| ZIP Code | 21044 |
|---|---|
| City | Columbia |
| State | Maryland (MD) |
| County | Howard County |
| Area Code | 227/240/301/410/443/ |
| Elevation | 401 ft |
| Latitude | 39.205274 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.878737 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 24027 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 39.9 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.41 |
| Below Poverty | 7.0% ▼ 30% below avg |
| College Grads | 72.2% ▲ 86% above avg |
| Unemployment | 4.2% ▼ 13% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 483 (1.6%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,381 (11.3%) |
| Some College | 1,758 (5.9%) |
| Associates | 2,733 (9.1%) |
| Bachelors | 1,817 (6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 19,866 (66.1%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $132,924 ▲ 74% above avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $541,100 ▲ 94% above avg ↑ 33% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.1x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $2,096/mo ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 19,776 |
| Vacant Units | 1,385 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.41 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 19,776 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,385 |
| Owner Occupied | 61.3% |
| Renter Occupied | 38.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.41 |
ZIP code 21044 is located in Columbia, Maryland, within Howard County. With a population of 44,775, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 39.9 years. Economically, 21044 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $132,924 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 21044 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $541,100 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $2,096 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 61.3% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 33% since 2019.
The population of 21044 is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 44.0%. Residents are highly educated — 72.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 7.0%. Household income has grown by 25% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 21044 stands at 4.2%, which is near the national average. About 24% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 64%.
Overall, ZIP code 21044 in Columbia, MD is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 44,775 residents, a median household income of $132,924, and a median home value of $541,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Maryland.