Bethesda, MD Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (total): Population in 2017: 68,297 (100% urban, 0% rural).

Population (female): 35,431

Median Age: 41.2 years

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Bethesda: 196.3 (very high, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 2.6%

Ancestries: Ancestries: German (6.2%), Irish (6.2%), American (5.2%), English (4.5%), European (4.2%), Russian (4.0%).

Elevation: 303 feet

Land Area: 13.1 square miles.

Bethesda did not develop beyond a small crossroads village through the 19th century, consisting of a blacksmith shop, a church and school, and a few houses and stores. In 1852, the postmaster general established a post office in Bethesda and appointed Rev. A. R. Smith its first postmaster. A streetcar line was established in 1890 and suburbanization increased in the early 1900s, and Bethesda began to grow in population. Communities that were situated near railroad lines had grown the fastest during the 19th century, but mass production of the automobile ended that dependency and Bethesda planners grew the community with the transportation revolution in mind. This included becoming a key stopping point for the B & O railroad on their Georgetown Branch line completed around 1910 that ran from Silver Spring to Georgetown, passing through Bethesda on the way. The branch had a storage yard there and multiple sidings that served the industries in Bethesda in the early 20th century. B & O successor CSX ceased train service on the line in 1985, so the county transformed it into a trail in the rails-to-trails movement. The tracks were removed in 1994 and the first part of the trail was opened in 1998; it has become the most used rail trail in the United States, averaging over one million users per year.

Goldribbon

Recognitions and Certifications

Accredited Drug Testing has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 drug testing companies" for excellent customer service and we have received TPA Accreditation from the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. We are active in all drug testing industry associations and our staff are trained and certified as drug and alcohol testing specialists.

Important Links

National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (https://ndasa.com/)

National Drug Free Workplace Alliance (https://www.ndwa.org/)

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (https://www.sapaa.com/)

Substance Abuse Mental Health Safety Administration (https://www.samhsa.gov/)

US Drug Enforcement Administration (https://www.dea.gov/)

Office of Drug alcohol Policy Control (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

Onsite Testing

On-Site Drug Testing Bethesda, MD

Time is money, we can come to you. Accredited Drug Testing provides on-site drug testing services in Bethesda, MD and throughout the local area for employers who need drug or alcohol testing at their place of business or other location. On-site drug testing methods include urine drug testing, hair drug testing, oral saliva drug testing and breath alcohol testing. Both instant drug test results and laboratory analyzed testing is available. Testing purposes can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident.

8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208 0.8 miles

8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208
BETHESDA, MD 20814
Categories: BETHESDA MD

1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222 3.7 miles

1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222 4.0 miles

9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222
SILVER SPRING, MD 20902
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208 4.0 miles

8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700 4.7 miles

11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700
WHEATON, MD 20902
Categories: WHEATON MD

3422 GEORGIA AVE NW 5.3 miles

3422 GEORGIA AVE NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20010
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

PO BOX 59815 5.5 miles

PO BOX 59815
ROCKVILLE, MD 20859
Categories: ROCKVILLE MD

2440 M St NW Ste 414, 5.8 miles

2440 M St NW Ste 414,
Washington, DC 20037
Categories: Washington DC

911 U ST NW 6.0 miles

911 U ST NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

1140 19TH ST NW STE 700 6.0 miles

1140 19TH ST NW STE 700
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

1145 19th Street NW Suite 506 6.0 miles

1145 19th Street NW Suite 506
Washington, DC 20036
Categories: Washington DC

1145 19TH ST NW STE 601 6.1 miles

1145 19TH ST NW STE 601
WASHINGTON, DC 20036
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

2029 K ST NW STE 301 6.1 miles

2029 K ST NW STE 301
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

920 VARNUM ST NE 6.3 miles

920 VARNUM ST NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20017
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

815 CONNECTICUT AVE NW 6.5 miles

815 CONNECTICUT AVE NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

3301 WILSON BLVD 6.7 miles

3301 WILSON BLVD
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
Categories: ARLINGTON VA

1005 N GLEBE RD STE 140 6.8 miles

1005 N GLEBE RD STE 140
ARLINGTON, VA 22201
Categories: ARLINGTON VA

920 W BROAD ST STE B 7.7 miles

920 W BROAD ST STE B
FALLS CHURCH, VA 22046
Categories: FALLS CHURCH VA

6064 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church Medical Center 8.1 miles

6064 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church Medical Center
Falls Church, VA 22044
Categories: Falls Church VA

