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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 20817

Part of Bethesda, MD
Pop. 37,454·Montgomery County·2nd most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$3,485/mo
Year-over-Year
+29.4%
Month-over-Month
-2.3%
vs US Median
+$1,520
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 20817 · $3,485
More expensive than 95% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,930
1 BR
$3,020
2 BR
$3,370
3 BR
$4,250
4 BR+
$5,000
Research median
$3,370/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$41,820/yr
At $3,485/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyMontgomery County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 29.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+29.4% YoY, -2.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 20817 (Bethesda, MD) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 85.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
37,454
Median income
$249,332
Median age
45.8
Renters
18.6%
Age distribution
25.3%
12%
27.5%
14.4%
20.7%
Under 1825.3%
18–3412%
35–5427.5%
55–6414.4%
65+20.7%
Gender
48.5%
51.5%
Male48.5%
Female51.5%
Race & ethnicity
62.8%
16.9%
White62.8%
Black6.2%
Hispanic8.9%
Asian16.9%
Other5.2%
Education (25+)
85.6%
No HS diploma1.9%
HS diploma4.7%
Some college7.8%
Bachelor's+85.6%
Housing tenure
81.4%
18.6%
Owner81.4%
Renter18.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 20817 in Bethesda, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,435 → $3,485
up 43.1%
Income
$217,674 → $249,332
up 14.5%
Population
38,286 → 37,454
down 2.2%
Renter share
17.2% → 18.6%
+1.4 pts
Bachelor's+
85% → 85.6%
+0.6 pts
Median age
45.3 → 45.8
+0.5 yrs

The median rent in ZIP 20817 in Bethesda, MD stood at $2,435 in 2021 and currently runs about $3,485, reflecting a 43.1% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 20817 in Bethesda, MD now reports about $249,332, up from $217,674 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 2.2% since 2021, moving from about 38,286 residents to roughly 37,454. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 20817 in Bethesda, MD reflects that arc in its own way.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 20817

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 20817 covers Bethesda, MD. The median rent here is $3,485/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $3,020/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,370/mo.

At 17% of local median household income ($249,332/yr), ZIP 20817 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 29.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 20817?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 20817 (Bethesda, MD) is $3,485. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 20817 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 20817's median rent of $3,485/mo is $1,520 (77%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 20817 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 20817 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Maryland, ranking #2 out of 140 ZIPs tracked at $3,485/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 20817?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $139,000/year (~$67/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,485/mo in ZIP 20817. The local median household income is $249,332/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 20817?

Rent in ZIP 20817 has increased 29.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 20817 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 20817 is considered very affordable for renters. At $3,485/mo, rent takes approximately 17% of the local median household income ($249,332/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 20817 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 20817 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 18.6% of ZIP 20817 households are renters, while 81.4% are owner-occupied. ZIP 20817 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 20817 compare to the rest of Bethesda?

ZIP 20817 is pricier than Bethesda as a whole. At $3,485/mo, it's $514 above the Bethesda citywide median of $2,971/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 20817 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 20817 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
17%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $3,485/mo, rent takes ~17% of ZIP 20817's median household income ($249,332/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 20817 17%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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