ZIP Code 21044 in Columbia, MD

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Columbia, Maryland
County:Howard County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:12:27:09 AM
Population:44,284 [See All]
Area Codes:227 / 240 / 301 / 324 / 369 / 410 / 443 / 667
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:39.2044, -76.8814
Land Area:11.887 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 21044 has 44,284 residents and 18,263 households (average 2.40 persons per household). The median age is 39.4 years, about the same as the state (38.8) and about the same as the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.3% male and 52.7% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (46.8%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (27.9%, much higher than the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.0%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than the national average (12.4%).

Explore More: Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:44,284Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:44,775Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:48,451Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:3,725.4 people per sq mile
Average Income:$132,924Source: Census ACS
Households:18,263Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$541,100Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.40Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.08Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--41,31440,85441,90642,01142,12343,03443,53544,03444,25645,74144,66245,10044,775
Decennial Census41,704------------------44,284------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 39.4

Male Median Age: 37

Female Median Age: 41.6

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male1,1271,2921,3421,3221,4821,7191,5971,4191,2991,2941,2281,3531,247986866650403324
Female1,0981,2431,2501,2471,3531,6541,7121,6331,5331,4921,4971,6901,5211,2801,127889554561
Total2,2252,5352,5922,5692,8353,3733,3093,0522,8322,7862,7253,0432,7682,2661,9931,539957885
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:20,72246.84%
Black:12,34027.89%
Hispanic:*3,9788.99%
Asian:5,20411.76%
American Indian:2250.51%
Hawaiian:240.05%
Other:1,7503.96%
Total:44,243100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:20,95047.31%37.0 years
Females:23,33452.69%41.6 years
Total:44,284100%39.4 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:34,52377.10%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:1,2052.69%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:6,26513.99%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:2,78220.21%
Total Population:44,775100%
Total Native Population:35,72879.79%
Total Foreign-born Population:9,04720.21%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $132,924, which is markedly greater than the national median ($78,538), is up $37,468 (39.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $26,391. Family households earn a median of $160,000 versus $84,058 for nonfamily households (a difference of $75,942). By gender, male median income is $108,075 and female is $85,151, which is markedly greater than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $22,924 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 70.4%, which is higher than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (66.9%).

Explore More: Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$95,456$97,155$98,478$97,235$96,526$103,138$104,018$102,896$106,533$112,206$110,785$123,658$132,924
Median Family Income$117,345$119,233$118,978$120,086$122,222$127,226$129,675$130,542$132,586$135,903$136,083$154,464$160,000
Median NonFamily Income$61,364$62,345$65,711$68,700$65,264$73,492$74,568$75,514$77,263$79,331$78,146$78,889$84,058
Median Male Income$77,870$85,633$78,043$78,967$80,491$82,094$80,016$83,471$85,514$86,228$88,730$102,175$108,075
Median Female Income$63,369$65,454$65,377$69,160$68,146$66,939$70,279$69,648$67,424$74,339$79,246$81,718$85,151
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:24,18866.21%
Unemployed:1,0912.99%
Not In Labor Force:11,25130.80%
Total:36,530100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:16,19366.95%
Service:3,12612.92%
Sales and Office:3,42414.16%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:3041.26%
Production, transportation, and material moving:1,1414.72%
Total Civilian Employed Population:24,188100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $541,100, which is markedly greater than the national median ($303,400), is up $149,900 (38.32%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $132,900. The median gross rent is $2,096, which is markedly greater than the national median ($1,348), is up $639 (43.86%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $364. Of occupied housing, owners make up 61.28% (70.87% with a mortgage, 29.13% free-and-clear) and renters 38.72% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 7.00%, which is much lower than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More: Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$391,200$382,300$382,800$378,300$384,000$389,700$391,800$396,700$408,200$423,300$440,600$514,400$541,100
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:1612.26%
$500 to $999:5197.29%
$1,000 to $1,499:4506.32%
$1,500 to $1,999:1,87026.26%
$2,000 to $2,499:2,34232.89%
$2,500 to $2,999:95513.41%
$3,000 or more:5988.40%
No Rent:2263.17%
Total:7,121100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$1,457$1,529$1,597$1,628$1,628$1,626$1,651$1,714$1,732$1,752$1,830$1,923$2,096
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):7,98743.43%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):3,28317.85%
Renter Occupied:7,12138.72%
Total Occupied Housing Units:18,391100%