3263 COLUMBIA PIKE 8.2 miles

3263 COLUMBIA PIKE
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
Categories: ARLINGTON VA

5550 COLUMBIA PIKE APT 551 8.8 miles

5550 COLUMBIA PIKE APT 551
ARLINGTON, VA 22204
Categories: ARLINGTON VA

9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120, 9.7 miles

9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120,
Rockville, MD 20850
Categories: Rockville MD

15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450 9.7 miles

15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
Categories: ROCKVILLE MD

15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207 9.9 miles

15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207
Rockville, MD 20850
Categories: Rockville MD

4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE 10.0 miles

4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20019
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131 10.1 miles

14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
Categories: ROCKVILLE MD

10452 BALTIMORE AVE 10.2 miles

10452 BALTIMORE AVE
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
Categories: BELTSVILLE MD

42010 VILLAGE CENTER PLZ 10.3 miles

42010 VILLAGE CENTER PLZ
STONE RIDGE, VA 20105
Categories: STONE RIDGE VA

100 MAPLE AVE E 10.4 miles

100 MAPLE AVE E
VIENNA, VA 22180
Categories: VIENNA VA

6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3 10.5 miles

6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3
College Park, MD 20740
Categories: College Park MD

8316 ARLINGTON BLVD STE 206 10.6 miles

8316 ARLINGTON BLVD STE 206
FAIRFAX, VA 22031
Categories: FAIRFAX VA

3020 Hamaker Court, B-110 10.7 miles

3020 Hamaker Court, B-110
Fairfax, VA 22031
Categories: Fairfax VA

4320 SEMINARY RD 10.8 miles

4320 SEMINARY RD
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

13823 OUTLET DR 10.8 miles

13823 OUTLET DR
SILVER SPRING, MD 20904
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

4729 SELLMAN RD 10.8 miles

4729 SELLMAN RD
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
Categories: BELTSVILLE MD

8501 Arlington Blvd Ste 120, 10.9 miles

8501 Arlington Blvd Ste 120,
Fairfax, VA 22031
Categories: Fairfax VA

7933 BELLE POINT DR 11.4 miles

7933 BELLE POINT DR
GREENBELT, MD 20770
Categories: GREENBELT MD

6715 Little River Turnpike Ste 300 11.4 miles

6715 Little River Turnpike Ste 300
Annandale, VA 22003
Categories: Annandale VA

4527 DUKE ST 11.6 miles

4527 DUKE ST
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

5130 DUKE ST STE 10 11.8 miles

5130 DUKE ST STE 10
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

8945 N WESTLAND DR 12.1 miles

8945 N WESTLAND DR
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
Categories: GAITHERSBURG MD

431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG 12.1 miles

431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
Categories: GAITHERSBURG MD

6144 EDSALL RD APT 303 12.1 miles

6144 EDSALL RD APT 303
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22304
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12 12.2 miles

18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12
OLNEY, MD 20832
Categories: OLNEY MD

225 REINEKERS LN 12.3 miles

225 REINEKERS LN
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

3676 Alpen Greenway 12.6 miles

3676 Alpen Greenway
Burtonsville, MD 20866
Categories: Burtonsville MD

5501 BACKLICK RD 13.1 miles

5501 BACKLICK RD
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
Categories: SPRINGFIELD VA

5590 GENERAL WASHINGTON DR 13.3 miles

5590 GENERAL WASHINGTON DR
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22312
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

5510 ALMA LN STE 200 13.3 miles

5510 ALMA LN STE 200
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151
Categories: SPRINGFIELD VA

803 RUSSELL AVE 13.4 miles

803 RUSSELL AVE
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879
Categories: GAITHERSBURG MD

6020 RICHMOND HWY STE 100 13.5 miles

6020 RICHMOND HWY STE 100
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22303
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

6226 OLD FRANCONIA RD 14.1 miles

6226 OLD FRANCONIA RD
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

5606 HOLTON LN 14.2 miles

5606 HOLTON LN
TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748
Categories: TEMPLE HILLS MD

106 Elden St Ste 18b, 14.3 miles

106 Elden St Ste 18b,
Herndon, VA 20170
Categories: Herndon VA

6120 BRANDON AVE STE 105 14.3 miles

6120 BRANDON AVE STE 105
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22150
Categories: SPRINGFIELD VA

4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G 14.3 miles

4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G
LANHAM, MD 20706
Categories: LANHAM MD

