Although several housing developments have been added since the late 20th century, the old centre of Dinas Powys maintains a traditional, almost rural character.

According to recent electoral rolls, the population is in the region of 8,800, making Dinas Powys the fifth largest settlement in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The most ancient artifact found in the area is a Neolithic Stone Age axe-head, discovered by P. W. Brooks in 1949 and now displayed in the National Museum Cardiff.

[3] The hill fort site was excavated by Leslie Alcock of University College, Cardiff between 1953 and 1958[4][5][6] and was found to contain evidence of major wooden structures and a large quantity of high-status metalwork and jewellery.

In 1591, Sir Edward Mansel of Margam wrote his historical document recording The Winning of Glamorgan and said: Mansel also records: Dinas Powys was included in the original medieval Welsh political sub-division called the Cantref Brenhinol (the Royal Hundred) which later became the commote known as the Hundred of Dinas Powis, which also encompassed St Andrews Major, Michaelston-le-Pit, Westra, Penarth, Cogan, Sully, Lavernock and Llandough.

[11] The village population remained almost static at about 300-400 people until the second half of the 19th century, when there was an influx into the community, including a large contingent from the West Country.

The growth of the coal industry saw the first passenger train arrive in Dinas Powys on 20 December 1898, and thereafter the population increased rapidly.

The new rail link provided far better communication and transport to the area, making it a more attractive residential prospect, and many workers from Barry and Cardiff moved in.

More recent housing development has taken place in a linear fashion either side of the main Cardiff road and in the direction of Cadoxton and Barry.

In many places the two communities are only separated by a few hundred yards and a couple of fields; however, no direct road connections have been added, entailing a car journey of several miles via Llandough.

Another traditional lane crossing, which existed between the current site of the Tesco Express mini-supermarket and the Erw Delyn school at Redlands Heights, Penarth, was closed to through traffic following extensions to the Murch estate in the 1970s.

Flooding was caused by the floodwater overtopping the banks of the Cadoxton River among others, restrictions to flow in channels and surcharging of drains.

In May 2008, the Conservative Party won four additional seats on the community council, all at the expense of Plaid Cymru, including the defeat of Chris Franks.

In the 2017 elections, all four seats were won by the Conservatives (Vince Driscoll, Andy Robertson, Rob Crowley and Steve Griffiths).

Garnhill House (and Estate), is a Grade II listed[12] building with terraced gardens exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1904, [19] and has been occupied by the Green family for well over 100 years.

It was originally a farmhouse called Mount Pleasant and was occupied by the Hurst family, who held the manor of Dinas Powys.

[21] St Peter's was built in 1929–1930 to replace the old "Iron Church" in the village square, which had served as a chapel of ease for St. Andrew's since 1881, but could only hold 180 worshippers.

Dinas Powys Baptist Church meets in the Parish Hall on Britway Road, and Bethesda Chapel is on Fairoaks.

The recreation area at the village common, administered by Dinas Powys Community Council, is home to several sports teams.

The 2021 ITV television drama series Hollington Drive was filmed in Dinas Powys, in the luxury housing estate on Ardwyn Walk.