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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21044

Part of Columbia, MD
Pop. 44,114·Howard County·36th most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$2,344/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.8%
Month-over-Month
-0.9%
vs US Median
+$379
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21044 · $2,344
More expensive than 74% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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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
$28,128/yr
At $2,344/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyHoward County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.8% YoY, -0.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21044 (Columbia, MD) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 67.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
44,114
Median income
$135,057
Median age
40
Renters
39.7%
Age distribution
19.2%
23.4%
25.8%
12%
19.5%
Under 1819.2%
18–3423.4%
35–5425.8%
55–6412%
65+19.5%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
44.7%
27.2%
White44.7%
Black27.2%
Hispanic10.2%
Asian12%
Other6%
Education (25+)
18.5%
67.9%
No HS diploma3.8%
HS diploma9.8%
Some college18.5%
Bachelor's+67.9%
Housing tenure
60.3%
39.7%
Owner60.3%
Renter39.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21044 in Columbia, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,818 → $2,344
up 28.9%
Income
$110,785 → $135,057
up 21.9%
Population
44,662 → 44,114
down 1.2%
Renter share
38% → 39.7%
+1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
65.9% → 67.9%
+2.0 pts

Five years ago, renters in ZIP 21044 in Columbia, MD paid around $1,818 a month. That figure now sits near $2,344, up 28.9% from the 2021 baseline. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $110,785 in 2021 to $135,057 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show ZIP 21044 in Columbia, MD losing about 548 residents over the five-year window, down 1.2% on net. The renter share has risen from 38% to 39.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 65.9% to 67.9% across the same window. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 21044 in Columbia, MD market of 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21044

About renting in ZIP 21044

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 21044 covers Columbia, MD. The median rent here is $2,344/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 21% of local median household income ($135,057/yr), ZIP 21044 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21044?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21044 (Columbia, MD) is $2,344. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21044 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21044's median rent of $2,344/mo is $379 (19%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21044 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21044 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Maryland, ranking #36 out of 140 ZIPs tracked at $2,344/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21044?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $94,000/year (~$45/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,344/mo in ZIP 21044. The local median household income is $135,057/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21044?

Rent in ZIP 21044 has increased 8.8% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 21044 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21044 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,344/mo, rent takes approximately 21% of the local median household income ($135,057/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21044 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 21044 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 39.7% of ZIP 21044 households are renters, while 60.3% are owner-occupied. ZIP 21044 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 21044 compare to the rest of Columbia?

ZIP 21044 is pricier than Columbia as a whole. At $2,344/mo, it's $40 above the Columbia citywide median of $2,304/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21044 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21044 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
21%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,344/mo, rent takes ~21% of ZIP 21044's median household income ($135,057/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21044 21%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21044 (Columbia, MD)

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