The U.S. Census Bureau divides the Washington statistical metropolitan area into two metropolitan divisions:[5]
the WashingtonArlingtonAlexandria, DCVAMDWV Metropolitan Division, comprising the majority of the metropolitan area
the BethesdaGaithersburgFrederick, MD Metropolitan Division, consisting of Montgomery and Frederick counties
Note that Metropolitan Area and Metropolitan Statistical Area should not be
confused with Metropolitan Division.
[edit]Political subdivisions
The area includes the following counties, districts, and independent cities:[5]
[edit]District of Columbia
Washington, D.C.
[edit]Maryland
The following counties are categorized as part of the WashingtonArlingtonAlexandria, DCVAMDWV Metropolitan Statistical Area:
Calvert County
Charles County
Frederick County
Montgomery County
Prince George's County
Although associated with the Washington Metropolitan Area, the following counties are categorized as part of the Baltimore-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area:
Anne Arundel County
Howard County
Although associated with the Washington Metropolitan Area, the following county is categorized as part of the Lexington Park, MD Micropolitan Statistical Area:
St. Mary's County
[edit]Virginia
Counties
Arlington County
Clarke County
Fairfax County
Fauquier County
Frederick County
Loudoun County
Prince William County
Spotsylvania County
Stafford County
Warren County
Independent cities:
City of Alexandria
City of Fairfax
City of Falls Church
City of Fredericksburg
City of Manassas
City of Manassas Park
[edit]West Virginia
Jefferson County