North Bethesda, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
49,677
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$129,092/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
23,335
0.8% year-over-year change

North Bethesda population

How many people live in North Bethesda

North Bethesda is home to 49,677 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of North Bethesda locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
49,677
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
24,428
Female
50.8%
25,249
Value Percent YoY change
Male 24,428 49.2% -1.1%
Female 25,249 50.8% 1.9%
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 North Bethesda is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.2% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.4% of the population, while another 26.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.2%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
29.4%
45 to 64
26.7%
Over 65
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,057 16.2% 2.7%
15 to 24 5,101 10.3% 3.0%
25 to 44 14,607 29.4% -2.7%
45 to 64 13,280 26.7% 1.9%
Over 65 8,632 17.4% -0.4%
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 North Bethesda, 63.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 21.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 15.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 54.4% of locals are Caucasian, 9.3% are African American and 16.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
63.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
21.3%
Non-citizens
15.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 31,592 63.6% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 10,559 21.3% 2.0%
Non-citizens 7,526 15.2% 2.7%
Racial breakdown
White
54.4%
Black or African American
9.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
16.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14%
Other
5.9%
Value Percent
White 27,000 54.4%
Black or African American 4,617 9.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 145 0.3%
Asian 7,981 16.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0%
Two or more races 6,962 14%
Other 2,951 5.9%

Households in North Bethesda

A peek inside North Bethesda households

North Bethesda has 21,933 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.4% are families, while the remaining 47.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,933
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,432
Family households
11,501
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,432 47.6% 2.0%
Family households 11,501 52.4% -1.0%
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 North Bethesda

The housing landscape of North Bethesda

North Bethesda's housing consists of 23,335 units, with 26.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.7% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
23,335
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,239 26.7%
1 unit, attached 2,721 11.7%
2 units 77 0.3%
3 or 4 units 272 1.2%
5 to 9 units 1,907 8.2%
10 to 19 units 2,142 9.2%
20 to 49 units 1,317 5.6%
50 or more units 8,635 37%
Mobile home 25 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
643
81.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Bethesda

In North Bethesda, the median construction year is 1982. About 0.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 82 0.4% -35.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 449 1.9% -10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,849 12.2% -4.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,886 20.9% 2.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,392 10.2% 6.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,461 19.1% 3.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,015 8.6% -4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,150 13.5% -5.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,408 10.3% -0.8%
Built in 2020 or later 643 2.8% 81.6%
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.

North Bethesda occupancy rates

Out of the 21,933 occupied housing units in North Bethesda, 50.4% are owner-occupied, while 49.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,933
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,868
Owner occupied
11,065
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,868 49.6% -2.1%
Owner occupied 11,065 50.4% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.0%
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.

North Bethesda housing costs

Housing costs in North Bethesda come to a median of $2,216 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,191.

Median housing costs per month
$2,216/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 North Bethesda
$2,191/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 North Bethesda

North Bethesda education at a glance

About 11.8% of the population in North Bethesda went to high school, while 10.1% pursued college studies. Another 3.2% earned an associate degree and 30.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 41.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,077 2.7% -9.7%
High school diploma 4,722 11.8% 0.3%
College diploma 4,036 10.1% 1.2%
Associate degree 1,276 3.2% -17.9%
Bachelor's degree 12,191 30.4% -2.0%
Graduate degree 16,745 41.8% 3.1%
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 North Bethesda

How much people earn in North Bethesda

The average annual household income in North Bethesda was $180,789 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $129,092, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Bethesda
$180,789/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Bethesda
$129,092/year
0.1% year-over-year change

North Bethesda income by age

In North Bethesda, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $119,072. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $172,237 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,831, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $105,308 in earnings. Overall, 94.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,831 -2.9%
25 - 44 $119,072 -0.9%
45 - 64 $172,237 6.8%
Over 65 $105,308 -0.5%
Above poverty level
45,763
Below poverty level
2,559
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 45,763 94.7% 1.0%
Below poverty level 2,559 5.3% -7.1%

Average renter income in North Bethesda

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in North Bethesda, their median household income was $101,286 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$101,286
Rent-to-income ratio
26%
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 North Bethesda

Workforce and job types in North Bethesda

The job market in North Bethesda is powered by 27,390 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.3% run their own businesses, 47.9% are employed by private companies, and 25.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,390
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
25,514
Blue collar
1,876
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,514 93.2% -0.1%
Blue collar 1,876 6.8% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
10.3%
Private companies
47.9%
Governmental workers
25.6%
Not for profit companies
16.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,811 10.3% -3.1%
Private companies 13,126 47.9% -2.5%
Governmental workers 7,018 25.6% -1.4%
Not for profit companies 4,435 16.2% 12.7%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
4.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in North Bethesda stands at 3.6%, 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 North Bethesda

How people get around in North Bethesda

In North Bethesda, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 50.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
-1.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,649 50.1% -3.7%
Taxicab 20 0.1% -35.5%
Bus or trolleybus 599 2.2% -17.5%
Subway or elevated 2,060 7.6% N/A
Railroad 144 0.5% 5.9%
Motorcycle 46 0.2% 27.8%
Bicycle 116 0.4% 22.1%
Walk 343 1.3% -33.5%
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.

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FAQs about North Bethesda demographics 

What is the total population of North Bethesda?

North Bethesda has a total population of 49,677 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in North Bethesda?

The gender ratio in North Bethesda is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (24,428 residents)
  • 50.8% females (25,249 residents)

What is the median age in North Bethesda?

The median age in North Bethesda is 40.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in North Bethesda?

The age distribution in North Bethesda is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.2% (8,057 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (5,101 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.4% (14,607 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.7% (13,280 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.4% (8,632 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of North Bethesda?

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Bethesda is as follows:
  • White: 54.4% (27,000 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.3% (4,617 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (145 residents)
  • Asian: 16.1% (7,981 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14% (6,962 residents)
  • Other: 5.9% (2,951 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 63.6% of the population in North Bethesda.

How many housing units are there in North Bethesda?

There are 23,335 housing units in North Bethesda, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

North Bethesda has a total of 21,933 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Bethesda?

North Bethesda has a median household income of $129,092, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in North Bethesda, with a workforce of 27,390 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.2% (25,514 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.8% (1,876 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.3% (2,811 residents)
  • Private companies: 47.9% (13,126 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.6% (7,018 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.2% (4,435 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