District Heights, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
District Heights, Maryland
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Location of District Heights, Maryland
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| Country |  United States of America |
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| State |  Maryland |
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| County | Prince George's | ||
| Incorporated | 1936 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 0.86 sq mi (2.24 km2) | ||
| • Land | 0.86 sq mi (2.24 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 266 ft (81 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,959 | ||
| • Density | 6,889.02/sq mi (2,659.75/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | ||
| ZIP codes |
20747, 20753
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| Area code(s) | 301, 240 | ||
| FIPS code | 24-23025 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0597330 | ||
District Heights is a city in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. It is located close to Maryland Route 4. In 2020, about 5,959 people lived there.
District Heights is about 9.85 miles (15.85 km) from the center of Washington.
Contents
About District Heights
Where is District Heights?
District Heights is located at coordinates 38°51′34″N 76°53′21″W.
The city covers a total area of about 0.93 square miles (2.41 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
How District Heights Started
District Heights was once farmland owned by Major Leander P. Williams. In 1925, a group of people bought 505 acres of this land. They formed the District Heights Company.
By 1926, the city had about 25 homes, two businesses, a grocery store, and a gas station. It also had its own water and sewage system. A free bus service took people to Washington, D.C. The Town of District Heights officially became a city in 1936.
Many of the houses you see today were built in the 1940s. These homes were made to be affordable for federal workers and soldiers returning from World War II. In 1946, more land was bought and developed, adding more areas to District Heights.
Neighboring Areas
District Heights is surrounded by other communities:
- Walker Mill is to the north.
- Forestville is to the southeast.
- Capitol Heights is to the northwest.
- Morningside is to the south.
People of District Heights
Population Changes Over Time
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1940 | 32 | — | |
| 1950 | 1,735 | 5,321.9% | |
| 1960 | 7,524 | 333.7% | |
| 1970 | 7,846 | 4.3% | |
| 1980 | 6,799 | −13.3% | |
| 1990 | 6,704 | −1.4% | |
| 2000 | 5,958 | −11.1% | |
| 2010 | 5,837 | −2.0% | |
| 2020 | 5,959 | 2.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2010 2020 |
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In 2020, the population of District Heights was 5,959 people. This was a small increase from 5,837 people in 2010.
Facts from the 2010 Census
In 2010, there were 5,837 people living in District Heights. There were 2,050 households. About 40% of households had children under 18. The average household size was 2.85 people.
The average age in the city was 35.8 years. About 26% of residents were under 18. Around 10% were 65 years or older. The population was 46% male and 54% female.
Notable People from District Heights
- NaVorro Bowman: A former professional football player for the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers.
- Jack D'Ambrosio: A retired police officer and author. He wrote books about teenage groups in District Heights during the 1950s and early 1960s.
- Jane Campbell Hutchison: A former art history professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
- LaTonya Swann: The winner of BET's Born To Dance TV show.
- Lloyd R. Woodson: A former resident.
Past Mayors of District Heights
Here is a list of the mayors who have served District Heights:
- 1954-1956 L.T. Gates
- 1956-1957 Thomas R. McEntegart
- 1957-1963 E. Michael Roll
- 1963-1965 Thomas R. McEntegart
- 1965-1981 E. Michael Roll
- 1981-1983 David H. Goldsmith
- 1983-1985 William E. Hay
- 1985-1987 David H. Goldsmith
- 1987-1988 David W. Joy
- 1988-1990 Charles L. Hudson
- 1990-1991 Thomas S. Morrison
- 1991-1997 Mary A. Pumphrey
- 1997-2003 Jack C. Sims
- 2003-2006 Carol D. Johnson
- 2006-2016 James L. Walls, Jr.
- 2016-2018 Jack C. Sims
- 2018-2019 Eddie L. Martin
- 2019-2020 Johnathan Medlock, Acting Mayor
- 2020-2022 Johnathan Medlock
- 2022- Cynthia Miller
City Services
Police Department
The District Heights Police Department (DHPD) is the main police force for the city. They work with the Prince George's County Police Department and the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office. These groups help each other when needed.
The DHPD started in 1936. Officers work to keep the city safe. The Prince George's County Police Department also has a station nearby that helps the community.
Fire and Emergency Services
The District Heights Volunteer Fire Department provides fire, rescue, and ambulance services. It is known as Prince George's Fire Company 826.
The fire station is located at 5900 Marlboro Pike. It is named after Chief Thomas "Tommy" Stommel, who served for many years. The modern station was opened in 2008. The old fire station building is still standing nearby.
Learning and Fun
Education in District Heights
The city is part of the Prince George's County Public Schools system.
Here are some of the schools that serve the city:
- Elementary Schools:
- District Heights Elementary School
- North Forestville Elementary School
- Middle Schools:
- Drew-Freeman Middle School (grades 7–8)
- Walker Mill Middle School
- High Schools:
- Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School
- Suitland High School
Public Libraries
The Prince George's County Memorial Library System has a branch near District Heights. It is called the Spauldings Branch Library. This library opened in 1987.
Public Parks and Spaces
District Heights has several public areas and parks for fun and exercise:
- Sports fields next to the Municipal Center on Marbury Drive.
- An outdoor exercise area along District Heights Parkway.
- Hartman-Berkshire Park on Walters Lane.
- Green spaces along Kipling Parkway.
- A Veteran's Memorial Park, dedicated in 2021, at Marbury Drive and Kipling Parkway.
- A small park on Lakehurst Street in North Forestville.
- A Maryland National Capital Park next to North Forestville Elementary School.
Getting Around
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The main highway that goes through District Heights is Maryland Route 458. This road connects to Maryland Route 5. From there, you can get to Washington, D.C., and the Interstate 95/Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway).
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro Bus) serves the town. They have several bus routes, including:
- The District Heights–Suitland Line (Route V12)
- The District Heights–Seat Pleasant Line (Route V14)
- The Marlboro Pike Line (Route J12)
- The Forestville Line (Route K12)
See also
In Spanish: District Heights (Maryland) para niños
