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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21204

Part of Towson, MD
Pop. 19,845·Baltimore County·72nd most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$2,005/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.7%
Month-over-Month
Stable
vs US Median
+$40
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21204 · $2,005
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
$1,610
1 BR
$1,790
2 BR
$2,200
3 BR
$2,790
4 BR+
$3,090
Research median
$2,200/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
$24,060/yr
At $2,005/mo median
Location
CityTowson
StateMD
CountyBaltimore County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.7% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.7% YoY, +0.0% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21204 (Towson, MD) is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income above the national average, 73.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
19,845
Median income
$99,606
Median age
34.8
Renters
54.3%
Age distribution
15.8%
34.3%
19.8%
20.5%
Under 1815.8%
18–3434.3%
35–5419.8%
55–649.5%
65+20.5%
Gender
43.7%
56.3%
Male43.7%
Female56.3%
Race & ethnicity
71.3%
15.1%
White71.3%
Black15.1%
Hispanic5%
Asian5.1%
Other3.5%
Education (25+)
14.5%
73.1%
No HS diploma3%
HS diploma9.4%
Some college14.5%
Bachelor's+73.1%
Housing tenure
45.7%
54.3%
Owner45.7%
Renter54.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21204 in Towson, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,639 → $2,005
up 22.3%
Income
$90,032 → $99,606
up 10.6%
Population
21,378 → 19,845
down 7.2%
Renter share
49.1% → 54.3%
+5.2 pts
Bachelor's+
66.7% → 73.1%
+6.4 pts
Median age
33.9 → 34.8
+0.9 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 21204 in Towson, MD has climbed from $1,639 to $2,005, a 22.3% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $90,032 in 2021 to $99,606 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 7.2% since 2021, moving from about 21,378 residents to roughly 19,845. Renters now make up 54.3% of households, compared with 49.1% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 73.1% of adults here, versus 66.7% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 21204 in Towson, MD market of 2021.

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21204

About renting in ZIP 21204

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 21204 covers Towson, MD. The median rent here is $2,005/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,790/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,200/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($99,606/yr), ZIP 21204 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21204?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21204 (Towson, MD) is $2,005. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21204 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21204's median rent of $2,005/mo is $40 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21204 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21204 falls in the middle range for Maryland, ranking #72 out of 140 ZIPs at $2,005/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21204?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $80,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,005/mo in ZIP 21204. The local median household income is $99,606/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21204?

Rent in ZIP 21204 has increased 6.7% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 21204 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21204 is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,005/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($99,606/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21204 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 21204 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 54.3% of ZIP 21204 households are renters, while 45.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 21204 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 21204 compare to the rest of Towson?

ZIP 21204 is pricier than Towson as a whole. At $2,005/mo, it's $73 above the Towson citywide median of $1,932/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21204 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21204 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,005/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 21204's median household income ($99,606/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21204 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21204 (Towson, MD)

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