21046 ZIP Code: Living in Columbia, MD
Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024
ZIP code 21046 is in Howard County, Maryland, and covers Kings Contrivance and Owen Brown (part). Southeast Columbia along US-29 and MD-32, with Lake Elkhorn and quick access to Fort Meade. About 15,608 people live in the 21046 ZIP code area.
21046 at a glance
Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21046, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.
What’s your 21046 home worth?
Get a free, no-obligation home value estimate, then talk with a local agent about what your 21046 home could sell for in today’s market.
Neighborhoods and communities in 21046
The 21046 ZIP code includes Kings Contrivance and Owen Brown (part). ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.
Homes in 21046: what the housing looks like
Housing in 21046 is a mix of townhomes, single-family homes and apartments. Most homes were built before 2000; about 9% date from 2000 or later. About 65% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners.
| Type of home | Share of homes in 21046 |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 39% |
| Townhomes and rowhomes (attached) | 25% |
| 2–4 unit buildings | 3% |
| Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos) | 34% |
Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 6,382 housing units in total.
Commuting from 21046
Workers living in 21046 average a 23.8-minute commute. About 18.9% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21046 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 | 14 miles |
| Washington, D.C. | 22 miles |
| BWI Airport | 9 miles |
| Annapolis | 23 miles |
| Fort Meade | 7 miles |
| Columbia Town Center | 3 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 21046 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 21046
Looking at homes in 21046?
See every home for sale in this ZIP code, updated throughout the day, or ask a local agent about the neighborhoods here.
21046 ZIP code: frequently asked questions
What county is ZIP code 21046 in?
ZIP code 21046 is in Howard County, Maryland.
What neighborhoods are in the 21046 ZIP code?
The 21046 ZIP code includes Kings Contrivance and Owen Brown (part).
What is the median home value in 21046?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21046 is about $479,500, 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 21046 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?
The center of the 21046 ZIP code is about 14 miles from downtown Baltimore and 22 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.
Where can I see homes for sale in 21046?
You can see all current homes for sale in 21046 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21046/.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21046; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.