There’s lots to love about living in La Plata MD. Named after the La Plata River and incorporated in 1888, the history here is tangible, especially in historic buildings like the Town Hall, and La Plata sure does hold onto those small-town roots. That said, local businesses and a small downtown area have modernized the area to the perfect extent, and if its nature you seek, there’s lots to discover.
Moving to La Plata now brings you to a place where life is slow but truly enjoyable, so stick around to learn more!
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Where Is La Plata Maryland?
Maybe you can visuaLize where those living in Washington DC are located, or perhaps you have friends living in Alexandria, but where is La Plata MD, and what county is La Plata MD in?
Located not far off the Potomac River on the Southern Maryland Peninsula, La Plata is just 37 miles south of Washington DC, making it one of the many amazing Washington DC suburbs and the county seat of Charles County.
Smaller towns and nearby cities that immediately surround La Plata include Port Tobacco, Wood Haven Park, White Plains, and Pomfret. There’s also a handful of major points of interest just outside La Plata MD, such as the Thomas Stone National Historic Site, Chapel Point State Park, and Zekiah Swamp Natural Environment Area.
Living in La Plata MD means staying well-connected, as four state highways run through the town, including U.S. Route 301 (Crain Highway).
La Plata MD Population & Demographics
What is the population of La Plata Maryland? As of the 2020 Census, there are 10,159 people living in La Plata MD, a considerable increase of about 16% since 2010. The population density sits at 1,373.2 people per square mile.
While not official numbers, the current (2025) population of La Plata MD is estimated as high as 10,878.
19.3% of the population living in La Plata MD is under the age of 18, while 16.4% are over the age of 65, so there’s quite the ideal blend of young professionals with kids and retirees alike. Of the 3,665 households, you can expect an average of 2.69 people within each, so raising a small family is common here!
Additional La Plata MD Demographics
- Sex ratio: 50.4% women & 49.6% men
- Median age: 42 years
- Racial & ethnic composition: 48.8% White alone (47.2% White, non-Hispanic), 35.1% Black/African American, 0.7% American Indian/Alaska Native, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 3.8% Asian, 6.8% Hispanic/Latino, 10.8% two or more races.
- La Plata MD median household income: $121,707/year
- Education: 92.9% of residents 25+ years old living in La Plata MD have a high school diploma, while 33.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 8.2%
As you can see, the La Plata MD demographics paint a picture of a very diverse locale.
But if you’re moving to La Plata sometime soon, you might be curious: is La Plata MD safe? Overall, most statistics regarding the La Plata MD crime rate point to a town that’s quite safe, with Crimegrade.org rating it safer than 63% of other cities and granting it a “B” rating. When living in La Plata MD, you’re protected by the efforts of the La Plata Town Police.
Cost of Living in La Plata MD
There isn’t an official cost of living index for La Plata, but most estimates rank it as around 15-27% more expensive than the national average. Being in the same metro area, this is fairly similar to the cost of living in Alexandria VA and the cost of living in Washington DC, both more than 30% higher than the national average.
The Family Budget Calculator estimates a family of four living in La Plata MD earn $126,602/year to meet the demands of Chester County, so do keep that in mind if you have plans on moving to La Plata. To better break down some common expenses you’ll run into:
- Meal, inexpensive Restaurant: $18.00
- Water (12 oz small bottle): $2.12
- Milk (regular), (1 gallon): $4.07
- Gasoline (1 gallon): $2.89
- Basic La Plata utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 915 sq ft apartment: $96.81
- Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data: $42.50
- Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: $1,190
- 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar): $53.57
Data sourced from Numbeo.
A major driver of the cost of living in La Plata MD is the La Plata MD real estate market. If you plan on buying, homes for sale in La Plata MD feature a median sale price of $424,094, a number that has decreased 3.7% since last year and that equates to around $219/square foot.
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Renting is the more affordable option, with apartments in La Plata MD, averaging just $790/month. You can also explore flexible and charming Rent by Owner cottage options that offer a comfortable experience for short- or long-term stays. So while estimates regarding the cost of living in La Plata MD might be on the higher side, it depends on your situation and living style, as certain figures (like housing) are actually on the more affordable end.
La Plata Neighborhoods | Where to Live in La Plata Maryland
Interested in living in La Plata MD? Here’s a handful of neighborhoods to consider!
Old Colony
Old Colony is a neighborhood located in the central zone of La Plata off La Plata Parkway. This neighborhood is adjacent to the Clark Run Nature Area and hosts Miss Jennie Dean Park and Caroline R Jones Park, so getting outside is easy. It’s also near UM Charles Regional Medical Center and downtown La Plata.
Willow Gate
Willow Gate offers nice, affordable homes, most of which were completed in 1999. Willow Gate is conveniently close to all La Plata has to offer and not far off Crain Highway for easy jumps to DC or other cities.