10117 PALAMAR DR 14.4 miles

10117 PALAMAR DR
LANHAM, MD 20706
Categories: LANHAM MD

3510 HEIDI LN 14.4 miles

3510 HEIDI LN
SPRINGDALE, MD 20774
Categories: SPRINGDALE MD

208 ELDEN ST 14.5 miles

208 ELDEN ST
HERNDON, VA 20170
Categories: HERNDON VA

10560 MAIN ST 14.6 miles

10560 MAIN ST
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
Categories: FAIRFAX VA

8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204 14.6 miles

8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204
LANDOVER, MD 20785
Categories: LANDOVER MD

1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301 14.7 miles

1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301
HYATTSVILLE, MD 20785
Categories: HYATTSVILLE MD

10721 MAIN ST STE 3100 14.7 miles

10721 MAIN ST STE 3100
FAIRFAX, VA 22030
Categories: FAIRFAX VA

10721 Main Street, Suite 1400 14.7 miles

10721 Main Street, Suite 1400
Fairfax, VA 22030
Categories: Fairfax VA

462 HERNDON PKWY STE 103 15.0 miles

462 HERNDON PKWY STE 103
HERNDON, VA 20170
Categories: HERNDON VA

P. O. BOX 376 15.4 miles

P. O. BOX 376
LAUREL, MD 20725
Categories: LAUREL MD

9141 ALAKING CT STE 112 15.5 miles

9141 ALAKING CT STE 112
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD 20743
Categories: CAPITOL HEIGHTS MD

7609 RICHMOND HWY STE B 15.9 miles

7609 RICHMOND HWY STE B
Alexandria, VA 22306
Categories: Alexandria VA

4355 FORESTVILLE RD APT 302 15.9 miles

4355 FORESTVILLE RD APT 302
FORESTVILLE, MD 20747
Categories: FORESTVILLE MD

8768 SUSINI DR 15.9 miles

8768 SUSINI DR
LAUREL, MD 20723
Categories: LAUREL MD

12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD 16.0 miles

12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
Categories: GERMANTOWN MD

46440 BENEDICT DR STE 108 16.0 miles

46440 BENEDICT DR STE 108
STERLING, VA 20164
Categories: STERLING VA

11947 WINGED FOOT CT 16.2 miles

11947 WINGED FOOT CT
WALDORF, MD 20602
Categories: WALDORF MD

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR 16.3 miles

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
Categories: GERMANTOWN MD

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308 16.3 miles

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
Categories: GERMANTOWN MD

3650 JOSEPH SIEWICK DR Ste 400 16.3 miles

3650 JOSEPH SIEWICK DR Ste 400
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
Categories: FAIRFAX VA

12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120 16.4 miles

12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120
GLENN DALE, MD 20769
Categories: GLENN DALE MD

11848 Robertson Farm Circle 16.5 miles

11848 Robertson Farm Circle
Fairfax, VA 22030
Categories: Fairfax VA

20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205, 16.8 miles

20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205,
Germantown, MD 20876
Categories: Germantown MD

21525 RIDGETOP CIR STE 260 16.8 miles

21525 RIDGETOP CIR STE 260
STERLING, VA 20166
Categories: STERLING VA

8101 HINSON FARM RD STE 314 16.9 miles

8101 HINSON FARM RD STE 314
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22306
Categories: ALEXANDRIA VA

21036 TRIPLESEVEN RD 16.9 miles

21036 TRIPLESEVEN RD
STERLING, VA 20165
Categories: STERLING VA

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 16.9 miles

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT
UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774
Categories: UPPER MARLBORO MD

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 16.9 miles

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT
LARGO, MD 20774
Categories: LARGO MD

