| ZIP Code | 21046 |
|---|---|
| City | Columbia |
| State | Maryland (MD) |
| County | Howard County |
| Area Code | 227/240/301/410/443/ |
| Elevation | 370 ft |
| Latitude | 39.174058 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.835354 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 24027 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.5 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.52 |
| Below Poverty | 8.4% ▼ 16% below avg |
| College Grads | 70.0% ▲ 81% above avg |
| Unemployment | 3.2% ▼ 35% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 88 (0.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,130 (11.6%) |
| Some College | 547 (5.6%) |
| Associates | 1,148 (11.8%) |
| Bachelors | 942 (9.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 5,867 (60.3%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $126,549 ▲ 66% above avg ↑ 13% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $469,000 ▲ 68% above avg ↑ 25% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.7x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $2,099/mo ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 6,361 |
| Vacant Units | 261 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.52 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 6,361 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 261 |
| Owner Occupied | 62.7% |
| Renter Occupied | 37.3% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.52 |
ZIP code 21046 is located in Columbia, Maryland, within Howard County. With a population of 15,433, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.5 years. Economically, 21046 is a upper-middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $126,549 is significantly above the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 21046 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $469,000 is significantly above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $2,099 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 62.7% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 25% since 2019.
The population of 21046 is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 49.5%. Residents are highly educated — 70.0% 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 21046 stands at 3.2%, which is below the national average. About 17% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 69%.
Overall, ZIP code 21046 in Columbia, MD is characterized as upper-middle-income, highly educated, a relatively young community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 15,433 residents, a median household income of $126,549, and a median home value of $469,000, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Maryland.