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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21221

Part of Essex, MD
Pop. 43,487·Baltimore County·138th most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$1,351/mo
Year-over-Year
-32.1%
Month-over-Month
-7.5%
vs US Median
-$614
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21221 · $1,351
More affordable than 84% 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
$16,212/yr
At $1,351/mo median
Location
CityEssex
StateMD
CountyBaltimore County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 32.1% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-32.1% YoY, -7.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 21221 (Essex, MD) is majority owner-occupied, 21% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
43,487
Median income
$67,340
Median age
42.4
Renters
37.5%
Age distribution
21.6%
19.5%
26.9%
13.4%
18.6%
Under 1821.6%
18–3419.5%
35–5426.9%
55–6413.4%
65+18.6%
Gender
47%
53%
Male47%
Female53%
Race & ethnicity
57.3%
28.3%
White57.3%
Black28.3%
Hispanic5.9%
Asian2%
Other6.5%
Education (25+)
13.3%
39.1%
26.7%
21%
No HS diploma13.3%
HS diploma39.1%
Some college26.7%
Bachelor's+21%
Housing tenure
62.5%
37.5%
Owner62.5%
Renter37.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21221 in Essex, MD has changed in 5 years

Income
$60,477 → $67,340
up 11.3%
Population
43,576 → 43,487
down 0.2%
Renter share
39.7% → 37.5%
-2.2 pts
Bachelor's+
17% → 21%
+4.0 pts
Median age
39.9 → 42.4
+2.5 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $60,477 to $67,340 across the same window, up 11.3% versus 2021. Renters now make up 37.5% of households, compared with 39.7% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 21% of adults here, versus 17% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21221

About renting in ZIP 21221

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 21221 covers Essex, MD. The median rent here is $1,351/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 24% of local median household income ($67,340/yr), ZIP 21221 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 32.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21221?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21221 (Essex, MD) is $1,351. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21221 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21221's median rent of $1,351/mo is $614 (31%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21221 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21221 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Maryland, ranking #138 out of 140 ZIPs at $1,351/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21221?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $54,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,351/mo in ZIP 21221. The local median household income is $67,340/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21221?

Rent in ZIP 21221 has decreased 32.1% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 21221 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21221 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,351/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($67,340/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21221 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 21221 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 37.5% of ZIP 21221 households are renters, while 62.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 21221 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 21221 compare to the rest of Essex?

ZIP 21221 is more affordable than Essex overall. At $1,351/mo, it's $1 below the Essex citywide median of $1,352/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 21221 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21221 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,351/mo, rent takes ~24% of ZIP 21221's median household income ($67,340/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21221 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21221 (Essex, MD)

Recent submissions

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