20817 Zip Code, Bethesda
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe zip code — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 25% of zip codes in Bethesda
Safety at a Glance
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in Bethesda
Is 20817 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is very safe. Zip code 20817 in Bethesda, MD has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 48, which is 52% below the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 25% of zip codes in Bethesda.
Compared to the Bethesda average (crime index 54), zip code 20817 is 6% lower in overall crime. Crime levels here are roughly in line with the city average.
Looking at specific crime types, assault is the most elevated concern (index: 86, 14% below average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 41).
20817 Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Bethesda city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
41 | -59% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
86 | -14% | Average | |
|
Robbery
|
54 | -46% | Low | |
|
Rape
|
70 | -30% | Low | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
44 | -56% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
75 | -25% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
69 | -31% | Low | |
How 20817 Compares
Crime index by category: 20817 vs Bethesda average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
20817 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
20817 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Bethesda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 20817, Bethesda?
Zip code 20817 in Bethesda, MD has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 48, which is 52% below the national average. Compared to the Bethesda average, crime in Zip code 20817 is 6% lower. Zip code 20817 is safer than 25% of neighborhoods in Bethesda.
Is Zip code 20817 a safe neighborhood in Bethesda?
Zip code 20817 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Bethesda, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Assault (index: 86), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 41). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Bethesda.
How does Zip code 20817 compare to the rest of Bethesda?
Zip code 20817's overall crime index is 48, compared to the Bethesda average of 54. This means crime in Zip code 20817 is 6% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 63, and for property crime it is 63. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Zip code 20817?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 20817 is Assault, with a crime index of 86 (14% below the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 20817?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 20816, 20814 and 20892. These areas are close to Zip code 20817 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 20817?
Zip code 20817 has a population of approximately 40,540. The median household income is $213,671. The median home value is $1,244,436. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 20817 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 20817's overall crime rate is 52% below the national average (index 48 vs 100). Within Bethesda, it is safer than 25% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.