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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21042

Pop. 43,327·Howard County·5th most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$2,867/mo
Year-over-Year
-4.2%
Month-over-Month
+9.1%
vs US Median
+$902
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21042 · $2,867
More expensive than 88% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Compare your rent to the local median.

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,820
1 BR
$2,020
2 BR
$2,480
3 BR
$3,150
4 BR+
$3,490
Research median
$2,480/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$34,404/yr
At $2,867/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyHoward County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 4.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-4.2% YoY, +9.1% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21042 (Ellicott City, MD) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 72.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
43,327
Median income
$190,061
Median age
45.1
Renters
15.3%
Age distribution
25.2%
12.8%
26.9%
15.2%
19.9%
Under 1825.2%
18–3412.8%
35–5426.9%
55–6415.2%
65+19.9%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
56.3%
29%
White56.3%
Black6.2%
Hispanic3.7%
Asian29%
Other4.9%
Education (25+)
14.5%
72.9%
No HS diploma3%
HS diploma9.6%
Some college14.5%
Bachelor's+72.9%
Housing tenure
84.7%
15.3%
Owner84.7%
Renter15.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21042 in Ellicott City, MD has changed in 5 years

Income
$159,032 → $190,061
up 19.5%
Population
42,952 → 43,327
up 0.9%
Renter share
14.9% → 15.3%
+0.4 pts
Bachelor's+
71.7% → 72.9%
+1.2 pts
Median age
44 → 45.1
+1.1 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $159,032 to $190,061 across the same window, up 19.5% versus 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21042

About renting in ZIP 21042

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 21042 covers Ellicott City, MD. The median rent here is $2,867/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,020/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,480/mo.

At 18% of local median household income ($190,061/yr), ZIP 21042 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 4.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21042?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21042 (Ellicott City, MD) is $2,867. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21042 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21042's median rent of $2,867/mo is $902 (46%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21042 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21042 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Maryland, ranking #5 out of 140 ZIPs tracked at $2,867/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21042?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $115,000/year (~$55/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,867/mo in ZIP 21042. The local median household income is $190,061/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21042?

Rent in ZIP 21042 has decreased 4.2% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 21042 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21042 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,867/mo, rent takes approximately 18% of the local median household income ($190,061/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21042 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 21042 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 15.3% of ZIP 21042 households are renters, while 84.7% are owner-occupied. ZIP 21042 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 21042 compare to the rest of Ellicott City?

ZIP 21042 is pricier than Ellicott City as a whole. At $2,867/mo, it's $315 above the Ellicott City citywide median of $2,552/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21042 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21042 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
18%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,867/mo, rent takes ~18% of ZIP 21042's median household income ($190,061/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21042 18%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21042 (Ellicott City, MD)

Recent submissions

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