Median Income
$85,500
14% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
426/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bethesda Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population136
Median Age39.9 yrs
Density93/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans76.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$85,500
Per Capita$27,910
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,636M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$171,300
Housing Units25
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent426/100K
Property2,181/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.9 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation623 ft (190 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Broadband42.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries1
Is Bethesda a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bethesda receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bethesda offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bethesda is $85,500, 14% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 426 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,181 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Bethesda enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bethesda has a population of 136 with a density of 93 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 39.9 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.6% female and 40.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 76.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.9yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Bethesda is $85,500, which is 14% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,910 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $935, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 958 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 12.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,500 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,910 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $935 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,486 |
| Gini Index | 0.476 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $2,636M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 152 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,581 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,300. Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 25 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $2,581 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 25 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,581 |
| 26% below US avg |
In Bethesda, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 37.2% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,301. The dentist ratio is 1:2,232. 48.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bethesda vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,301 |
| Dentists | 1:2,232 |
| Mental Health | 1:540 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 53.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,068/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Bethesda has a violent crime rate of 426 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,181 per 100,000, 11% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bethesda receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bethesda vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 425.5/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,180.9/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bethesda enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 310 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 48.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 623 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 623 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 93/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7871°N, 91.7927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Independence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Batesville Regional (BVX)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.9"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.12"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
291 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
77 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
76 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
78 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
78 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
124 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
79 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
99 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
102 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
47 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
77 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
80 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
67 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
113 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
531 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 173 fatalities, 2,128 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 14, 1996 |
EF4 |
50 km |
7 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
62 km |
5 |
| Dec 24, 1982 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
56 km |
35 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
33 km |
7 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
83 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
64 km |
50 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
5 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
128 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEAD HORSE (10,389 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
72 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
58 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
6,457 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,873 |
59 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,493 |
42 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,337 |
44 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
4,000 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
3,807 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
RX BAD BRANCH 2 |
3,591 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,579 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,542 |
58 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,499 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
3,441 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
RXBURN |
3,434 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,404 |
55 km |
| 2024 |
RX BROGDEN SHIELDS 2 |
3,398 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
HATLEY MTN |
3,227 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
RORIE NORTH |
3,180 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
4.4 in |
|
Bethesda has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 37°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in Bethesda. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bethesda
What is the population of Bethesda?
Bethesda has a population of 136 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 93 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.9 years. The population is 59.6% female and 40.4% male.
Is Bethesda expensive to live in?
Bethesda is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $85,500, 14% above the national average of $75,149.
Is Bethesda safe?
The violent crime rate in Bethesda is 426 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,181 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bethesda receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bethesda?
Bethesda enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bethesda?
The job market in Bethesda is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $935. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Bethesda?
Schools in Bethesda score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Bethesda hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bethesda?
The obesity rate in Bethesda is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,301.
What are the demographics of Bethesda?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bethesda is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 76.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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