Bethesda, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
69,397
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$192,237/yr
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
30,095
1.8% year-over-year change

Bethesda population

How many people live in Bethesda

Bethesda is home to 69,397 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Bethesda locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
69,397
3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
33,224
Female
52.1%
36,173
Value Percent YoY change
Male 33,224 47.9% 2.1%
Female 36,173 52.1% 3.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bethesda is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 27.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
27.8%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,232 19.1% 1.3%
15 to 24 8,336 12% 13.7%
25 to 44 15,299 22% 3.2%
45 to 64 19,324 27.8% -0.7%
Over 65 13,206 19% 3.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bethesda, 70.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 15.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.5% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 12.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
15.7%
Non-citizens
13.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 49,040 70.7% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,908 15.7% 7.4%
Non-citizens 9,449 13.6% 4.9%
Racial breakdown
White
67.5%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
12.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.9%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 46,848 67.5%
Black or African American 4,409 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 145 0.2%
Asian 8,880 12.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0%
Two or more races 7,552 10.9%
Other 1,542 2.2%

Households in Bethesda

A peek inside Bethesda households

Bethesda has 27,937 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.2% are families, while the remaining 35.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,937
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,994
Family households
17,943
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,994 35.8% 4.2%
Family households 17,943 64.2% 1.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bethesda

The housing landscape of Bethesda

Bethesda's housing consists of 30,095 units, with 52.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
30,095
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,922 52.9%
1 unit, attached 1,173 3.9%
2 units 80 0.3%
3 or 4 units 294 1%
5 to 9 units 542 1.8%
10 to 19 units 529 1.8%
20 to 49 units 1,021 3.4%
50 or more units 10,420 34.6%
Mobile home 114 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
820
52.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bethesda

In Bethesda, the median construction year is 1970. About 8.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,496 8.3% 4.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,488 8.3% -1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,033 20% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,225 14% 14.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,257 10.8% -3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,042 6.8% -13.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,649 5.5% -8.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,123 10.4% 10.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,962 13.2% 0.5%
Built in 2020 or later 820 2.7% 52.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bethesda occupancy rates

Out of the 27,937 occupied housing units in Bethesda, 64% are owner-occupied, while 36% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,937
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,069
Owner occupied
17,868
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,069 36% 5.5%
Owner occupied 17,868 64% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
7.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bethesda housing costs

Housing costs in Bethesda come to a median of $2,877 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,469.

Median housing costs per month
$2,877/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bethesda
$2,469/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bethesda

Bethesda education at a glance

About 7% of the population in Bethesda went to high school, while 7.2% pursued college studies. Another 2.4% earned an associate degree and 29.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 52.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 607 1.1% 8.2%
High school diploma 3,744 7% 2.5%
College diploma 3,822 7.2% 8.6%
Associate degree 1,264 2.4% 17.1%
Bachelor's degree 15,960 29.9% 5.3%
Graduate degree 27,913 52.4% 1.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bethesda

How much people earn in Bethesda

The average annual household income in Bethesda was $295,886 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $192,237, reflecting a +0.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bethesda
$295,886/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bethesda
$192,237/year
0.5% year-over-year change

Bethesda income by age

In Bethesda, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $161,804. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $250,001 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,188, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $173,565 in earnings. Overall, 95.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,188 -25.0%
25 - 44 $161,804 1.0%
45 - 64 $250,001 0.0%
Over 65 $173,565 3.2%
Above poverty level
65,305
Below poverty level
2,901
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 65,305 95.8% 2.1%
Below poverty level 2,901 4.2% 9.9%

Average renter income in Bethesda

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bethesda, their median household income was $105,752 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$105,752
Rent-to-income ratio
28%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bethesda

Workforce and job types in Bethesda

The job market in Bethesda is powered by 35,674 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 98.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 1.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 12.6% run their own businesses, 46.5% are employed by private companies, and 25.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
35,674
2.3% year-over-year change
White collar
35,027
Blue collar
647
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,027 98.2% 2.4%
Blue collar 647 1.8% 0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
12.6%
Private companies
46.5%
Governmental workers
25.1%
Not for profit companies
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,486 12.6% 4.2%
Private companies 16,594 46.5% 1.0%
Governmental workers 8,970 25.1% 3.9%
Not for profit companies 5,624 15.8% 2.4%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
-3.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bethesda stands at 3.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bethesda

How people get around in Bethesda

Commuting methods vary: 43.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 15,671 43.5% 1.0%
Taxicab 85 0.2% 25.0%
Bus or trolleybus 586 1.6% -8.7%
Subway or elevated 2,845 7.9% N/A
Railroad 34 0.1% -26.1%
Motorcycle 11 0% -68.6%
Bicycle 539 1.5% -4.8%
Walk 2,179 6% 11.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bethesda by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20814 32,795 14,904 $150,996 $233,913
20816 18,140 6,400 $232,656 $323,612
20817 37,454 13,660 $249,332 $345,225

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FAQs about Bethesda demographics 

What is the total population of Bethesda?

Bethesda has a total population of 69,397 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bethesda?

The gender ratio in Bethesda is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (33,224 residents)
  • 52.1% females (36,173 residents)

What is the median age in Bethesda?

The median age in Bethesda is 42.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bethesda?

The age distribution in Bethesda is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (13,232 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (8,336 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (15,299 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.8% (19,324 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (13,206 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bethesda?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethesda is as follows:
  • White: 67.5% (46,848 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (4,409 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (145 residents)
  • Asian: 12.8% (8,880 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.9% (7,552 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (1,542 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bethesda are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.7% of the population in Bethesda.

How many housing units are there in Bethesda?

There are 30,095 housing units in Bethesda, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bethesda and what is the average household size?

Bethesda has a total of 27,937 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bethesda?

Bethesda has a median household income of $192,237, representing a +0.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bethesda?

The employment rate is 96.9% in Bethesda, with a workforce of 35,674 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 98.2% (35,027 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 1.8% (647 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 12.6% (4,486 residents)
  • Private companies: 46.5% (16,594 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.1% (8,970 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.8% (5,624 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025