| ZIP Code | 21794 |
|---|---|
| City | West Friendship |
| State | Maryland (MD) |
| County | Howard County |
| Area Code | 410/443/667 |
| Elevation | 460 ft |
| Latitude | 39.298422 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -76.966129 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 24027 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 42.2 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 3.39 |
| Below Poverty | 2.8% ▼ 72% below avg |
| College Grads | 70.7% ▲ 82% above avg |
| Unemployment | 2.4% ▼ 50% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 3 (0.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 219 (15.5%) |
| Some College | 24 (1.7%) |
| Associates | 169 (11.9%) |
| Bachelors | 219 (15.5%) |
| Graduate Degree | 781 (55.2%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $223,833 ▲ 193% above avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $977,200 ▲ 251% above avg ↑ 38% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Total Units | 700 |
| Vacant Units | 22 |
| Avg HH Size | 3.39 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 700 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 22 |
| Owner Occupied | 99.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 0.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 3.39 |
ZIP code 21794 is located in West Friendship, Maryland, within Howard County. With a population of 2,326, this is a sparsely populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 42.2 years. Economically, 21794 is a affluent ZIP code: the median household income of $223,833 is more than double the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 21794 represents among the most expensive housing markets in the country. The median home value of $977,200 is more than double the national average. Homeownership is strong here — 99.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 38% since 2019.
The population of 21794 is primarily White (75.71%). Residents are highly educated — 70.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is significantly above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 2.8%. Household income has grown by 31% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 21794 stands at 2.4%, which is well below the national average. About 20% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 76%.
Overall, ZIP code 21794 in West Friendship, MD is characterized as affluent, highly educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 2,326 residents, a median household income of $223,833, and a median home value of $977,200, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Maryland.