ZIP Code 21853 in Princess Anne, MD

Data Last Updated: November 1, 2025
City:Princess Anne, Maryland
Names to Avoid:
Oriole
County:Somerset County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:12:37:10 AM
Population:10,179 [See All]
Area Codes:410 / 443 / 667
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:38.1951, -75.7058
Land Area:114.784 sq mi
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Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 21853 has 10,179 residents and 3,570 households (average 2.43 persons per household). The median age is 33.4 years, younger than the state (38.8) and younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 46.3% male and 53.7% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (51.4%, much higher than the state average of 29.5% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and White (40.3%, much lower than the state average of 48.7% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.1%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (29.5%) and national averages (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:10,179Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:11,161Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:10,167Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:88.7 people per sq mile
Average Income:$51,710Source: Census ACS
Households:3,570Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$167,000Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.43Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.40Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--10,92510,77511,10610,84710,84511,39411,80811,69311,95711,43710,51010,65911,161
Decennial Census11,126------------------10,179------
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: 33.4

Male Median Age: 33.1

Female Median Age: 33.7

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male2783052914725992712362282332092213053053191951286947
Female267308310589745304276304270261261322362306218141105119
Total5456136011,0611,344575512532503470482627667625413269174166
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:4,10140.44%
Black:5,22951.57%
Hispanic:*4154.09%
Asian:1371.35%
American Indian:300.30%
Hawaiian:00%
Other:2282.25%
Total:10,140100%
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:4,71146.28%33.1 years
Females:5,46853.72%33.7 years
Total:10,179100%33.4 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:10,55994.61%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:570.51%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:1791.60%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:3664.88%
Total Population:11,161100%
Total Native Population:10,61695.12%
Total Foreign-born Population:5454.88%
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 $51,710, which is well under the state median ($101,652), is up $11,975 (30.1%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $17,235. Family households earn a median of $70,033 versus $18,294 for nonfamily households (a difference of $51,739). By gender, male median income is $55,568 and female is $42,790, which is far less than the state female median ($68,044), with a current gap of $12,778 that has widened from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 55.9%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (67.2%). The unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is just under the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (29.8%).

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$39,735$39,464$37,758$32,041$32,069$33,345$38,518$35,625$34,475$37,813$46,558$55,000$51,710
Median Family Income$48,125$50,786$53,998$44,388$45,539$47,250$51,333$48,464$47,098$52,458$62,305$68,078$70,033
Median NonFamily Income$27,224$22,482$22,809$22,015$21,859$18,467$18,485$18,953$12,582$11,708$13,063$16,673$18,294
Median Male Income$37,917$37,176$36,934$35,373$39,632$38,014$40,129$40,181$33,828$50,217$47,222$48,443$55,568
Median Female Income$37,535$32,354$31,670$30,777$30,560$32,304$37,375$41,153$41,485$42,868$43,723$42,125$42,790
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:4,78453.27%
Unemployed:2372.64%
Not In Labor Force:3,95944.09%
Total:8,980100%
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:1,42829.85%
Service:1,35128.24%
Sales and Office:93919.63%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:51910.85%
Production, transportation, and material moving:54711.43%
Total Civilian Employed Population:4,784100%
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 $167,000, which is much lower than the state median ($397,700), is up $1,200 (0.72%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $21,000. The median gross rent is $973, which is considerably lower than the state median ($1,662), is up $290 (42.46%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $241. Of occupied housing, owners make up 54.50% (72.09% with a mortgage, 27.91% free-and-clear) and renters 45.50% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 23.56%, which is far higher than the state rate (8.09%).

