21044 ZIP Code: Living in Columbia, MD
Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024
ZIP code 21044 is in Howard County, Maryland, and covers Wilde Lake, Harper’s Choice, Hickory Ridge and Town Center. West Columbia, including the Town Center, Merriweather Post Pavilion and the original Wilde Lake village. About 44,114 people live in the 21044 ZIP code area.
21044 at a glance
Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21044, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.
What’s your 21044 home worth?
Get a free, no-obligation home value estimate, then talk with a local agent about what your 21044 home could sell for in today’s market.
Neighborhoods and communities in 21044
The 21044 ZIP code includes Wilde Lake, Harper’s Choice, Hickory Ridge and Town Center. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.
Homes in 21044: what the housing looks like
Housing in 21044 is a mix of townhomes, single-family homes and apartments. Most homes were built before 2000; about 18% date from 2000 or later. About 60% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners.
| Type of home | Share of homes in 21044 |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 35% |
| Townhomes and rowhomes (attached) | 23% |
| 2–4 unit buildings | 2% |
| Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos) | 40% |
Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 19,811 housing units in total.
Commuting from 21044
Workers living in 21044 average a 29.2-minute commute. About 27.6% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21044 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 | 15 miles |
| Washington, D.C. | 23 miles |
| BWI Airport | 11 miles |
| Annapolis | 26 miles |
| Fort Meade | 10 miles |
| Columbia Town Center | 1 miles |
| Towson | 20 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 21044 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 21044
- 21045 – Columbia
- 21046 – Columbia
- 21029 – Clarksville
- 20723 – Laurel
- 20759 – Fulton
- 21042 – Ellicott City
Looking at homes in 21044?
See every home for sale in this ZIP code, updated throughout the day, or ask a local agent about the neighborhoods here.
21044 ZIP code: frequently asked questions
What county is ZIP code 21044 in?
ZIP code 21044 is in Howard County, Maryland.
What neighborhoods are in the 21044 ZIP code?
The 21044 ZIP code includes Wilde Lake, Harper’s Choice, Hickory Ridge and Town Center.
What is the median home value in 21044?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21044 is about $566,500, 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 21044 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?
The center of the 21044 ZIP code is about 15 miles from downtown Baltimore and 23 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.
Where can I see homes for sale in 21044?
You can see all current homes for sale in 21044 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21044/.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21044; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.