Occupied Housing Units:18,39193.00%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,3857.00%
Total Housing Units:19,776100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:11,73159.32%
Multi-Family Units:7,98440.37%
Other Units:610.31%
Total Housing Units:19,776100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 67.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far higher than the national rate (35.00%), well above both the state and national averages. High school or higher is 96.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 3.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 5.20%, which is falls below the national rate (8.70%), up 2.80 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.00 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (36.67%). College enrollment is 32.41%, which is far higher than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community is likely a college hub with student-driven housing and services.

Explore More: Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:7142.20%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:5141.59%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):3,49410.79%
Some college, no degree:4,04212.48%
Associate's degree:1,8175.61%
Bachelor's degree:10,11531.23%
Graduate or professional degree:11,68936.09%
Total:32,385100%
High school or higher:31,15796.21%
Bachelor's degree or higher:21,80467.33%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:36,05970.58%
Public Insurance:13,37326.17%
No Insurance:1,6613.25%
Total:51,093100%
Has Health Insurance:49,43296.75%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty2.4%3.5%4.9%7.0%7.6%7.5%7.9%6.8%6.2%5.7%7.1%5.6%5.2%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:8807.73%
Kindergarten:4143.64%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):4,17236.67%
High school (grades 9-12):2,22419.55%
College or graduate school:3,68732.41%
Total:11,377100%
Early Childhood:1,29411.37%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):6,81059.86%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 21044 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 1,181 business establishments, employing about 24,225 people with an annual payroll of $2,219,166,000. USPS data shows 20,188 residential mailboxes and 961 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:20,188Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:961Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:27,987Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:1,243Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:7,356Source: USPS
# of Businesses:1,181Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$577,630,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$2,219,166,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:24,225Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 21044 is located in Howard County, Maryland, within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 12580) and Maryland's 3rd Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 2,839,409 people, about 1.56% of whom live in ZIP Code 21044. It covers 11.887 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.099 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MDSource: Census
CBSA Number:12580Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:2,839,409Source: Census
MSA:Washington-Baltimore, DC-MD-VA-WV CMSASource: Census
Land Area:11.887 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.099 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:03Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:304.14 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Baltimore, MD PMSASource: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:2419125Source: Census
Place Name:Columbia CDP; MarylandSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


21045 | | 21043

Schools in ZIP Code 21044


ZIP Code 21044 is in the Howard County Public Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 9 public schools and 3 private school(s) in this ZIP Code. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Atholton High 6520 Freetown Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Bryant Woods Elementary 5450 Blue Heron Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Harpers Choice Middle 5450 Beaverkill Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Longfellow Elementary 5470 Hesperus Dr
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Running Brook Elementary 5215 W Running Brook Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Swansfield Elementary 5610 Cedar Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Wilde Lake High 5460 Trumpeter Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Wilde Lake Middle 10481 Cross Fox Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
Clemens Crossing Elementary 10320 Quarterstaff Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Howard County Public Schools
International Connections Academy 10960 Grantchester Way 3rd Fl
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Private School
Bryant Woods Montessori Childrens House 10449 Green Mountain Cir
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Private School
Columbia Montessori School 10508 Marble Faun Ln
Columbia, MD 21044
District: Private School

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 21044


Howard Community College 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044-3197
Type: Post Secondary
Maryland University Of Integrative Health 7750 Montpelier Road
Laurel, MD 20723
Type: Post Secondary
Lincoln College Of Technology-Columbia 9325 Snowden River Pky
Columbia, MD 21046
Type: Post Secondary
Paul Mitchell The School-Jessup 7351 Assateague Drive, Suite 370
Jessup, MD 20794
Type: Post Secondary
Aspen Beauty Academy Of Laurel 3535 Fort Meade Road
Laurel, MD 20724
Type: Post Secondary
University Of Maryland-Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov