Crime Safety Grade

A-

Bethesda, MD Crime Rate

Lower crime than 92% of U.S. cities

Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated March 2026

View Crime Map Registered Offenders

Is Bethesda Safe?

With an overall crime index of 54, Bethesda has a 46% lower crime rate than the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 357. However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, with areas like Brookmont earning an A+ grade while Bethesda rates A.

Crime Index Comparison

Bethesda
54
Maryland Avg
101
National Avg
100

100 = national average. Higher values indicate more crime.

Crime Index
54
46% below average
Violent Crime
70
30% below average
Property Crime
72
28% below average
Safe Areas
100%
Neighborhoods rated A or B

Your chance of violent crime in Bethesda

1 in 357

Property crime: 1 in 347

Where Is It Safe in Bethesda?

Areas with Higher Crime

1
Bethesda
A 2
Brookmont
A+
Explore the Interactive Crime Map
See neighborhood-level heatmap
Check Registered Offenders
Search offenders near any address

Bethesda Crime Breakdown

Highest Risk
Assault · 5% below avg
Lowest Risk
Murder · 55% below avg
Crime Type Index vs National
Murder Violent 45 ▼ 55%
Assault Violent 95 ▼ 5%
Robbery Violent 72 ▼ 28%
Burglary Property 59 ▼ 41%
Larceny / Theft Property 86 ▼ 14%
Vehicle Theft Property 71 ▼ 29%

Violent vs Property Crime

Neighborhood Safety Distribution

All Bethesda Neighborhoods

# Neighborhood Grade Crime Index
1 Brookmont A+ 28
2 Bethesda A 79

Bethesda Crime by Zip Code

20816
A+ Index: 53
20814
A Index: 109
20817
A Index: 48
20892
B+ Index: 104

Bethesda Demographics & Cost of Living

Population
65,092
Median Income
$172,873
Home Value
$927,933
Median Rent
$2,075
Home Ownership
67%

Racial Demographics

White
75.9%
Black
4.8%
Hispanic
8.3%
Asian
12.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Bethesda?
Bethesda has an overall crime index of 54, which is below the national average of 100. Approximately 100% of neighborhoods in Bethesda are rated A or B for safety.
Is Bethesda safe to live in?
Bethesda has a crime safety grade of A-. Very low crime. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood, so it is important to research specific areas before moving.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Bethesda?
The safest neighborhoods in Bethesda based on crime data include Brookmont, and Bethesda. These areas have the lowest crime indices in the city.
How does Bethesda crime compare to the national average?
Bethesda's overall crime index is 54 compared to the national average of 100, meaning crime is 46% lower than the typical US city.

Crime Statistics for Nearby Cities

Washington, DC Arlington, VA Alexandria, VA Waldorf, MD Columbia, MD Germantown, MD Silver Spring, MD Centreville, VA Ellicott City, MD Dale City, VA Eldersburg, MD Glen Burnie, MD Rockville, MD Gaithersburg, MD Bethesda, MD Reston, VA Bowie, MD Aspen Hill, MD Leesburg, VA Severn, MD Wheaton, MD North Bethesda, MD McLean, VA Potomac, MD

Crime Statistics by State

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