NeighborhoodRanked

Zip Code 21042

MD · Population: 42,528

A
88/100
97
A+
Safety
92
A+
Affordability
82
A
Quality of Life
82
A
Jobs
Zip 21042, MD — boundary highlighted© OpenFreeMap · OpenStreetMap · US Census

About Zip Code 21042

Zip code 21042 is located in Maryland and is home to approximately 42,528 residents. It receives an overall grade of A (score: 88/100), based on safety, affordability, quality of life, and employment metrics.

This area has significantly lower crime rates than most of the country, making it one of the safer places to live.

With a median household income of $178,207 and home values around $650,900, this zip code offers strong affordability. Residents typically spend a manageable share of their income on housing.

The community is highly educated — 73.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of ~33%.

The local job market is strong, with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%.

Scores are percentile-based: a score of 85 means this zip code ranks better than 85% of all US zip codes on that dimension. Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau (ACS 5-year estimates) and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.

Demographics & Economics

Median Income
$178,207
Home Value
$650,900
Rent
$2,197/mo
Median Age
44
College Educated
73.3%
Unemployment
2.7%
Owner-Occupied
84.4%
Rent Burden
14.8% of income

Score Breakdown

DimensionScoreGradeInterpretation
Safety97A+Lower crime = higher score
Affordability92A+Lower cost relative to income = higher
Quality of Life82AEducation, commute, ownership
Jobs & Economy82ALower unemployment = higher
Overall88AWeighted average

Methodology

All scores are percentile-based (0–100): a score of 85 means this zip code ranks better than 85% of all US zip codes on that metric. Safety uses FBI Uniform Crime Report state-level data (Phase 2 will add zip-level granularity). Economic and demographic data is from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (2022).