King’s Grant
King’s Grant is one of the nicer neighborhoods in La Plata MD. This master planned community consists of big, beautiful single-family homes that hover in the mid $500s. Living here puts you in a quiet community where you can still easily access all the amenities and schools, right off La Plata Road.
La Plata MD Weather & Climate
Curious about living in La Plata MD and interested in the typical La Plata MD weather? With its humid subtropical climate, the weather in La Plata MD presents a taste of all four seasons but not in an overwhelming capacity! The average July high is a toasty but enjoyable 86.1 degrees, ideal for activities like swimming at Chapel Point State Park. Winter cools down to a chilly 26.6 degree average low in January, with snowfall maxing out at a typical 6.5 inches during the snowiest month, so grab the sled and skis!
September is the rainiest month, seeing 4.4 inches, but the weather in La Plata MD is for the most part sunny with 204 days of sunshine every year.
In terms of natural disasters, the area is pretty tamed but does see tornadoes, such as the historic 2002 La Plata tornado that killed 5, but local officials have long since addressed the damage.
La Plata MD Things to Do
You’ll enjoy a ton of family-owned businesses and small-town shopping classics when living in La Plata, from Bird City Records to Centerpiece Boutique and Design and so much more. And when it comes to things to do in La Plata MD, the options in and around town will keep anyone busy!
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Be sure to check out the amazing community parks and events in addition to:
Chapel Point State Park
While it’s technically outside of La Plata, the drive is less than 15 minutes and well worth it. Located off the Port Tobacco River, you can swim, camp, and hike along the trails for endless hours, soaking up the natural beauty of this community staple.
Chapel Point Rd, Port Tobacco, MD 20677 (301-743-7613)
The La Plata Train Station Museum
The La Plata Train Station Museum makes for a lovely way to spend a rainy day. Learn about the station’s influential history and how the railroad helped shape the growth of La Plata and its surrounding communities.
101 Kent Ave, La Plata, MD 20646 (301-934-8421)
La Plata Farmers Market
The La Plata Farmers Market is the perfect place to connect with the community while shopping for local goods and produce! Located in the heart of downtown La Plata MD, it showcases everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade jams, honey, and artisanal crafts.
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209 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD 20646 (301-966-7473)
La Plata MD Restaurants
Most residents would agree that the restaurants in La Plata MD cater to a wide variety of likings!
Here’s a handful of local favorites:
The Farmhouse Cafe and Creperie
Tucked inside a cozy, country-inspired setting, The Farmhouse Cafe & Creperie tempts taste buds with sweet and savory crepes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
5695 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD 20646 (240-776-4490)
The Charles Restaurant & Bar
Set within a sleek, modern interior, The Charles Restaurant & Bar elevates the classic American dining experience with prime steaks, fresh local seafood, and inventive cocktails crafted to perfection.
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417 Charles St, La Plata, MD 20646 (301-392-5116)
The RAD House
The RAD House lives up to its name by serving up creative comfort food, inventive craft cocktails, and a ‘rad’, welcoming ambiance that keeps locals coming back for more.
82 Drury Dr, La Plata, MD 20646
La Plata MD Schools
Public schools in La Plata MD are overseen by Charles County Public Schools. Chances are, if you’re living in La Plata MD with children, they will attend:
- Mary H. Matula Elementary School
- Walter J Mitchell Elementary
- Milton M. Somers Middle School
- La Plata High School
- Phoenix International School of the Arts
There are plentiful private schools in the immediate area, too, including Archbishop Neale School La Plata and Grace Lutheran Church and School.
In terms of higher education, La Plata is also near several major colleges, including the College of Southern Maryland, as well as the University of Maryland and other institutions within easy commuting distance.
If you’re looking for the public library to delve into a good book, The Charles County Public Library caters to your creativity while living in La Plata MD!
La Plata MD Jobs
La Plata, Maryland’s economy centers on government, healthcare, education, and retail. As the county seat, it hosts many public sector jobs and the county’s main hospital. Major employers include the county government and schools, the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, and the College of Southern Maryland.
Retail trade (big-box stores, grocery, auto dealers) is a key industry, and local businesses like the La Plata-headquartered Wills Group contribute to the town’s robust economic landscape.
If you have plans on moving to La Plata, Indeed Jobs La Plata MD is an excellent resource to seek out new opportunities, or keep an eye out for The Town of La Plata MD jobs for excellent opportunities within your community!
La Plata MD Statistics & Information
- La Plata MD County: Charles
- La Plata MD area: 7.43 square miles
- La Plata MD zip code: 20646
- La Plata MD area code: 301/240
- La Plata MD elevation: 190 ft
- La Plata MD time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to La Plata MD: The Reagan Washington (DCA) Airport, just over 32 miles away.
Map of La Plata MD
Explore living in La Plata MD with this interactive map of the area!
Make Living in La Plata MD a Reality!
Is moving to La Plata in your future? With the La Plata movers at Suburban Solutions, we’ll make any transition to or from this lovely small town a stress-free experience. So don’t hesitate to call us at 301-928-8669 for your free moving quote!
