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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21209

Pop. 30,126·Baltimore County·87th most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$1,853/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.4%
Month-over-Month
+2.3%
vs US Median
-$112
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21209 · $1,853
More expensive than 52% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,510
1 BR
$1,680
2 BR
$2,060
3 BR
$2,620
4 BR+
$2,900
Research median
$2,060/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
$22,236/yr
At $1,853/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyBaltimore County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.4% YoY, +2.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21209 (Baltimore, MD) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 60.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
30,126
Median income
$91,437
Median age
35.6
Renters
42.5%
Age distribution
29.8%
19.1%
23.3%
18%
Under 1829.8%
18–3419.1%
35–5423.3%
55–649.7%
65+18%
Gender
48.2%
51.8%
Male48.2%
Female51.8%
Race & ethnicity
68.6%
20.7%
White68.6%
Black20.7%
Hispanic5.2%
Asian4.9%
Other0.5%
Education (25+)
13.1%
22.1%
60.7%
No HS diploma4.1%
HS diploma13.1%
Some college22.1%
Bachelor's+60.7%
Housing tenure
57.5%
42.5%
Owner57.5%
Renter42.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21209 in Baltimore, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,433 → $1,853
up 29.3%
Income
$86,730 → $91,437
up 5.4%
Population
30,146 → 30,126
down 0.1%
Renter share
39.9% → 42.5%
+2.6 pts
Bachelor's+
63.1% → 60.7%
-2.4 pts
Median age
34.9 → 35.6
+0.7 yrs

Five years ago, renters in ZIP 21209 in Baltimore, MD paid around $1,433 a month. That figure now sits near $1,853, up 29.3% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 21209 in Baltimore, MD now reports about $91,437, up from $86,730 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The renter share has risen from 39.9% to 42.5%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 63.1% to 60.7% across the same window. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 21209 in Baltimore, MD reflects that arc in its own way.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 21209

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 21209 covers Baltimore, MD. The median rent here is $1,853/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,680/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $2,060/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($91,437/yr), ZIP 21209 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21209?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21209 (Baltimore, MD) is $1,853. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21209 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21209's median rent of $1,853/mo is $112 (6%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21209 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21209 falls in the middle range for Maryland, ranking #87 out of 140 ZIPs at $1,853/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21209?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $74,000/year (~$36/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,853/mo in ZIP 21209. The local median household income is $91,437/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21209?

Rent in ZIP 21209 has increased 7.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 21209 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21209 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,853/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($91,437/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21209 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 21209 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 42.5% of ZIP 21209 households are renters, while 57.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 21209 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 21209 compare to the rest of Baltimore?

ZIP 21209 is pricier than Baltimore as a whole. At $1,853/mo, it's $54 above the Baltimore citywide median of $1,799/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21209 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21209 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,853/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 21209's median household income ($91,437/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21209 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21209 (Baltimore, MD)

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