Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Bethesda, Maryland!

By Pennie Spruill On Dec 7, 2023

Criminology is a big problem that affects people’s safety and well-being in cities everywhere. Even though some towns have lower crime rates than others, no city is completely free of crime. Because of this, it is very important to know about crime patterns and statistics in different areas, especially if you want to move to or visit a new place.

We are going to talk about the crime numbers and safety in Bethesda, Maryland, a city in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. We will also make comparisons between Bethesda and nearby towns and use the data we have to show you the most dangerous areas of Bethesda.

By the end of this article, readers will have learned useful things about crime and risk factors in Bethesda. This will allow them to make smart choices that will keep them safe and keep them out of trouble.

How Does the Crime Rate in Bethesda Compare to Other Cities?

There is less crime in Bethesda than in the rest of the country, but it is higher than in some nearby towns. AreaVibes data is used to show how Bethesda’s crime rates compare to those of close cities in the table below.

City	Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)
Bethesda	12.24
Chevy Chase	9.16
Potomac	8.82
Rockville	14.77
Silver Spring	20.01

The crime grade compares the safety of a place to the average U.S. city and shows that Bethesda has a higher crime rate than Chevy Chase and Potomac but a lower crime rate than Rockville and Silver Spring. But, according to CrimeGrade.org data and maps, these are Bethesda areas with the most crime:

Neighborhood	Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)	Chance of Being a Victim of Crime
Southwest Bethesda	24.9	1 in 40
Battery Lane District	22.7	1 in 44
North Bethesda Town Center	20.8	1 in 48
Glenbrook Village	19.5	1 in 51
Wisconsin South	18.5	1 in 54

Southwest Bethesda

The crime rate in this area is 24.9 per 1,000 people, which is twice the average for the city. There is a 1 in 40 chance of becoming a victim of crime in this place. This area is close to the Friendship Heights Metro stop and on the border between Bethesda and Chevy Chase.

An assortment of businesses and stores line Wisconsin Avenue, but the neighborhood is mostly made up of residential areas. The Capital Crescent Trail, the Bethesda Art Walk, and the Bethesda Row Cinema are all interesting places to visit in this area.

Battery Lane District

There are 22.7 crimes for every 1,000 people living in this downtown Bethesda neighborhood, which is 86% more than the city average. In this area, the chance of being a victim of crime is 1 in 44.

The Bethesda and Medical Center Metro stations are both within walking distance. It is a mixed-use neighborhood with shops, restaurants, apartments, and offices. Battery Lane Park, which has a playground, basketball court, and picnic area, is also open to neighbors.

North Bethesda Town Center

This area has 20.8 crimes for every 1,000 people, which is 71% higher than the city average. In this area, the chance of being a victim of a crime is 1 in 48.

This neighborhood is just north of downtown Bethesda and close to the White Flint Metro stop, which is very helpful. It does well as a lively and varied community with a wide range of housing options, such as condos, townhouses, and single-family homes.

Glenbrook Village

The crime rate in this area is 19.5 per 1,000 people, which is 60% higher than the city average. In this area, the chance of being a victim of a crime is 1 in 51.

The Bethesda and Medical Center Metro stops are close to this area, which is south of downtown Bethesda. There are many houses there that were built in the early 1900s, giving it a lot of charming historical charm.

Wisconsin South

At 18.5 crimes per 1,000 people, this area has a 51% higher crime rate than the city as a whole. There is a 1 in 54 chance of becoming a victim of crime here. The Bethesda Metro stop is close to this busy neighborhood, which is on the southern part of Wisconsin Avenue. It has a lively vibe and is home to many businesses, hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Conclusion

The crime rate in Bethesda is lower than the national average, so most people think it is a safe place. But when it comes to crime rates, it’s higher than some nearby towns. It’s important to know that some parts of Bethesda have higher numbers of violent or property crimes than others. Based on the information we have, these are the five Bethesda, Maryland areas that have the highest crime rates.

Still, it’s important to know that crime rates can change depending on things like the season, time of day, and other factors. Because of this, being careful and using common sense is always a good idea when visiting any area.