Zip Code 21742
MD · Population: 34,549
About Zip Code 21742
Zip code 21742 is located in Maryland and is home to approximately 34,549 residents. It receives an overall grade of B+ (score: 71/100), 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 $80,306 and home values around $268,300, this zip code offers strong affordability. Residents typically spend a manageable share of their income on housing.
Educational attainment is below the national average, with 29.8% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Unemployment stands at 4.7%, which is near the national average.
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
Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Grade | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | 82 | A | Lower crime = higher score |
| Affordability | 76 | B+ | Lower cost relative to income = higher |
| Quality of Life | 61 | B | Education, commute, ownership |
| Jobs & Economy | 66 | B | Lower unemployment = higher |
| Overall | 71 | B+ | Weighted 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).