| ZIP Code | 21045 |
|---|---|
| City | Columbia |
| State | Maryland (MD) |
| County | Howard County |
| Area Code | 227/240/301/410/443/ |
| Elevation | 399 ft |
| Latitude | 39.206042 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.828234 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 24027 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.4 yrs ↑ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.65 |
| Below Poverty | 8.4% ▼ 17% below avg |
| College Grads | 64.8% ▲ 67% above avg |
| Unemployment | 5.6% ▲ 15% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 431 (1.7%) |
| HS Graduate | 3,680 (14.2%) |
| Some College | 1,783 (6.9%) |
| Associates | 3,213 (12.4%) |
| Bachelors | 1,963 (7.6%) |
| Graduate Degree | 14,771 (57.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $117,323 ▲ 54% above avg ↑ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $438,500 ▲ 57% above avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,768/mo ↑ 10% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 15,826 |
| Vacant Units | 458 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.65 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 15,826 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 458 |
| Owner Occupied | 69.0% |
| Renter Occupied | 31.0% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.65 |
ZIP code 21045 is located in Columbia, Maryland, within Howard County. With a population of 40,866, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.4 years. Economically, 21045 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $117,323 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 21045 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $438,500 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,768 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 69.0% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 25% since 2019.
The population of 21045 is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 41.7%. Residents are highly educated — 64.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.4%. Household income has grown by 13% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 21045 stands at 5.6%, which is near the national average. About 23% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 67%.
Overall, ZIP code 21045 in Columbia, MD is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 40,866 residents, a median household income of $117,323, and a median home value of $438,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Maryland.