RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21217

Pop. 30,792·Baltimore City·121st most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$1,576/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.3%
Month-over-Month
-3.7%
vs US Median
-$386
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 21217 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21217 · $1,576
More affordable than 68% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,962/mo
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

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

Loading…

Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$18,912/yr
At $1,576/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyBaltimore City
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.3% YoY, -3.7% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21217 (Baltimore, MD) is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
30,792
Median income
$38,409
Median age
38.8
Renters
70%
Age distribution
19.5%
25.9%
23.1%
14.5%
17%
Under 1819.5%
18–3425.9%
35–5423.1%
55–6414.5%
65+17%
Gender
49.6%
50.4%
Male49.6%
Female50.4%
Race & ethnicity
12.2%
80.8%
White12.2%
Black80.8%
Hispanic2.4%
Asian2.4%
Other2.1%
Education (25+)
16.7%
32.8%
27.1%
23.4%
No HS diploma16.7%
HS diploma32.8%
Some college27.1%
Bachelor's+23.4%
Housing tenure
30%
70%
Owner30%
Renter70%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21217 in Baltimore, MD has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,141 → $1,576
up 38.1%
Income
$34,884 → $38,409
up 10.1%
Population
31,694 → 30,792
down 2.8%
Renter share
66.1% → 70%
+3.9 pts
Bachelor's+
21.1% → 23.4%
+2.3 pts
Median age
40.8 → 38.8
-2.0 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in ZIP 21217 in Baltimore, MD has shifted from $1,141 to $1,576, up 38.1% since 2021. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $34,884 in 2021 to $38,409 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show ZIP 21217 in Baltimore, MD losing about 902 residents over the five-year window, down 2.8% on net. The renter share has risen from 66.1% to 70%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 21.1% to 23.4% across the same window. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the ZIP 21217 in Baltimore, MD market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 21217

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21217

About renting in ZIP 21217

Last updated: August 17, 2026

ZIP code 21217 covers Baltimore, MD. The median rent here is $1,576/mo as of August 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,450/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,770/mo.

At 49% of local median household income ($38,409/yr), ZIP 21217 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21217?

As of August 17, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21217 (Baltimore, MD) is $1,576. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21217 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21217's median rent of $1,576/mo is $386 (20%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo.

How does ZIP 21217 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21217 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Maryland, ranking #121 out of 139 ZIPs at $1,576/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21217?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $63,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,576/mo in ZIP 21217. The local median household income is $38,409/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21217?

Rent in ZIP 21217 has increased 7.3% over the past year as of August 17, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 21217 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21217 is considered stretched for renters. At $1,576/mo, rent takes approximately 49% of the local median household income ($38,409/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21217 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 21217 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 70% of ZIP 21217 households are renters, while 30% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 21217 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 21217 compare to the rest of Baltimore?

ZIP 21217 is more affordable than Baltimore overall. At $1,576/mo, it's $230 below the Baltimore citywide median of $1,806/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21217 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21217 reflects August 17, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
49%
STRETCHED

At $1,576/mo, rent takes ~49% of ZIP 21217's median household income ($38,409/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21217 49%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21217 (Baltimore, MD)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.

Add RentDataNow as a preferred source on Google