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Demographic Composition and Racial Trends in Bethesda Center: A Low Diversity, White Majority Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Bethesda Center, a neighborhood in Bethesda, Maryland, is classified as a "Low Diversity" community with a "White Majority." As of 2022, the white population constitutes 70% of the neighborhood. The median income is $145,134, which is above the national average. Bethesda Center is part of the larger Bethesda area, known for its high education levels and wealth.
Over the past decade, Bethesda Center has maintained its "Low Diversity" and "White Majority" status. The white population decreased slightly from 74% in 2013 to 70% in 2022. The Black population increased from 3-4% in the early 2010s to 7% by 2022. The Asian population remained between 11-17% throughout the decade. The Hispanic population fluctuated, peaking at 10% in 2016 and settling at 5% by 2022. The "Two or More Races" category grew from 1-2% in the early 2010s to 5% by 2022.
The neighborhood experienced economic growth over the past decade. The median income increased from $130,536 in 2013 to $145,134 in 2022, an 11% increase. The population grew from 1,444 in 2013 to 1,886 in 2022. The slight decrease in the white majority percentage, along with increases in Black and multiracial populations, suggests the neighborhood is attracting a somewhat more diverse, yet still predominantly white, affluent population.
Bethesda Center's demographic and economic trends are consistent with patterns observed in affluent suburban areas near major cities. The slight increase in diversity while maintaining a white majority is common in high-income suburbs gradually becoming more inclusive. The median income, exceeding $100,000, places Bethesda Center among the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country. The growth in the "Two or More Races" category reflects a national trend of increasing multiracial identification, particularly in younger generations and more affluent areas.
Bethesda Center remains a "Low Diversity" community with a strong "White Majority." Subtle shifts towards increased diversity are evident. These changes, combined with significant economic growth, indicate a gradual evolution towards a more inclusive, yet still predominantly white and highly affluent neighborhood. This trend aligns with broader national patterns in wealthy suburban areas, where diversity is slowly increasing without dramatically altering the overall demographic composition.