2 Pidgeon Hill Dr Suite 120, 17.3 miles

2 Pidgeon Hill Dr Suite 120,
Sterling, VA 20165
Categories: Sterling VA

7839 ROLLING RD STE A 17.4 miles

7839 ROLLING RD STE A
SPRINGFIELD, VA 22153
Categories: SPRINGFIELD VA

2 LYNDHURST CT 17.5 miles

2 LYNDHURST CT
STERLING, VA 20165
Categories: STERLING VA

12713 SHOPPES LN 17.6 miles

12713 SHOPPES LN
FAIRFAX, VA 22033
Categories: FAIRFAX VA

12555 CENTRAL AVE. STE A&F 17.6 miles

12555 CENTRAL AVE. STE A&F
CHINO, CA 91710
Categories: CHINO CA

On-site ONLY 17.9 miles

On-site ONLY
LAUREL, MD 20724
Categories: LAUREL MD

45305 CATALINA CT STE 103 18.0 miles

45305 CATALINA CT STE 103
STERLING, VA 20166
Categories: STERLING VA

Onsite Only 19.0 miles

Onsite Only
Largo, MD 20774
Categories: Largo MD

7700 OLD BRANCH AVE E108 19.1 miles

7700 OLD BRANCH AVE E108
CLINTON, MD 20735
Categories: CLINTON MD

21785 FILIGREE CT 19.3 miles

21785 FILIGREE CT
ASHBURN, VA 20147
Categories: ASHBURN VA

21785 Filigree Court, Suite 20, 19.3 miles

21785 Filigree Court, Suite 20,
Ashburn, VA 20147
Categories: Ashburn VA

1411 H SERVICE RD 19.4 miles

1411 H SERVICE RD
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
Categories: CHANTILLY VA

4437 BROOKFIELD CORPORATE DR STE 108 19.5 miles

4437 BROOKFIELD CORPORATE DR STE 108
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
Categories: CHANTILLY VA

11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202 19.9 miles

11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202
Columbia, MD 21044
Categories: Columbia MD

3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD 20.0 miles

3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD
BOWIE, MD 20716
Categories: BOWIE MD

4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112, 20.4 miles

4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112,
Bowie, MD 20716
Categories: Bowie MD

6656 DOBBIN RD 20.4 miles

6656 DOBBIN RD
COLUMBIA, MD 21045
Categories: COLUMBIA MD

6201 CENTREVILLE RD STE 200 20.8 miles

6201 CENTREVILLE RD STE 200
CENTREVILLE, VA 20121
Categories: CENTREVILLE VA

4200 PLEASANT VALLEY RD 20.8 miles

4200 PLEASANT VALLEY RD
CHANTILLY, VA 20151
Categories: CHANTILLY VA

24801 PINEBROOK RD ATTN LAB 22.0 miles

24801 PINEBROOK RD ATTN LAB
CHANTILLY, VA 20152
Categories: CHANTILLY VA

216 Locust St 22.4 miles

216 Locust St
Occaquan, VA 22125
Categories: Occaquan VA

Onsite only 22.6 miles

Onsite only
Ashburn, VA 20148
Categories: Ashburn VA

7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102 22.6 miles

7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102
ELKRIDGE, MD 21075
Categories: ELKRIDGE MD

6785 Business Pkwy 22.7 miles

6785 Business Pkwy
Elkridge, MD 21075
Categories: Elkridge MD

8694 CENTREVILLE RD 24.2 miles

8694 CENTREVILLE RD
MANASSAS, VA 20110
Categories: MANASSAS VA

8773 MATHIS AVE 24.4 miles

8773 MATHIS AVE
MANASSAS, VA 20110
Categories: MANASSAS VA

3059 MARSHALL HALL RD 24.5 miles

3059 MARSHALL HALL RD
BRYANS ROAD, MD 20616
Categories: BRYANS ROAD MD

12731 Marblestone Dr, Suite 100 25.0 miles

12731 Marblestone Dr, Suite 100
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Categories: Woodbridge VA

(800) 221-4291

Drug Test Screening Panels Available In Bethesda, MD

We offer a 5-panel drug test, which screens for the following:

  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Opiates
  • PCP

We offer a 10-panel drug test which screens for the following:

  • Amphetamines
  • Barbituates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • MDA
  • Methadone
  • Methaqualone
  • Opiates
  • PCP
  • Propoxyphene

We offer a 12-panel drug test which screens for the following:

  • Amphetamines
  • Barbiturates
  • Benzodiazepines
  • cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • MDA
  • Methadone
  • Methaqualone
  • Opiates
  • PCP
  • Propoxyphene
  • Meperidine
  • Tramadol

** Customized drug testing panels such as bath salts, synthetic marijuana, steroids and other drugs are also available.

Urine or Hair On-site Drug Testing In Bethesda, MD - You Choose!

Our on-site drug testing services in Bethesda, MD include urine drug testing, which has a detection period of 1-5 days and hair drug testing which has a detection period of up to 90 days. Negative test results are generally available in 24-48 hours, when analyzed by our SAMHSA Certified Laboratories. Negative instant test results are available immediately, non-negative test results require laboratory confirmation.

Why Use On-Site Drug Testing in Bethesda, MD?

Time is money and when sending an employee to one of our many drug testing centers in Bethesda, MD would cause disruption to your business operations or affect your employees work productivity, conducting on-site drug testing will eliminate these issues.

Who Uses On-Site Drug Testing?

  • Construction Sites
  • Manufacturing Plants
  • Power Plants
  • Motor Pool Facilities
  • Car Dealerships
  • Trucking/Transportation Companies
  • Schools
  • Sports Venues
  • Hospitals
  • Oil & Gas Drillings Sites

Are you a DOT Regulated Company?

