Germantown is a city located in Montgomery County, Maryland, around 30 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. As of the 2020 census, Germantown had a population of 95,477 making it the third most populous place in Montgomery County.
Population and Demographics
Germantown was first settled in the early 19th century. The population grew slowly until the 1970s when Germantown started to develop rapidly into a suburb of Washington, D.C. From 2000 to 2010, Germantown’s population grew over 20%. Today, Germantown continues to grow each year as more people are attracted to its great location, strong economy, and lively community.
Germantown has become increasingly diverse over the past couple decades. As of 2010, the racial makeup of Germantown was 36.5% White, 17.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 31.6% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 9.9% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race made up 20.0% of the population.
Economy and Major Employers
Germantown has a strong and diverse economy. Many major companies and organizations are headquartered or have major operations located within Germantown. Some of the top employers include National Institutes of Health, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, Costco, US Foods, and Hughes Network Systems.
The downtown Germantown area features a vibrant small business community withmany popular shops and restaurants. Major companies like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods have located stores in Germantown as well.
The Germantown Chamber of Commerce works to connect local businesses and foster economic growth in the community. The county and state governments also offer incentives to attract new businesses to Germantown and Montgomery County.
Attractions and Things to Do
Germantown offers many fun attractions and activities for visitors and residents. Here are some popular places to check out in Germantown:
- BlackRock Center for the Arts – Concert venue and arts education center
- Adventure Park at Sandy Spring – Ropes and zip line courses
- Maryland SoccerPlex – Youth and pro soccer facility
- Seneca Quarry – Hiking trails with views of 19th century quarry site
- Germantown Soccer Club – Popular local youth soccer program
- Germantown Pulse Festival – Annual street festival with music, food, and activities
In addition, Germantown is located just a short drive from all of the monuments, museums, and attractions in Washington D.C. as well as regional attractions like Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry.
Local Government
Germantown is an unincorporated area within Montgomery County, Maryland. It is governed by the Montgomery County Council and County Executive. These officials are elected county-wide.
Germantown is part of Maryland’s 6th congressional district and is currently represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman David Trone.
Living in Germantown
Germantown offers a high quality of life with great schools, parks, infrastructure, and community amenities. The population is highly educated with over 60% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Germantown frequently tops lists of the best places to live in Maryland and the Washington D.C. metro area.
Major neighborhoods and residential developments in Germantown include Kingsview, Gunners Lake, Clopper’s Mill, Milestone, Father Hurley Boulevard, and Waters Landing. There are apartment complexes, condos, single-family homes, townhouses, and estates across a range of pricing options.
Whether you’re looking for a new place to call home or just visiting the area, Germantown, Maryland has something for everyone. This lively suburban city north of Washington D.C. delivers small-town charm along with big city opportunities and amenities.