The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 21042 sells for about $806,532, or $283 per square foot.
Prices are up +1.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 30 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $3,021 a month.
ZIP 21042 — Ellicott City
The housing market in 21042 is currently balanced, with steady demand and moderate price growth. While inventory remains tight, the market is not experiencing the rapid volatility seen in other regions, driven by the area's strong school system and high median household income. Some figures, such as months of supply and specific tax history, were not available at the ZIP level and are omitted.
This ZIP is well-suited for family buyers and professionals seeking high-quality schools and a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to major regional employment hubs.
Median prices moved up 1.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 30 days on market with 0.0 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 2.8% · poverty 3.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 21042, Howard County MD
The area is served by the highly-rated Howard County Public School System, which is consistently recognized for academic excellence and strong student performance.
The area benefits from proximity to major employment hubs in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, with steady residential development and established commercial infrastructure.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Maryland) — Maryland Real Property Assessment and Taxation: Property is assessed at its phased-in use value. The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable state and local tax rates.
Residents typically face a commute of approximately 21 minutes, with access to major regional highways facilitating travel toward Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
The area features access to local parks, golf courses, and shopping districts, including proximity to the historic Ellicott City area and various community trails.
The rental market is characterized by high demand and limited vacancy, with rents reflecting the area's desirability and proximity to major employment centers.
The local economy is anchored by a mix of professional services, healthcare, and government-contracting sectors common to the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
The area is primarily served by major highway corridors including I-70 and US-29, providing connectivity to the broader metropolitan region.
Development activity is focused on infill residential projects and the continued revitalization of commercial corridors.
Parcels are subject to Howard County property tax levies and the Howard County Public School System district boundaries.
Data retrieved from Census ACS 5-year estimates for ZCTA 21042.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.
Features unique shops, dining, and historic architecture.
Offers extensive trails and outdoor recreation along the Patapsco River.
Key-figure check: median price diverges 15.4% from the nearest retained anchor (prior refresh cycle) — beyond the 12.5% tolerance; an automated validation case is open and the value publishes pending its verdict.