North Bethesda, MD
Population 49,498 · Maryland
About North Bethesda, MD
North Bethesda is a mid-sized city located in Maryland with a population of 49,498 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $128,970 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in North Bethesda features a median home value of $712,100, which is 191% above the national median of $244,900. This places North Bethesda in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,161, 86% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 23,158 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (10,747 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (11,099 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in North Bethesda shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in North Bethesda have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
74.2% of North Bethesda residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 14.3% Asian residents, with 33.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How North Bethesda Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in North Bethesda, MD
Compared to national averages, North Bethesda has a median household income of $128,970 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $712,100, which is 191% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,161 is 86% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, North Bethesda's income is 19% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 77% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in North Bethesda, MD?
North Bethesda offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $128,970, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%, and a well-educated community where 74.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $712,100. However, North Bethesda’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
North Bethesda has a population of 49,498 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare North Bethesda with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near North Bethesda
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheaton | 52,172 | $107,349 | $483,100 | Compare |
| Potomac | 46,230 | $239,205 | $1,105,900 | Compare |
| Odenton | 45,585 | $126,455 | $408,400 | Compare |
| Aspen Hill | 53,752 | $109,026 | $538,000 | Compare |
| Hagerstown | 43,490 | $49,957 | $207,700 | Compare |
| Catonsville | 42,717 | $110,051 | $405,800 | Compare |
| Towson | 57,683 | $100,481 | $445,100 | Compare |
| Bel Air South | 57,702 | $120,721 | $384,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare North Bethesda With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about North Bethesda
What is the population of North Bethesda, MD?
The population of North Bethesda, MD is 49,498 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Maryland.
What is the median household income in North Bethesda?
The median household income in North Bethesda, MD is $128,970 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in North Bethesda?
The median home value in North Bethesda, MD is $712,100, which is 191% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in North Bethesda?
The median monthly rent in North Bethesda, MD is $2,161, which is 86% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in North Bethesda?
The unemployment rate in North Bethesda, MD is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is North Bethesda, MD a good place to live?
North Bethesda offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 49,498 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is North Bethesda, MD?
74.2% of residents in North Bethesda aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in North Bethesda?
Key cost-of-living indicators for North Bethesda, MD: median home value is $712,100 (191% above national), median rent is $2,161/month, and median household income is $128,970. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in North Bethesda?
The poverty rate in North Bethesda, MD is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is North Bethesda, MD?
North Bethesda's population is 1.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 14.3% Asian, and 9.9% two or more races. 33.6% of residents are foreign-born.