Brandywine
cityBrandywine, Maryland, is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, located in the southernmost part of the county. It is considered part of the Southern Maryland region and serves as a suburb to both Washington D.C. and Waldorf. The 2020 Census recorded a population of 10,550 for the CDP. The area blends a rural setting with suburban and commercial development. Historically, Brandywine developed as a railroad town along the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad's Pope Creek line in the 1870s. While it remained largely rural for many years, the early 21st century brought shopping centers and residential developments. Today, Brandywine's economy includes commercial centers and local businesses, with ongoing revitalization efforts aimed at improving community infrastructure and preserving its unique character. Brandywine offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities. The Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) provides recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. The community's location provides access to both the natural beauty of Southern Maryland and the urban resources of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Brandywine, Maryland
- Classification
- Census-designated place
- FIPS Code
- 24-09325
- Country
- United States
- County
- Prince George's County
- Region
- Southern Maryland
- Elevation
- 220 ft
- Total Area
- 21.12 sq mi
- Land Area
- 21.04 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.077 sq mi
- Latitude
- 38.69861
- Longitude
- -76.84917
- Climate
- Mild climate with four distinct seasons
- Notable Features
- Zekiah Swamp (nearby) · Cedarville State Forest (nearby)
- Neighboring Areas
- Accokeek · Clinton · Rosaryville · Croom · Cedarville · Waldorf
- Population (2020)
- 10,550
- Est. Population (2026)
- 11,974
- Median Age
- 44
- Median Income
- $157,587
- Poverty Rate
- 6.18%
- Family Households
- 80%
- Owner-Occupied
- 98.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Brandywine includes approximately 78.84% Black or African American, 11.12% White, 3.14% Other Race, and smaller percentages for Asian and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- County
- Governing Body
- Prince George's County Council
- School District
- Prince George's County Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police (Prince George's County Police Department) · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 7.8%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Retail · Healthcare · Government · Education
- Major Employers
- The Creative Place Child Care and Learning Center · China King Restaurant · Jumbo Food store
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 2,676
- School Districts
- Prince George's County Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- University of Maryland (nearby) · Marymount University (nearby) · Gallaudet University (nearby)
- Transportation
- Maryland Route 5 · U.S. Route 301 · Access to Washington, D.C.
- Utilities
- Water · Power · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC) · Brandywine Receiver Site (U.S. Armed Forces communications facility)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Cedarville State Forest (nearby) · Brandywine Park · Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex (SAARC)
- Parks & Trails
- Cedarville State Forest trails · Community Parks
- Founded
- Mid-19th century
- Named After
- William H. Early; possibly the Battle of Brandywine
- Historical Significance
- Brandywine represents a transition from a rural, agricultural community to a developing suburb within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, retaining historical elements while adapting to modern growth and development.
- Key Events
- Settled by William H. Early in the mid-19th century. · Developed as a railroad town in 1873. · A small earthquake struck Brandywine in 1877. · The Bank of Brandywine was chartered in 1912. · Commercial and residential development increased significantly after 2000.