21043 ZIP Code: Living in Ellicott City, MD

Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024

ZIP code 21043 is in Howard County, Maryland, and covers Historic Ellicott City, Oella and Ilchester. Eastern Ellicott City, including the historic Main Street mill town on the Patapsco River. About 48,525 people live in the 21043 ZIP code area.

21043 at a glance

Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21043, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.

Neighborhoods and communities in 21043

The 21043 ZIP code includes Historic Ellicott City, Oella and Ilchester. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.

Homes in 21043: what the housing looks like

Housing in 21043 is a mix of townhomes, single-family homes and apartments. About 36% of homes were built in 2000 or later, so newer construction is common. About 67% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners.

Type of home	Share of homes in 21043
Single-family detached	43%
Townhomes and rowhomes (attached)	23%
2–4 unit buildings	1%
Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos)	33%

Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 18,133 housing units in total.

Commuting from 21043

Workers living in 21043 average a 28.1-minute commute. About 28.1% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21043 ZIP code is from major job centers and travel hubs. These are straight-line distances; drive times depend on route and traffic.

Destination	Distance
Downtown Baltimore	10 miles
Washington, D.C.	28 miles
BWI Airport	9 miles
Annapolis	25 miles
Fort Meade	11 miles
Columbia Town Center	4 miles
Towson	15 miles

Living in Howard County: what to know

Howard County has no incorporated cities; Columbia and Ellicott City are unincorporated communities governed by the county. Homes in the western part of the county often use well and septic rather than public water and sewer, so check that before you buy.

Public schools in 21043 are run by Howard County Public School System. Assignments go by street address, not ZIP code, so use the district’s school locator for a specific home. To compare schools, see the Maryland State Department of Education Report Card.

For taxes, commuting and lifestyle across the county, read our Howard County relocation guide. For parks and trails, see Howard County parks.

ZIP codes near 21043

• 21228 – Catonsville
• 21045 – Columbia
• 21075 – Elkridge
• 21042 – Ellicott City
• 21044 – Columbia
• 21244 – Windsor Mill

21043 ZIP code: frequently asked questions

What county is ZIP code 21043 in?

ZIP code 21043 is in Howard County, Maryland.

What neighborhoods are in the 21043 ZIP code?

The 21043 ZIP code includes Historic Ellicott City, Oella and Ilchester.

What is the median home value in 21043?

The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21043 is about $620,900, according to Census American Community Survey estimates for 2020–2024. Current asking prices can differ, so check active listings for today’s market.

How far is 21043 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?

The center of the 21043 ZIP code is about 10 miles from downtown Baltimore and 28 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.

Where can I see homes for sale in 21043?

You can see all current homes for sale in 21043 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21043/.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21043; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.