ZIP Code 21778 in Rocky Ridge, MD

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Rocky Ridge, Maryland
County:Frederick County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:12:35:57 AM
Population:1,145 [See All]
Area Codes:227 / 240 / 301 / 324 / 369
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:39.6118, -77.3340
Land Area:18.241 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 21778 has 1,145 residents and 441 households (average 2.60 persons per household). The median age is 49.3 years, significantly older than the state (38.8) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 46.6% male and 53.4% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (92.3%, much higher than the state average of 48.7% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (3.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.4%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).

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:1,145Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:840Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:1,146Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:62.8 people per sq mile
Average Income:$110,489Source: Census ACS
Households:441Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$415,700Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.60Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:2.98Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--1,3331,3451,2881,1411,0771,2201,364940909930681880840
Decennial Census1,094------------------1,145------
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: 49.3

Male Median Age: 49.2

Female Median Age: 49.4

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male3921182229242618374443295047324591
Female332135322740432526284051614041321719
Total7242535456646943637283801118773772620
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:1,05792.15%
Black:40.35%
Hispanic:*393.40%
Asian:171.48%
American Indian:20.17%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:282.44%
Total:1,147100%
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:53446.64%49.2 years
Females:61153.36%49.4 years
Total:1,145100%49.3 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:840100.00%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:00.00%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:00.00%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:00.00%
Total Population:840100%
Total Native Population:840100.00%
Total Foreign-born Population:00.00%
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 $110,489, which is considerably higher than the national median ($78,538), is up $39,656 (56.0%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $36,114. Family households earn a median of $158,015 versus $61,163 for nonfamily households (a difference of $96,852). By gender, male median income is $70,761 and female is $51,298, which is considerably lower than the state female median ($68,044), with a current gap of $19,463 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 54.7%, which is far less than the state rate (67.2%). The unemployment rate is 0.0%, which is markedly below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (45.0%).

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$70,833$72,955$78,158$77,639$97,778$83,553$74,643$69,722$74,375$54,531$54,706$76,063$110,489
Median Family Income$75,721$76,364$97,574$99,028$102,981$93,824$90,658$74,219$74,219$74,375$75,469$136,806$158,015
Median NonFamily Income$16,513$16,518$17,455$29,583$56,944$67,143$60,000$50,893$75,060$0$0$58,393$61,163
Median Male Income$59,426$56,750$55,101$51,125$0$38,500$50,859$40,776$43,359$43,188$52,143$58,750$70,761
Median Female Income$51,250$49,896$44,853$45,739$0$42,250$37,065$37,857$39,531$42,552$39,444$48,333$51,298
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:38754.66%
Unemployed:00.00%
Not In Labor Force:32145.34%
Total:708100%
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:17444.96%
Service:318.01%
Sales and Office:8321.45%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:6817.57%
Production, transportation, and material moving:318.01%
Total Civilian Employed Population:387100%
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 $415,700, which is far above the national median ($303,400), is up $138,600 (50.02%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $120,800. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,662), is down $1,363 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,280. Of occupied housing, owners make up 95.17% (64.44% with a mortgage, 35.56% free-and-clear) and renters 4.83% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 8.82%, which is far 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$277,100$263,600$265,200$245,200$245,600$236,800$248,400$263,500$294,900$248,000$288,500$373,100$415,700
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:00.00%
$500 to $999:00.00%
$1,000 to $1,499:00.00%
$1,500 to $1,999:00.00%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:16100.00%
Total:16100%
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$1,363$1,375$1,268$0$0$1,304$1,323$1,283$1,280$0$0$0$0
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):20361.33%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):11233.84%
Renter Occupied:164.83%
Total Occupied Housing Units:331100%

Occupied Housing Units:33191.18%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):328.82%
Total Housing Units:363100%
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:36099.17%
Multi-Family Units:00.00%
Other Units:30.83%
Total Housing Units:363100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 23.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (42.70%). High school or higher is 93.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 4.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 85.20%, which is well above the national rate (67.30%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 13.40 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.10 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (44.36%). College enrollment is 16.54%, which is on par with the state rate (28.00%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.

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:30.51%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:335.56%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):21235.69%
Some college, no degree:9215.49%
Associate's degree:11719.70%
Bachelor's degree:325.39%
Graduate or professional degree:10517.68%
Total:594100%
High school or higher:55893.94%
Bachelor's degree or higher:13723.06%
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:71673.21%
Public Insurance:22523.01%
No Insurance:373.78%
Total:978100%
Has Health Insurance:94196.22%
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 Poverty13.4%13.6%13.1%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%2.8%3.1%3.8%5.1%4.3%0.0%
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:00.00%
Kindergarten:00.00%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):5944.36%
High school (grades 9-12):5239.10%
College or graduate school:2216.54%
Total:133100%
Early Childhood:00.00%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):11183.46%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 21778 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 16 business establishments, employing about 125 people with an annual payroll of $5,506,000. USPS data shows 441 residential mailboxes and 7 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:441Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:7Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:494Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:441Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:0Source: USPS
# of Businesses:16Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$1,261,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$5,506,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:125Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 21778 is located in Frederick County, Maryland, within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 47900) and Maryland's 6th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 6,263,796 people, about 0.02% of whom live in ZIP Code 21778, and is subdivided into the Frederick-Gaithersburg-Bethesda, MD division. It covers 18.241 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.366 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WVSource: Census
CBSA Number:47900Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:Frederick-Gaithersburg-Bethesda, MD (CBSA Div 23224)Source: Census
CBSA Population:6,263,796Source: Census
MSA:Washington-Baltimore, DC-MD-VA-WV CMSASource: Census
Land Area:18.241 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.366 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:06Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:1950.26 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Washington, DC-MD-VA-WV PMSASource: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:--Source: Census
Place Name:--Source: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


21779 | | 21777

Schools in ZIP Code 21778


We could not locate which school district 21778 belongs to, but we will update this once new district data is released. There are no public schools nor private schools with a mailing address in this ZIP Code. Listing Nearby schools instead. It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Thurmont Primary 7989 Rocky Ridge Rd
Thurmont, MD 21788
District: Frederick County Public SchoolsNearby
Thurmont Elementary 805 E Main St
Thurmont, MD 21788
District: Frederick County Public SchoolsNearby
Thurmont Middle 408 E Main St
Thurmont, MD 21788
District: Frederick County Public SchoolsNearby
New Midway/Woodsboro Elementary 12226 Woodsboro Pike
Keymar, MD 21757
District: Frederick County Public SchoolsNearby
Catoctin High 14745 Sabillasville Rd
Thurmont, MD 21788
District: Frederick County Public SchoolsNearby
Pioneer Baptist Church School 13802 Long Rd
Thurmont, MD 21788
District: Private SchoolNearby
Mother Seton School 100 Creamery Rd
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
District: Private SchoolNearby
Silver Oak Academy 999 Crouse Mill Rd
Keymar, MD 21757
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 21778


Mount St. Mary's University 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road
Emmitsburg, MD 21727-7799
Type: Post Secondary
Frederick Community College 7932 Opossumtown Pike
Frederick, MD 21702-2964
Type: Post Secondary
Hood College 401 Rosemont Ave
Frederick, MD 21701
Type: Post Secondary
The Temple-A Paul Mitchell Partner School 22 W Church St
Frederick, MD 21701
Type: Post Secondary
United Lutheran Seminary 61 Seminary Ridge
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1795
Type: Post Secondary
Gettysburg College 300 N Washington St
Gettysburg, PA 17325
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