Woodlawn, Md
Woodlawn, Maryland, is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Baltimore County, situated just west of the city of Baltimore. The geographic coordinates for Woodlawn are approximately 39.3043° N latitude and -76.7441° W longitude. This suburban community is a significant part of the Baltimore metropolitan area and is known for its diverse neighborhoods, robust economy, and important federal institutions.
Woodlawn covers an area of roughly 9.6 square miles (24.9 km²) and has an elevation of about 476 feet (145 meters) above sea level. The community is primarily associated with the ZIP codes 21207, 21244, and 21228. Its population, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, is estimated at 39,986 residents, making it one of the larger suburbs in Baltimore County.
Demographically, Woodlawn is a diverse community. The racial composition is approximately 20% White, 70% African American, 5% Asian, 3% Hispanic or Latino, with the remainder identifying as two or more races or other categories. The median age in the area is about 38 years. The median household income is around $66,000, and the per capita income is approximately $28,000. About 10% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Woodlawn consists of several neighborhoods and subdistricts, including Fairbrook, Windsor Mill, Security, Lochearn (partially overlapping with Woodlawn), and Chadwick. The community is bordered by Catonsville to the south, Randallstown to the northwest, and Gwynn Oak and Baltimore City to the east. Major roads in the area include Security Boulevard, Liberty Road (Maryland Route 26), and Woodlawn Drive, with easy access to the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-70.
A key feature of Woodlawn is the presence of major federal agencies. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have their national headquarters located in Woodlawn, making the area a significant employment center. These institutions not only shape the local economy but also attract a large daily commuter population.
Woodlawn is served by the Baltimore County Public Schools system, including Woodlawn High School, Woodlawn Middle School, and several elementary schools such as Featherbed Lane and Woodmoor. The area is home to numerous parks and recreational facilities, including the Woodlawn Community Park and Gwynn Oak Park.
Residents of Woodlawn benefit from a variety of amenities, such as shopping centers (Security Square Mall), restaurants, healthcare facilities, and religious institutions representing diverse faiths. Public transportation is available via Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus routes, connecting Woodlawn to downtown Baltimore and neighboring suburbs.
Woodlawn’s housing stock is composed mainly of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes, with a median home value around $210,000. The area is known for its tree-lined streets, established neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community.
In summary, Woodlawn, MD is a vibrant, diverse, and strategically located suburb of Baltimore, distinguished by its federal agency headquarters, accessibility, and strong community identity.
