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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21216

Pop. 29,426·Baltimore City·106th most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$1,687/mo
Year-over-Year
+14.8%
Month-over-Month
+5.3%
vs US Median
-$278
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21216 · $1,687
More affordable than 60% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,270
1 BR
$1,450
2 BR
$1,770
3 BR
$2,280
4 BR+
$2,550
Research median
$1,770/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
$20,244/yr
At $1,687/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyBaltimore City
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 14.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+14.8% YoY, +5.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21216 (Baltimore, MD) is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
29,426
Median income
$42,031
Median age
34.7
Renters
49.8%
Age distribution
26.7%
23.9%
20.4%
12.7%
16.3%
Under 1826.7%
18–3423.9%
35–5420.4%
55–6412.7%
65+16.3%
Gender
42.5%
57.5%
Male42.5%
Female57.5%
Race & ethnicity
90.8%
White2.9%
Black90.8%
Hispanic4.8%
Other1.3%
Education (25+)
12.5%
39.7%
30.6%
17.2%
No HS diploma12.5%
HS diploma39.7%
Some college30.6%
Bachelor's+17.2%
Housing tenure
50.2%
49.8%
Owner50.2%
Renter49.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21216 in Baltimore, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,086 → $1,687
up 55.3%
Income
$42,906 → $42,031
down 2.0%
Population
27,643 → 29,426
up 6.5%
Renter share
51.6% → 49.8%
-1.8 pts
Bachelor's+
15.4% → 17.2%
+1.8 pts
Median age
36.7 → 34.7
-2.0 yrs

Five years ago, renters in ZIP 21216 in Baltimore, MD paid around $1,086 a month. That figure now sits near $1,687, up 55.3% from the 2021 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $42,031 today, compared with $42,906 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show ZIP 21216 in Baltimore, MD adding about 1,783 residents over the five-year window, up 6.5% on net. The renter share has eased from 51.6% to 49.8%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21216

About renting in ZIP 21216

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 21216 covers Baltimore, MD. The median rent here is $1,687/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,450/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,770/mo.

At 48% of local median household income ($42,031/yr), ZIP 21216 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 14.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21216?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21216 (Baltimore, MD) is $1,687. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21216 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21216's median rent of $1,687/mo is $278 (14%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21216 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21216 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Maryland, ranking #106 out of 140 ZIPs at $1,687/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21216?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $67,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,687/mo in ZIP 21216. The local median household income is $42,031/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21216?

Rent in ZIP 21216 has increased 14.8% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 21216 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21216 is considered stretched for renters. At $1,687/mo, rent takes approximately 48% of the local median household income ($42,031/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21216 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 21216 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.8% of ZIP 21216 households are renters, while 50.2% are owner-occupied. ZIP 21216 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 21216 compare to the rest of Baltimore?

ZIP 21216 is more affordable than Baltimore overall. At $1,687/mo, it's $112 below the Baltimore citywide median of $1,799/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21216 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21216 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
48%
STRETCHED

At $1,687/mo, rent takes ~48% of ZIP 21216's median household income ($42,031/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21216 48%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21216 (Baltimore, MD)

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