $129,092#113 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 5.2%#112 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in North Bethesda?
The median resident of North Bethesda is 40.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 75.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #20 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | North Bethesda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 75.1%#20 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 50.4% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are North Bethesda's schools and health?
We have too few school records for North Bethesda to describe its public schools. 23.6% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | North Bethesda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 23.6%#88 of 1,311 | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 11.4%#11 of 1,311 | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 6.8%#228 of 1,311 | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in North Bethesda?
The average commute in North Bethesda is 29.6 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 10.3% of workers take transit and 36.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index North Bethesda scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.6°F and winters 36.6°F, with 41.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | North Bethesda | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 29.6 min#1081 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 8.5%#956 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 45.4% | 66.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 10.3% | 5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 36.7% | 15.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 42.2 | 26.9 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 45 | 28.4 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 53.7 | 35.9 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 65.9 | 45.6 | 3.2 |
| May | 74.3 | 54.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 63.6 | 4 |
| Jul | 87.1 | 68.8 | 4 |
| Aug | 84.9 | 67 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 77.5 | 60 | 4 |
| Oct | 65.9 | 48 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 55.7 | 38.2 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 46 | 30.9 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rockville 1 Ne.
| Measure | North Bethesda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 36.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rockville 1 Ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in North 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 | North Bethesda | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.06%#9 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 North Bethesda compare with similar-size cities?
North Bethesda is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #6 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 49,677.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #29 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| Lakewood, OHPop. 50,007 | #184 | 64.9 | $68,954 | $1,070/mo | 81 | 22.8 min |
| Covina, CAPop. 49,888 | #676 | 55.5 | $98,671 | $1,931/mo | 285 | 31 min |
| Tamiami, FLPop. 49,752 | #1083 | 48.3 | $78,353 | $1,939/mo | no data | 32.7 min |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #484 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 | 17.2 min |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #21 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data | 28.1 min |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #113 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 | 20.2 min |
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #56 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 | 21.6 min |
| Stillwater, OKPop. 49,269 | #802 | 53.3 | $43,700 | $947/mo | 202 | 15.4 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 North Bethesda compare with the rest of Maryland?
North Bethesda ranks #4 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 72.1 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 25% above the Maryland median.
| 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 North Bethesda's score calculated?
North Bethesda scores 72.1 out of 100, #29 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, 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 · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in North Bethesda. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
81.8 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in North Bethesda. Similar-size median 52.2.
85.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
North Bethesda's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
35.0 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in North Bethesda. Similar-size median 46.7.
86.8 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in North Bethesda. Similar-size median 47.3.
68.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across North Bethesda's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
80.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving North Bethesda alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for North Bethesda.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for North Bethesda.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: North Bethesda's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories North 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 North Bethesda
Is North Bethesda, MD a good place to live?
North Bethesda ranks #29 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($129,092, #15 of 208) and low poverty (5.2%, #24 of 208), and trails on high rents ($2,191/mo, #197 of 208) and high living costs (108.9, #195 of 208).
What is the cost of living in North Bethesda?
North 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 $2,191/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $731,800.
Is North Bethesda safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for North Bethesda alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a North 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 North Bethesda?
The median household in North Bethesda earns $129,092, 55% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Maryland ($102,905). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in North Bethesda?
Median rent in North Bethesda is $2,191/mo (Census), #1167 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in North Bethesda?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in North Bethesda is $731,800, #1166 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in North Bethesda?
We have too few school records for North Bethesda to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in North Bethesda?
The average commute is 29.6 minutes, #1081 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 8.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in North Bethesda?
North Bethesda averages 56.2°F over the year, 75.6°F in summer and 36.6°F in winter, with 41.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is North Bethesda walkable?
North Bethesda scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 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 North 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 North 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 North Bethesda?
North Bethesda has 49,677 residents. The median resident of North Bethesda is 40.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 75.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #20 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does North Bethesda compare with the rest of Maryland?
North Bethesda ranks #4 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 72.1 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 25% above the Maryland median.
What cities are similar in size to North Bethesda?
The tracked cities in other states closest to North Bethesda's population of 49,677 are Lakewood, OH (#184 overall), Covina, CA (#676 overall), Tamiami, FL (#1083 overall), Sheboygan, WI (#484 overall), and McLean, VA (#21 overall). North Bethesda is #29.