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ZIP Code · MD

ZIP 21842

Pop. 11,226·Worcester County·52nd most expensive ZIP in Maryland
Median rent (all units)
$2,217/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-1.6%
vs US Median
+$252
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 21842 · $2,217
More expensive than 70% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,040
1 BR
$1,060
2 BR
$1,210
3 BR
$1,680
4 BR+
$1,940
Research median
$1,210/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: June 22, 2026

Annual cost
$26,604/yr
At $2,217/mo median
Location
StateMD
CountyWorcester County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 0.0% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -1.6% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

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.

Population
11,226
Median income
$79,876
Median age
53.4
Renters
24%
Age distribution
13%
18.7%
20.2%
20.7%
27.4%
Under 1813%
18–3418.7%
35–5420.2%
55–6420.7%
65+27.4%
Gender
49.4%
50.6%
Male49.4%
Female50.6%
Race & ethnicity
86.9%
White86.9%
Black1.8%
Hispanic8.3%
Asian1.1%
Other2%
Education (25+)
27.6%
26.5%
40.7%
No HS diploma5.2%
HS diploma27.6%
Some college26.5%
Bachelor's+40.7%
Housing tenure
76%
24%
Owner76%
Renter24%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 21842 in Ocean city, MD has changed in 5 years

Income
$63,630 → $79,876
up 25.5%
Population
10,960 → 11,226
up 2.4%
Renter share
25.7% → 24%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
36.4% → 40.7%
+4.3 pts

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.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 21842

About renting in ZIP 21842

Last updated: June 22, 2026

ZIP code 21842 covers Ocean city, MD. The median rent here is $2,217/mo as of June 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,060/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,210/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($79,876/yr), ZIP 21842 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 21842?

As of June 22, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 21842 (Ocean city, MD) is $2,217. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 21842 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 21842's median rent of $2,217/mo is $252 (13%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 21842 compare to other ZIPs in Maryland?

ZIP 21842 falls in the middle range for Maryland, ranking #52 out of 141 ZIPs at $2,217/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 21842?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $89,000/year (~$43/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,217/mo in ZIP 21842. The local median household income is $79,876/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 21842?

Rent in ZIP 21842 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of June 22, 2026.

Is ZIP 21842 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 21842 is considered moderate for renters. At $2,217/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($79,876/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 21842 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 21842 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 24% of ZIP 21842 households are renters, while 76% are owner-occupied. ZIP 21842 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

When was rent data for ZIP 21842 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 21842 reflects June 22, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $2,217/mo, rent takes ~33% of ZIP 21842's median household income ($79,876/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 21842 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 21842 (Ocean city, MD)

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