ZIP 21842
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Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in ZIP 21842 changed -8.9% over the year to September 2026. Across the 124 Maryland ZIP codes Zillow tracks, the typical change was +2.6%.
Rent has risen 2 months in a row, and rose in 8 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($79,876) is $1,997 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 4-bedroom ($1,940).
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for ZIP 21842. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
Who lives here
ZIP 21842 (Ocean city, MD) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 40.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How ZIP 21842 in Ocean city, MD has changed in 5 years
Household income in the area moved from $63,630 to $79,876 across the same window, up 25.5% versus 2021. The population has grown by 2.4% since 2021, moving from about 10,960 residents to roughly 11,226. Renters now make up 24% of households, compared with 25.7% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 40.7% of adults here, versus 36.4% in 2021.
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Tips for renters in ZIP 21842
Last updated: October 17, 2026
ZIP code 21842 covers Ocean city, MD. The median rent here is $1,707/mo as of October 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,060/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,210/mo.
At 26% of local median household income ($79,876/yr), ZIP 21842 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 8.9% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21842?
How does ZIP 21842 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?
At $1,707/mo, rent takes ~26% of ZIP 21842's median household income ($79,876/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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