Bethesda, MD—20817
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Bethesda, MD
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Bethesda, MD is $1,253,000, with a year-over-year change of 1.2%. This indicates that home prices in Bethesda, MD are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is -0.5%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $1,253,000 | 1.2% |
| Single Family | $1,325,000 | 0.8% |
| Condos | $333,000 | -0.9% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $244,000 | 0.8% |
2 Bed | $324,000 | -1.2% |
3 Bed | $992,000 | 0.6% |
4 Bed | $1,210,000 | 0.2% |
| 5 Bed | $1,845,000 | 0.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Bethesda, MD
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Bethesda, MD is $4,930, with a year-over-year rent change of 10.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Bethesda, MD is studios: $1,610, 1-bedrooms: $1,970, 2-bedrooms: $2,720, 3-bedrooms: $3,890, 4-bedrooms: $4,980. The most common rental property sizes in Bethesda, MD are 4-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 24.0% and 23.6% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $4,850 | $4,930 |
| Studio Rent | $1,550 | $1,610 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $1,970 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,600 | $2,720 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $3,800 | $3,890 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $4,900 | $4,980 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Bethesda, MD
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Bethesda, MD is 34. This is a increase of 23.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 21.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $1,820,000 | -5.0% |
Listing Count | 174 | 74.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.6% | 74.0% |
Days on Market | 34 | 23.0% |
Demographics — Bethesda, MD
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethesda, MD has a population of 37,700, which has increased by 2.9% over the past 5 years. Bethesda, MD is a popular place for families, as children make up 25.9% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 85.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are many residents working remotely, with 35.9% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 37,700 | 2.9% |
% Under 18 | 25.9% | 3.6% |
% Seniors | 20.0% | 3.1% |
% WFH | 35.9% | 214.9% |
% w/ College Degree | 85.3% | 2.0% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Bethesda, MD is a predominantly white area, with 60.7% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 10.3% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Bethesda, MD is asian, making up 16.3% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 28.7% of the population in Bethesda, MD, and this percentage has increased by 8.7% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 60.7% | -10.3% |
% Black | 7.4% | 80.5% |
% Hispanic | 9.2% | -2.1% |
% Asian | 16.3% | 10.1% |
% Foreign Born | 28.7% | 8.7% |
Mortgage and Risk — Bethesda, MD
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 639 mortgage originations in Bethesda, MD, of which 96.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 55.0%, with 7.0% above 90% LTV (normal). This implies small mortgage risk in Bethesda, MD. Investor activity is low, as 3.0% of loans were by investors. 10.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 639 |
% Conventional Loans | 96.0% |
% Government Loans | 4.0% |
% Investor Loans | 3.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 10.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Bethesda, MD
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Bethesda, MD under the Section 8 program is 15.9%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. In Bethesda, MD, all tracked home sizes have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting strong Section 8 opportunity across the board.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 418 |
Total Units Section 8 | 418 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 15.9% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 91.6% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,080 | $2,000 | $3,080 |
| 2 Bedroom | $870 | $2,600 | $3,470 |
| 3 Bedroom | $540 | $3,800 | $4,340 |
| 4 Bedroom | $220 | $4,900 | $5,120 |
Affordability — Bethesda, MD
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 4.8 |
| Median Home Price | $1,253,000 |
| Median Household Income | $240,000 |