| ZIP Code | 21221 |
|---|---|
| City | Essex |
| State | Maryland (MD) |
| County | Baltimore County |
| Area Code | 410/443/667 |
| Elevation | 19 ft |
| Latitude | 39.292125 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.436995 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 24005 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 41.7 yrs ↑ 7% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.52 |
| Below Poverty | 12.6% ▲ 26% above avg |
| College Grads | 29.7% ▼ 23% below avg |
| Unemployment | 5.5% ▲ 12% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 692 (2.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 11,316 (40.9%) |
| Some College | 4,013 (14.5%) |
| Associates | 3,461 (12.5%) |
| Bachelors | 2,406 (8.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 5,813 (21%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $67,368 ▼ 12% below avg ↑ 16% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $266,800 ≈ Avg ↑ 33% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.0x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,305/mo ↑ 21% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 18,364 |
| Vacant Units | 1,221 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.52 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 18,364 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,221 |
| Owner Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 40.7% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.52 |
ZIP code 21221 is located in Essex, Maryland, within Baltimore County. With a population of 43,536, this is a highly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 41.7 years. Economically, 21221 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $67,368 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 21221 represents a mid-range housing market. The median home value of $266,800 is near the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,305 per month in median rent. The area has a relatively balanced mix of owners (59.4%) and renters (40.7%). Median home values have increased by 33% since 2019.
The population of 21221 is majority White (54.22%). Residents are moderately educated — 29.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects some residents at 12.6%. Household income has grown by 16% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 21221 stands at 5.5%, which is near the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 72%.
Overall, ZIP code 21221 in Essex, MD is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, and a middle-aged community. With 43,536 residents, a median household income of $67,368, and a median home value of $266,800, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Maryland.