Freedom, Maryland
Freedom | |
|---|---|
Unincorporated community | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| County | Carroll |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Freedom is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Carroll County, Maryland, United States. It is part of the Baltimore metropolitan area. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Freedom was 18,409 as of the 2020 United States census.[1]
Geography
Freedom is located in southern Carroll County. It is bordered to the east by the city of Sykesville and to the west by the community of Eldersburg, with which it shares many community services and amenities. The area is part of the Piedmont Plateau, characterized by rolling hills, forests, and suburban development.[2]
According to the United States Geological Survey, Freedom sits at an elevation of approximately 650 feet (198 meters).[3]
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Freedom had a population of 18,409. The racial composition was predominantly White (85.9%), followed by African American (4.9%), Asian (3.8%), and others including mixed race and Hispanic or Latino.[1] The area has a median household income well above the national average, reflecting its status as a middle-to-upper class suburban community.[4]
Education
Freedom is served by the Carroll County Public Schools district. Schools in or near the area include Liberty High School, Oklahoma Road Middle School, and Freedom Elementary School. These institutions are consistently ranked among the top-performing schools in the county.[5]
Transportation
Freedom is accessible via Maryland Route 26 (Liberty Road), a primary east-west highway that connects the area to Interstate 70 and Baltimore. Though public transit options are minimal, Carroll Transit System provides limited local bus service.[6]
Economy and Development
Freedom is largely residential, with commercial development centered around retail, dining, and healthcare. Key shopping areas include Liberty Exchange and Eldersburg Commons. Many residents commute to jobs in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., supported by the region's highway connectivity.[7]
History
Although Freedom is not incorporated and lacks a formally recorded founding date, the surrounding area, including Eldersburg and Sykesville, has historical significance dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Early settlers engaged in agriculture and trade, and the arrival of railroads spurred economic development in nearby communities.[8]
References
- ^ a b "Explore Census Data: Freedom CDP, Maryland". data.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2025-03-15.
- ^ "Carroll County Comprehensive Plan" (PDF). Carroll County Government. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "GNIS Detail – Freedom". Geographic Names Information System. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "Freedom CDP, Maryland". Census Reporter. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "School Locator - Carroll County Public Schools". Carroll County Public Schools. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "Transportation Services". Carroll Transit System. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "Economic Development: Eldersburg-Sykesville Area". Carroll County Department of Economic Development. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ Schlosnagle, Stephen M. (2002). Eldersburg: Images of America. Arcadia Publishing.