US ZIP Code
21842

Ocean City, MD

Worcester County  ·  Maryland

● Active
👥 11,121 Population ↑ 4% since 2019
💰 $75,372 Median HH Income
≈ Avg ↑ 37% since 2019
🎂 53.7 Median Age ↑ 2% since 2019
🏠 $415,900 Median Home Value
▲ 49% above avg ↑ 35% since 2019
🎓 47.5% College Grads
▲ 23% above avg
📊 7.3% Unemployment
▲ 48% above avg ↑ 22% since 2019
ZIP Code Details
ZIP Code21842
CityOcean City
StateMaryland (MD)
CountyWorcester County
Area Code410/443/667
Latitude38.363088
Longitude-75.085032
TimezoneNew York (DST)
FIPS24047
ZIP TypeStandard
StatusActive
People & Population (ACS 2023)
♂ Male 47.5% (5,287) Female 52.5% (5,834) ♀

Race & Ethnicity

White: 85.9%Hispanic: 7.9%Black: 2.5%Asian: 0.7%Other: 1.7%Race
White85.9%
Hispanic7.9%
Black2.5%
Asian0.7%
Other1.7%

Age Breakdown

Under 5
5%
5–17
8%
18–24
8%
25–44
20%
45–64
31%
65+
14%

Key Indicators

Median Age53.7 yrs ↑ 2% since 2019
Avg Household Size1.91
Below Poverty8.1% ▼ 19% below avg
College Grads47.5% ▲ 23% above avg
Unemployment7.3% ▲ 48% above avg
No HS Diploma151 (1.8%)
HS Graduate2,175 (25.6%)
Some College1,034 (12.2%)
Associates1,100 (13%)
Bachelors641 (7.5%)
Graduate Degree3,390 (39.9%)

Education

No HS: 1.8%HS Grad: 25.6%Some College: 12.2%Associates: 13%Bachelors: 7.5%Graduate: 39.9%Edu
No HS1.8%
HS Grad25.6%
Some College12.2%
Associates13.0%
Bachelors7.5%
Graduate39.9%
Housing & Income

Housing Tenure

Owner: 73.6%Renter: 26.4%Tenure
Owner73.6%
Renter26.4%

Home Value Distribution

Under $50k
2%
$50k–100k
1%
$100k–150k
3%
$150k–200k
6%
$200k–300k
19%
$300k–500k
35%
Over $500k
35%

Financials

Median HH Income$75,372 ≈ Avg ↑ 37% since 2019
Median Home Value$415,900 ▲ 49% above avg ↑ 35% since 2019
Home/Income Ratio5.5x (nat avg ~3.5x)
Median Rent$1,258/mo ↑ 17% since 2019
Total Units32,684
Vacant Units26,892
Avg HH Size1.91

Income Distribution

Under $25k
12%
$25k–50k
18%
$50k–75k
18%
$75k–100k
13%
$100k–150k
17%
$150k–200k
7%
Over $200k
16%
Employment & Commute

How People Get to Work

Drove Alone
81%
Public Transit
1%
Walked
4%
Work From Home
14%

Commute Time

Under 15 min
47%
15–30 min
34%
30–45 min
8%
Over 45 min
10%
Housing Stock

Year Built

Before 1940
0%
1940s–1950s
5%
1960s–1970s
23%
1980s–1990s
16%
2000+
56%

Summary

Total Units32,684
Vacant26,892
Owner Occupied73.6%
Renter Occupied26.4%
Avg HH Size1.91
Frequently Asked Questions
ZIP code 21842 is in Ocean City, MD, in Worcester County.
ZIP code 21842 is located in Maryland (MD).
ZIP code 21842 is in Worcester County, MD.
ZIP 21842 observes the New York timezone. Daylight Saving Time is observed.
The estimated population of ZIP code 21842 is 11,121 people (ACS 2023).
The median household income in ZIP code 21842 is $75,372 (ACS 2023).
The median home value in ZIP 21842 is $415,900 (ACS 2023).
About ZIP Code 21842

ZIP code 21842 is located in Ocean City, Maryland, within Worcester County. With a population of 11,121, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 53.7 years. Economically, 21842 is a middle-income ZIP code: the median household income of $75,372 is near the national average.

Real estate in ZIP code 21842 represents a premium housing market. The median home value of $415,900 is above the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,258 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 73.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 35% since 2019.

The population of 21842 is primarily White (85.93%). Residents are well-educated — 47.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is above the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 8.1%. Household income has grown by 37% since 2019.

The unemployment rate in 21842 stands at 7.3%, which is above the national average. About 13% of workers are remote. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 75%.

Overall, ZIP code 21842 in Ocean City, MD is characterized as middle-income, well-educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 11,121 residents, a median household income of $75,372, and a median home value of $415,900, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Maryland.