Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area

The Washington–Baltimore combined metropolitan statistical area is a big region that includes the cities of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. It covers parts of Central Maryland, Northern Virginia, some counties in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and one county in south-central Pennsylvania. This area is very important because it is the most educated and highest-income region in the United States, and it is also the third-most populous combined statistical area behind New York City–Newark, NJ and Los Angeles–Long Beach.

The region is officially called the Washington–Baltimore–Arlington, DC–MD–VA–WV–PA Combined Statistical Area by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). It is made up mainly of two large areas: the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC–VA–MD–WV area and the Baltimore–Columbia–Towson, Maryland area. There are also five smaller areas that are included because many people travel to work in the main cities. These smaller areas are Hagerstown–Martinsburg, Maryland–West Virginia, the Chambersburg–Waynesboro, Pennsylvania area, the Winchester, VA–WV MSA, the California–Lexington Park, Maryland area, and the Easton, Maryland area.

Some counties, like Caroline and King George County, Virginia, are not officially part of this area by OMB rules but still think of themselves as members. This is because they are close by, have many people who travel to work in the main cities, and are influenced by local TV and radio stations. As of the 2020 census, the population of the whole Washington–Baltimore Combined Statistical Area was 9,973,383. The biggest city in this area is Washington, D.C., with 689,545 people, and the biggest county is Fairfax County, Virginia, with 1,150,309 people.

Components of the combined statistical area

The Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area includes many counties and cities in several states. Some of the main areas are Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Hagerstown, Chambersburg, and Winchester. These areas cover parts of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

The region includes cities and counties such as Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William in Virginia; Montgomery and Prince George's in Maryland; and Baltimore City itself. Other smaller areas like Hagerstown, Chambersburg, and Winchester are also part of this combined area.

Main article: Washington metropolitan area Main article: Baltimore metropolitan area Main article: Hagerstown metropolitan area Main article: Winchester, VA–WV MSA

Regional organizations

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Main article: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) started in 1957. It helps 23 local governments in the Washington area, along with some state legislators and members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, talk about important issues. These issues include the environment, transportation, safety, housing, planning, and jobs.

One part of MWCOG is called the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. It helps plan transportation for the Washington area.

Baltimore Metropolitan Council

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council helps with similar tasks for the Baltimore area. It was created in 1992 and includes leaders from Baltimore City and several nearby counties.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board plans transportation for the Baltimore area.

Principal cities

This area includes many cities and towns. The two biggest cities are Baltimore in Maryland and Washington, D.C..

Other important cities in the Baltimore area include Annapolis, Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Rockville in Maryland.

In the Washington, D.C. area, you can find cities like Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Herndon in Virginia, along with Bethesda, Bowie, and Silver Spring in Maryland.

There are also smaller towns and cities in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia that are part of this large area.

For a full list, see List of cities in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area.

Economy

Further information: Economy of the Washington metropolitan area

This area has many important jobs and businesses. One big part is making medicines and health tools. Maryland’s suburbs near Washington are known for this. Some famous companies here include MedImmune, United Therapeutics, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Another big part is helping with safety and defense. Many companies in Northern Virginia and Maryland work closely with the Pentagon. Big names like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman have offices here.

Sports

Table of professional teams and venues

Transportation

The Washington–Baltimore area has many ways to get around, including airports, trains, and highways.

Commercial airports

Rail transit systems

Intercity Rail

• Amtrak

Commuter/Regional Rail

• MARC Train
• Virginia Railway Express

Heavy Rail Subway

• Washington Metro
• Baltimore Metro SubwayLink

Light Rail

• Baltimore Light RailLink
• DC Streetcar (until 2026)
• Purple Line (under construction; projected opening 2027)

Major highways

Interstates

• Interstate 66
• Interstate 70
• Interstate 81
• Interstate 83
• Interstate 95
• Interstate 97
• Interstate 195
• Interstate 270
• Interstate 295
• Interstate 370
• Interstate 395 (District of Columbia-Virginia)
• Interstate 395 (Maryland)
• Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway)
• Interstate 595 (Unsigned)
• Interstate 695 (District of Columbia)
• Interstate 695 (Baltimore Beltway)
• Interstate 795
• Interstate 895

U.S. Routes

• U.S. Route 1
• U.S. Route 11
• U.S. Route 15
• U.S. Route 29
• U.S. Route 40
• U.S. Route 50
• U.S. Route 301
• U.S. Route 340

State Routes

• District of Columbia Route 295 (Anacostia Freeway)
• Maryland Route 2
• Maryland Route 4
• Maryland Route 5
• Maryland Route 26
• Maryland Route 32
• Maryland Route 97
• Maryland Route 100
• Maryland Route 200 (Intercounty Connector)
• Maryland Route 410 (East-West Highway)
• Baltimore–Washington Parkway (Maryland Route 295)
• Maryland Route 355
• Virginia State Route 3
• Virginia State Route 7
• Virginia State Route 9
• Virginia State Route 28
• Virginia State Route 267
• Virginia State Route 286 (Fairfax County Parkway)
• Virginia State Route 289 (Franconia–Springfield Parkway)
• West Virginia Route 9