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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21046

Part of Columbia, MD
Pop. 15,608·Howard County·71st most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$2,014/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.7%
Month-over-Month
+0.4%
vs US Median
+$49
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21046 · $2,014
More expensive than 61% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,830
1 BR
$2,030
2 BR
$2,490
3 BR
$3,160
4 BR+
$3,500
Research median
$2,490/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
$24,168/yr
At $2,014/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyHoward County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.7% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.7% YoY, +0.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21046 (Columbia, MD) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 61.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
15,608
Median income
$127,813
Median age
37.3
Renters
34.9%
Age distribution
20.3%
26.3%
27.8%
13.1%
12.6%
Under 1820.3%
18–3426.3%
35–5427.8%
55–6413.1%
65+12.6%
Gender
49.5%
50.5%
Male49.5%
Female50.5%
Race & ethnicity
50.4%
31.9%
White50.4%
Black31.9%
Hispanic6.2%
Asian5.2%
Other6.4%
Education (25+)
13.5%
22.4%
61.7%
No HS diploma2.4%
HS diploma13.5%
Some college22.4%
Bachelor's+61.7%
Housing tenure
65.1%
34.9%
Owner65.1%
Renter34.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21046 in Columbia, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,595 → $2,014
up 26.3%
Income
$113,346 → $127,813
up 12.8%
Population
15,484 → 15,608
up 0.8%
Renter share
42.7% → 34.9%
-7.8 pts
Bachelor's+
59.8% → 61.7%
+1.9 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 21046 in Columbia, MD has climbed from $1,595 to $2,014, a 26.3% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $113,346 in 2021 to $127,813 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 34.9% of households, compared with 42.7% five years ago. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 21046 in Columbia, MD market of 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21046

About renting in ZIP 21046

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 21046 covers Columbia, MD. The median rent here is $2,014/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,030/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,490/mo.

At 19% of local median household income ($127,813/yr), ZIP 21046 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21046?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21046 (Columbia, MD) is $2,014. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21046 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21046's median rent of $2,014/mo is $49 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21046 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21046 falls in the middle range for Maryland, ranking #71 out of 140 ZIPs at $2,014/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21046?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $81,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,014/mo in ZIP 21046. The local median household income is $127,813/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21046?

Rent in ZIP 21046 has increased 5.7% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 21046 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21046 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,014/mo, rent takes approximately 19% of the local median household income ($127,813/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21046 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 21046 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 34.9% of ZIP 21046 households are renters, while 65.1% are owner-occupied. ZIP 21046 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 21046 compare to the rest of Columbia?

ZIP 21046 is more affordable than Columbia overall. At $2,014/mo, it's $290 below the Columbia citywide median of $2,304/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21046 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21046 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
19%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,014/mo, rent takes ~19% of ZIP 21046's median household income ($127,813/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21046 19%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21046 (Columbia, MD)

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