Washington, D.C. | Location, Population & Status

Short answer: Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States — a federal district (not a state) on the Potomac River; it had 689,545 residents in the 2020 U.S. Census and covers about 68.34 square miles (177 km²).

Location

  • Coordinates: about 38.9072° N, 77.0369° W.
  • Sited on the Potomac River between the states of Maryland and Virginia; the District’s boundaries touch Maryland on three sides and the Potomac (across which lies Virginia) on the fourth.
  • Key places inside the District: the U.S. Capitol, White House, National Mall, many federal agencies, museums (Smithsonian), and numerous monuments and memorials.

Population

  • Official 2020 Census population: 689,545 (this is the last full decennial census figure).
  • The District’s population has changed since 2020 (pandemic-related out‑migration and later recovery affected counts), so annual Census Bureau estimates vary — check the Census QuickFacts or the District’s official statistics office for the latest estimate.
  • Demographically the city is diverse: historically a large African American population, with substantial non-Hispanic white, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian communities; the city has seen demographic shifts in recent decades tied to housing, economics, and in‑migration.

Status & Governance

  • Constitutional basis: The District was created under Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution as a federal seat of government. The Residence Act (1790) established the seat; land was originally ceded by Maryland and Virginia (the Virginia portion, Alexandria, was returned in 1846).
  • Legal/political status: Washington, D.C. is a federal district — not one of the 50 states.
  • Local government: The Home Rule Act of 1973 created an elected mayor and a 13-member Council of the District of Columbia to manage local affairs. However, Congress retains ultimate authority over the District and can review or overturn local laws and budgets.
  • Representation in federal government:
  • D.C. has one non-voting delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives (can sit on committees and vote in committee but not vote on final passage on the House floor).
  • D.C. has no voting Senators.
  • By the 23rd Amendment (1961), D.C. residents have three electoral votes in presidential elections (the same number as the least-populous states).

Current political note

  • There is an active and long-standing movement for D.C. statehood (which would give full congressional representation). Bills and resolutions have been introduced in Congress multiple times; as of mid‑2024 the District remains a federal district rather than a state. For the latest status on legislation, check the current Congressional record.

Quick facts

  • Area: ~68.34 sq mi (177 km²)
  • 2020 population: 689,545
  • Founded/established as the federal seat: 1790 (Residence Act)

If you’d like, I can:

  • Give the most recent population estimate (I can look up the latest Census Bureau QuickFacts for the current year),
  • Provide a breakdown of demographics, economy, or major neighborhoods, or
  • Summarize the statehood arguments for and against. Which would you prefer?
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Related

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