| ZIP Code | 21042 |
|---|---|
| City | Ellicott City |
| State | Maryland (MD) |
| County | Howard County |
| Area Code | 227/240/410/443/667 |
| Elevation | 459 ft |
| Latitude | 39.277181 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.894602 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 24027 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 45.0 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.86 |
| Below Poverty | 2.7% ▼ 73% below avg |
| College Grads | 79.5% ▲ 105% above avg |
| Unemployment | 2.1% ▼ 57% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 159 (0.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,522 (9.4%) |
| Some College | 1,148 (4.3%) |
| Associates | 1,676 (6.3%) |
| Bachelors | 1,646 (6.1%) |
| Graduate Degree | 19,638 (73.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $190,504 ▲ 150% above avg ↑ 21% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $674,700 ▲ 142% above avg ↑ 12% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.5x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $2,253/mo ↑ 29% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 15,269 |
| Vacant Units | 311 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.86 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 15,269 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 311 |
| Owner Occupied | 85.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 14.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.86 |
ZIP code 21042 is located in Ellicott City, Maryland, within Howard County. With a population of 43,021, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 45 years. Economically, 21042 is a affluent ZIP code: the median household income of $190,504 is more than double the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 21042 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $674,700 is more than double the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $2,253 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 85.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 12% since 2019.
The population of 21042 is majority White (56.95%). Residents are highly educated — 79.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is more than double the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 2.7%. Household income has grown by 21% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 21042 stands at 2.1%, which is well below the national average. A notably high share of workers — 26% — work from home, reflecting the professional makeup of the area. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 68%.
Overall, ZIP code 21042 in Ellicott City, MD is characterized as affluent, highly educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 43,021 residents, a median household income of $190,504, and a median home value of $674,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Maryland.