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Waldorf, MD

Frequently asked questions

Waldorf, MD

Waldorf is a census-designated place in Charles County, Maryland, United States. Located 23 miles (37 km) south-southeast of Washington, D.C., Waldorf is part of Southern Maryland. Its population was 81,410 at the 2020 census, making it the fourth-most populous community in the state. Waldorf has experienced dramatic growth, increasing its population 16-fold from fewer than 5,000 residents in 1980 to its current population. It is now the largest commercial and residential area in Southern Maryland as well as a major suburb in the Washington metropolitan area. 

What is now the Waldorf area was originally part of the territory of the Piscataway Indian Nation, along with all of Southern Maryland, including Charles County. Close to the current western Waldorf area, the presence of villages, Indian grave sites (holding remains of over 1,000 people) and hunting encampments of Native American / Indian peoples have been confirmed, by archeological study of evidence dating from 1690 back to 6,000 years ago.

Europeans and African Americans first settled in the area in the 1600s. The town of Waldorf's original name was Beantown at least as far back as the American Civil War. During his flight after assassinating Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth told a road sentry he was headed to his home in Charles County near Beantown and was allowed to proceed. Booth later received medical attention for his broken leg from Dr. Samuel A. Mudd at his home in Waldorf, before continuing his flight. In 1880, the General Assembly of Maryland by an act changed the name to "Waldorf" in honor of William Waldorf Astor (1848–1919), the great-grandson of John Jacob Astor (1763–1848), who was born in Walldorf, Palatinate, Germany. On July 29, 1908, the city of Plumb Valley in Waseca County, Minnesota, changed its name to Waldorf after Waldorf, Maryland.

Once a tobacco market village, Waldorf came to prominence in the 1950s as a gambling destination after slot machines were legalized in Charles County in 1949. The boom lasted until 1968 when gambling was once again outlawed. Its subsequent substantial growth as a residential community began with a 1970 loan package from the Department of Housing and Urban Development which fueled the giant planned community of St. Charles, south of Waldorf.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 36.5 square miles (94.5 km2), of which 36.2 square miles (93.8 km2) is land and 0.27 square miles (0.7 km2), or 0.7%, is water. The soils of Waldorf are known to contain various amounts of Marlboro Clay, a type that is only found in Southern Maryland. It can be either red or grey. 

Waldorf places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UM CRMC) offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Start your wellness journey at Eze Health Center, which provides comprehensive health services. Method Gym and Planet Fitness offer personalized training programs tailored to individual needs, promoting overall fitness and well-being. Embrace holistic healing at the Essence of Energy Wellness Center, where energy therapies and wellness programs are offered. Stay active with LA Fitness, offering extensive fitness programs and facilities. Shabach Yoga Studio and Yogasita provide a variety of yoga classes for all levels.

Top sites in Waldorf, MD are Shlagel Farms, Scary Strokes, and AMF Waldorf Lanes.

Population: 82,541 (2023). ZIP codes: 20601-20604. Area codes: 301, 240. Elevation: 207 ft (63 m). Area:36.5 square miles (94.5 km2).

FAQs 

What is Waldorf, MD known for?

For several decades, Waldorf was best known as a tobacco market. This changed in 1949 with the legalization of slot machines in Charles County. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Waldorf was a prime destination for gambling, but all this ended in 1968 when gambling was outlawed. The town went through a subsequent transition in 1970, when it received a loan package from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This allowed for the construction of a planned community and the town became a residential center.

What is the crime rate in Waldorf, MD?

The crime rate in Waldorf is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 17 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Waldorf is 1 in 58. Based on FBI crime data, Waldorf is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Maryland, Waldorf has a crime rate that is higher than 67% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Waldorf, Maryland expensive?

The cost of living in Waldorf is 134.5% of the national average. The median household income in Waldorf is $103,611, which is 13% more than that of the state. The median income for an individual is $56,013, which is 14% more than that of the state. The median home price in Waldorf is $440,000 with a median price per sqft of $212. The average rent in Waldorf (located in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria DC--MD-WV Metro Div.) metro area for a 2-bed home is $2,451, which is 66% more than the average rent across the US.

Sources

Wikipedia

Charles County

Living In Maryland

Neighborhood Scout

Zero Down

Shlagel Farms 

Scary Strokes 

AMF Waldorf Lanes

University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center

Eze Health Center

Method Gym

Planet Fitness

Essence of Energy Wellness Center

LA Fitness

Shabach Yoga Studio

Yogasita

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.