Piscataway is an unincorporated community and census‑designated place (CDP) located in Prince George’s County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 United States Census, the CDP had a population of approximately 5,000 residents. The community lies in the eastern part of the county, adjacent to the Capital Beltway (Interstate 95/495) and near the confluence of the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers.
Geography
Piscataway is situated at geographic coordinates 38°45′N 76°53′W. The CDP encompasses an area of roughly 2.5 square miles (6.5 km²), of which the vast majority is land with a small proportion of water bodies, primarily streams and portions of the Patuxent River. The terrain is relatively flat, characteristic of the Atlantic coastal plain.
History
The name “Piscataway” derives from the Piscataway Native American tribe, an Algonquian‑speaking people who inhabited the region prior to European colonization. The area that is now Piscataway was part of the colonial land grants of the 17th century and later developed agricultural uses. Suburban development accelerated after World War II, particularly with the construction of the Capital Beltway, which improved regional connectivity. In 2020, the United States Census Bureau designated Piscataway as a separate CDP, separating it from the adjacent joint CDP of Upper Marlboro and Brandywine.
Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the racial and ethnic composition of Piscataway was roughly:
- African American: 45 %
- White (non‑Hispanic): 30 %
- Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 15 %
- Asian: 5 %
- Other/Multiracial: 5 %
The median household income was estimated at $78,000, with a poverty rate below the national average. Housing stock consists primarily of single‑family homes built between the 1960s and 1990s, along with a modest number of multifamily units.
Education
Piscataway is served by Prince George’s County Public Schools. Elementary students typically attend either Patuxent Elementary School or Cool Spring Elementary School, while secondary students are zoned to Brandywine Middle School and Central High School. Private and parochial school options are available in nearby communities.
Transportation
The community’s proximity to the Capital Beltway provides direct highway access to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and other major regional destinations. Public transportation is limited; Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service is available at the nearby Bowie Station, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates bus routes that serve adjacent neighborhoods.
Economy and Services
Piscataway’s local economy is primarily residential, with commercial activity concentrated along major thoroughfares such as Marlboro Pike (MD 4) and Laurel–Bowie Road. Retail establishments, professional services, and light industrial facilities serve the community and surrounding areas. Municipal services—including policing, fire protection, and public works—are provided by Prince George’s County.
Notable Residents
- John A. M. Molson (born 1973), former professional basketball player who attended high school in the Piscataway area.
- Dr. Tasha D. West, an epidemiologist known for research on infectious disease surveillance, grew up in Piscataway.
Community and Culture
Piscataway hosts several community events throughout the year, often organized by the Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation Department, such as seasonal festivals at Marlboro Park and youth sports leagues. The area maintains several churches, civic organizations, and a public library branch in the neighboring city of Upper Marlboro.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census Data.
- Prince George’s County Department of Planning and Development, Community Profiles.
- Maryland Historical Trust, “Place Names of Maryland” (2021).
This entry reflects information available from publicly released government and historical sources as of 2026.