Accredited Drug Testing has trained and qualified collectors who also specialize in providing on-site drug testing services for all DOT modes to include:

Additional DOT Services:

  • DOT Consortium Enrollment
  • DOT Physicals
  • Supervisor Training
  • DOT Drug Policy Development
  • MVR Reports
  • Employee Training
  • Background Checks
  • FMCSA Clearinghouse Verification/Search

How To Schedule On-Site Drug Testing In Bethesda, MD?

Step 1 - Call our on-site coordinator at (800)221-4291

Step 2 - Have at least 10 employees needing to be tested (recommended)

Step 3 - Provide the date, location and time of the requested on-site drug testing services

In addition to on-site drug testing in Bethesda, MD, we also have drug testing centers available at the following locations.

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

Local Area Info: Bethesda, Maryland

Bethesda is an unincorporated, census-designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, located just northwest of the U.S. capital of Washington, D.C. It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House (1820, rebuilt 1849), which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda. In Aramaic, beth ?esda (??? ????) means "House of Mercy" and in Hebrew, beit ?esed (.mw-parser-output .script-hebrew,.mw-parser-output .script-Hebr{font-size:1.15em;font-family:"Ezra SIL","Ezra SIL SR","Keter Aram Tsova","Taamey Ashkenaz","Taamey David CLM","Taamey Frank CLM","Frank Ruehl CLM","Keter YG","Shofar","David CLM","Hadasim CLM","Simple CLM","Nachlieli","SBL BibLit","SBL Hebrew",Cardo,Alef,"Noto Serif Hebrew","Noto Sans Hebrew","David Libre",David,"Times New Roman",Gisha,Arial,FreeSerif,FreeSans}??? ???) means "House of Kindness". The National Institutes of Health main campus and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center are in Bethesda, as are a number of corporate and government headquarters.

As an unincorporated community, Bethesda has no official boundaries. The United States Census Bureau defines a census-designated place named Bethesda whose center is located at 38°59?N 77°7?W? / ?38.983°N 77.117°W? / 38.983; -77.117. The United States Geological Survey has defined Bethesda as an area whose center is at 38°58?50?N 77°6?2?W? / ?38.98056°N 77.10056°W? / 38.98056; -77.10056, slightly different from the Census Bureau's definition. Other definitions are used by the Bethesda Urban Planning District, the United States Postal Service (which defines Bethesda to comprise the ZIP Codes 20810, 20811, 20813, 20814, 20815, 20816, and 20817), and other organizations. According to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2013, the community had a total population of 63,374. Most of Bethesda's residents are in Maryland Legislative District 16.

Bethesda is situated along a major thoroughfare that was originally the route of an Indian trail. Henry Fleet (1602–1661) was an English fur trader and the first European to travel to the area, which he reached by sailing up the Potomac River. He stayed with the Piscataway tribe from 1623 to 1627 as both a guest and a prisoner, then returned to England. He spoke of potential riches in fur and gold, and won funding for another American expedition.

Show Regional Data

Population (total): Population in 2017: 68,297 (100% urban, 0% rural).

Population (female): 35,431

Median Age: 41.2 years

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Bethesda: 196.3 (very high, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 2.6%

Ancestries: Ancestries: German (6.2%), Irish (6.2%), American (5.2%), English (4.5%), European (4.2%), Russian (4.0%).

Elevation: 303 feet

Land Area: 13.1 square miles.

Bethesda did not develop beyond a small crossroads village through the 19th century, consisting of a blacksmith shop, a church and school, and a few houses and stores. In 1852, the postmaster general established a post office in Bethesda and appointed Rev. A. R. Smith its first postmaster. A streetcar line was established in 1890 and suburbanization increased in the early 1900s, and Bethesda began to grow in population. Communities that were situated near railroad lines had grown the fastest during the 19th century, but mass production of the automobile ended that dependency and Bethesda planners grew the community with the transportation revolution in mind. This included becoming a key stopping point for the B & O railroad on their Georgetown Branch line completed around 1910 that ran from Silver Spring to Georgetown, passing through Bethesda on the way. The branch had a storage yard there and multiple sidings that served the industries in Bethesda in the early 20th century. B & O successor CSX ceased train service on the line in 1985, so the county transformed it into a trail in the rails-to-trails movement. The tracks were removed in 1994 and the first part of the trail was opened in 1998; it has become the most used rail trail in the United States, averaging over one million users per year.

(800) 221-4291