Damascus is a census-designated place and an uncorporated area located in Montgomery County, Maryland. In the early part of the 20th century, there was an incorporated municipality here for about a quarter century, but it no longer exists. The name "Damascus" comes from a reference in the Bible, presumably to Damascus, Syria, and was first used in an official document in 1816, when the United States Congress approved a postal route through the area, operated by Edward Hughes.
Geography
As an unincorporated area, Damascus' boundaries are not officially defined. Damascus is, however, recognized by the United States Census Bureau as a Census-designated Place, and by the United States Geological Survey as a populated place located at 39°16'16" North, 77°12'22" West (39.271040, -77.206098)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the place has a total area of 24.9 km² (9.6 mi²). 24.9 km² (9.6 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 11,430 people, 3,710 households, and 3,079 families residing in the area. The population density is 458.7/km² (1,187.5/mi²). There are 3,773 housing units at an average density of 151.4/km² (392.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the area is 89.66% White, 4.63% African American, 0.24% Native American, 2.21% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.28% from other races, and 1.95% from two or more races. 4.31% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 3,710 households out of which 52.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.0% are married couples living together, 11.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 17.0% are non-families. 13.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 3.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 3.08 and the average family size is 3.38.
In the area, the population is spread out with 34.0% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 5.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.6 males.
The median income for a household in the area is $71,447, and the median income for a family is $76,462. Males have a median income of $51,590 versus $38,731 for females. The per capita income for the area is $26,659. 5.3% of the population and 4.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 6.8% of those under the age of 18 and 0.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
History
The first settlement officially documented in the area was a land grant of 1,101 acres (4.5 km²) patented by Matthew Pigman on April 13, 1774. However, there is historical evidence of activity in the area well before then.
External links
| Maps and aerial photos |
Street map http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=decimal&latitude=NaodW29-item22
82fffe2a834dc6&longitude=-77.206098&zoom=6 | Topographic map http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=39.27104&lon=NaodW29-ite
m25a1048d432d527b&s=200&size=m&layer=DRG100 | Aerial photograph http://terraserver.microsoft.com/map.aspx?t=1&s=14&lon=NaodW29-item3b27c02ace3e0
39&lat=39.27104&w=750&h=500 |
Last updated: 02-09-2005 17:55:15