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$165,800$170,200$169,600$164,000$162,700$158,000$152,900$151,000$146,000$137,500$142,900$156,800$167,000
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:21112.22%
$500 to $999:66138.30%
$1,000 to $1,499:58433.84%
$1,500 to $1,999:1398.05%
$2,000 to $2,499:512.95%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:804.63%
Total:1,726100%
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$683$693$761$744$729$707$692$709$732$779$867$971$973
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):1,49039.28%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):57715.21%
Renter Occupied:1,72645.50%
Total Occupied Housing Units:3,793100%

Occupied Housing Units:3,79376.44%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,16923.56%
Total Housing Units:4,962100%
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:2,83557.13%
Multi-Family Units:1,67333.72%
Other Units:4549.15%
Total Housing Units:4,962100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 21.70% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly below the state rate (42.70%). High school or higher is 90.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 3.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.60%). Public coverage is 50.00%, which is notably higher than the state rate (34.20%). The share of people in poverty is 20.10%, which is markedly above the state rate (6.30%), up 7.40 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.00 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (50.92%). College enrollment is 50.92%, 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:1842.87%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:4116.42%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):2,59340.48%
Some college, no degree:1,20318.78%
Associate's degree:6239.73%
Bachelor's degree:91814.33%
Graduate or professional degree:4737.38%
Total:6,405100%
High school or higher:5,81090.71%
Bachelor's degree or higher:1,39121.72%
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:6,40552.04%
Public Insurance:5,51644.81%
No Insurance:3883.15%
Total:12,309100%
Has Health Insurance:11,92196.85%
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 Poverty12.7%13.7%17.0%17.5%19.7%20.0%20.3%17.7%18.1%15.9%17.7%17.9%20.1%
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:2134.92%
Kindergarten:2154.97%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,11925.87%
High school (grades 9-12):57613.31%
College or graduate school:2,20350.92%
Total:4,326100%
Early Childhood:4289.89%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):1,91044.15%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 21853 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 157 business establishments, employing about 1,513 people with an annual payroll of $60,913,000. USPS data shows 4,184 residential mailboxes and 191 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:4,184Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:191Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:4,634Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:2,958Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:186Source: USPS
# of Businesses:157Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$14,158,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$60,913,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:1,513Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 21853 is located in Somerset County, Maryland, within the Salisbury, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 41540) and Maryland's 1st Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 128,802 people, about 7.90% of whom live in ZIP Code 21853. It covers 114.784 sq mi of land and a water area of 10.533 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Salisbury, MDSource: Census
CBSA Number:41540Source: Census
CBSA Type:MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:128,802Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:114.784 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:10.533 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:3977.06 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:2464000Source: Census
Place Name:Princess Anne town; MarylandSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


21856 | | 21852

Schools in ZIP Code 21853


ZIP Code 21853 is in the Somerset County Public Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 3 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Washington Academy And High School 10902 Old Princess Anne Rd
Princess Anne, MD 21853
District: Somerset County Public Schools
Princess Anne Elementary School 11576 Lankford Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
District: Somerset County Public Schools
Greenwood Elementary School 11412 Dryden Road
Princess Anne, MD 21853
District: Somerset County Public Schools
Stepping Stones Learning Academy 402 W Main St
Fruitland, MD 21826
District: Private SchoolNearby
Bundles Of Joy University 1409 S Division St
Salisbury, MD 21804
District: Private SchoolNearby
Asbury Child Development Center 1401 Camden Ave
Salisbury, MD 21801
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 21853


University Of Maryland Eastern Shore J.t. Williams Hall
Princess Anne, MD 21853-1299
Type: Post Secondary
Delmarva Beauty Academy 111 Milford St
Salisbury, MD 21804-6952
Type: Post Secondary
Salisbury University 1101 Camden Ave
Salisbury, MD 21801-6862
Type: Post Secondary
Wor-Wic Community College 32000 Campus Drive
Salisbury, MD 21804-7131
Type: Post Secondary
Delaware Learning Institute Of Cosmetology 32448 Royal Blvd. Suite A
Dagsboro, DE 19939
Type: Post Secondary
Delaware Technical Community College-Owens Route 18, Seashore Highway Po Box 610
Georgetown, DE 19947
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 November 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 11/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 11/1/2025], 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: 11/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov