Lanham, Maryland
An In-Depth Geographic and Demographic Analysis: Exploring the unique character, history, and community fabric of this Prince George's County enclave.
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Community Overview
Location & Designation
Lanham is an unincorporated community and a designated Census-Designated Place (CDP) situated within Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. It functions as a distinct community within the broader county structure.
Geographic Coordinates
The precise geographical location of Lanham is marked by the following coordinates:
Latitude: 38°58′01″N
Longitude: 76°51′43″W
These coordinates place Lanham within the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
Time Zone
Lanham observes the standard time zones for its region:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): UTC-5
- Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): UTC-4 (during daylight saving periods)
Postal Information
The primary postal service for the community is managed by the U.S. Postal Service through the Lanham Seabrook Post Office, located within the Lanham CDP. The associated ZIP Code is 20706.
Geographic Scope
Area Dimensions
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Lanham encompasses a total area of approximately 3.55 square miles (9.19 km2). This area is predominantly land, with a small percentage dedicated to water.
- Total Area: 3.55 sq mi (9.19 km2)
- Land Area: 3.53 sq mi (9.14 km2)
- Water Area: 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
The water coverage constitutes about 0.54% of the total area.
Demographic Profile
Population Trends
Lanham's population has shown growth in recent census periods. The community was formally established as a CDP for the 2010 census, drawing from previously defined areas.
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,157 | — |
| 2020 | 11,282 | +11.1% |
The population density in 2020 was approximately 3,197.85 persons per square mile (1,234.70/km2).
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The demographic makeup of Lanham, as recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census, reveals a diverse population. The following table details the racial and ethnic distribution:
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Population (2020) | Percentage (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 588 | 5.21% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 5,998 | 53.16% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 17 | 0.15% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 352 | 3.12% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 50 | 0.44% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 233 | 2.07% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4,044 | 35.84% |
| Total | 11,282 | 100.00% |
Note: The U.S. Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category, distinct from race. Individuals identifying as Hispanic/Latino may belong to any racial group.
Economic Landscape
Key Businesses and Organizations
Lanham serves as the base for several notable companies and organizations, contributing to the local and regional economy:
- 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: REVU): An educational technology company.
- Shoppers Food & Pharmacy: A regional supermarket chain.
- Optoro: A company specializing in reverse logistics and inventory management.
- Vocus: A software company providing communication solutions.
- Radio One: A media company focused on urban and African-American audiences.
- Rowman & Littlefield: A prominent publishing house.
Governance & Infrastructure
Public Services
As an unincorporated community, Lanham is served by county-level entities for its public services:
- Law Enforcement: The Prince George's County Police Department, specifically District 2 Station in Brock Hall CDP (with a Bowie postal address), provides policing services to the community.
- Postal Services: The U.S. Postal Service operates the Lanham Seabrook Post Office within the Lanham CDP.
Transportation Access
While Lanham itself is a CDP, it benefits from proximity to major transportation hubs. The New Carrollton station, a terminus for the Washington Metro's Orange Line and an Amtrak station, is located across the Capital Beltway in neighboring New Carrollton, Maryland, providing significant transit connectivity.
Educational Institutions
Public School System
Lanham CDP is served by the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) district. Residents are zoned for specific schools:
- Elementary Schools: James McHenry Elementary School and Seabrook Elementary School.
- Middle School: Thomas Johnson Middle School.
- High School: DuVal High School.
Private & Higher Education
In addition to public schooling, Lanham hosts private educational facilities and is near institutions of higher learning:
- Private School: The Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle, a Catholic school, is located in Lanham.
- Other Schools: The area is also served by schools such as Catherine T. Reed Elementary, Gaywood Elementary, Magnolia Elementary, Robert Goddard Montessori School (Elementary and Middle), and others listed in the source data.
- Higher Education: Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary/Equip Institute is also situated in the vicinity.
Historical Context
Early Development and Designation
Lanham's history includes its recognition on the national level for its heritage. The Thomas J. Calloway House was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, signifying its historical importance.
The community's current status as a Census-Designated Place (CDP) was established for the 2010 U.S. Census. This designation was formed by consolidating portions of the previously defined Lanham-Seabrook CDP and parts of the Mitchellville CDP, creating a distinct statistical area for demographic tracking.
Religious Institutions
Places of Worship
Lanham is home to a diverse array of religious organizations, reflecting the community's varied spiritual landscape:
- Diyanet Center of America
- Grace Church
- Grace Presbyterian Church
- Kingdom Hall for Jehovah's Witnesses
- Korean Maryland Presbyterian Church
- Lanham Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA)
- Lanham United Methodist Church
- Murugan Temple of North America
- New Dimensions Church
- Prince George's Muslim Association
- Sri Siva Vishnu Temple
- St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Parish
- St. Theodore Greek Orthodox Church
- Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church (Orthodox Presbyterian Church)
Notable Residents
Individuals of Note
Several individuals who have achieved recognition in various fields have connections to Lanham:
- Antoine Brooks (born 1997): NFL player and Super Bowl LVI champion.
- Daryl Ferguson (born 1985): Barbadian association footballer.
- Robert Griffith (born 1970): Former NFL strong safety.
- Frank Kratovil (born 1968): Former U.S. Congressman.
- Jermaine Lewis (born 1974): Former NFL wide receiver.
- Guy S. Meloy Jr. (1903–1968): Former U.S. Army general.
- Chinanu Onuaku (born 1996): Professional basketball player.
- Lio Rush (born 1994): Professional wrestler.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not be entirely comprehensive, accurate, or current. It is presented in the style and structure of provided examples for illustrative purposes.
This content is not a substitute for professional consultation. The information provided herein should not be considered a basis for making decisions regarding geographic, demographic, economic, or any other professional assessments. Always consult official sources and qualified experts for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.