21221 ZIP Code: Living in Essex, MD
Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024
ZIP code 21221 is in Baltimore County, Maryland, and covers Essex, Back River Neck and Hawthorne. East Baltimore County along Back River and Middle River, with waterfront neighborhoods and Rocky Point Beach nearby. About 43,487 people live in the 21221 ZIP code area.
21221 at a glance
Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21221, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.
What’s your 21221 home worth?
Get a free, no-obligation home value estimate, then talk with a local agent about what your 21221 home could sell for in today’s market.
Neighborhoods and communities in 21221
The 21221 ZIP code includes Essex, Back River Neck and Hawthorne. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.
Homes in 21221: what the housing looks like
Housing in 21221 is a mix of townhomes, single-family homes and apartments. Most homes were built before 2000; about 14% date from 2000 or later. About 63% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners.
| Type of home | Share of homes in 21221 |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 42% |
| Townhomes and rowhomes (attached) | 33% |
| 2–4 unit buildings | 5% |
| Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos) | 19% |
| Mobile homes | 2% |
Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 18,442 housing units in total.
Commuting from 21221
Workers living in 21221 average a 29.5-minute commute. About 8.2% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21221 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 | 9 miles |
| Washington, D.C. | 42 miles |
| BWI Airport | 15 miles |
| Annapolis | 22 miles |
| Fort Meade | 21 miles |
| Columbia Town Center | 23 miles |
| Towson | 12 miles |
Living in Baltimore County: what to know
Baltimore County has no incorporated cities, so communities such as this one are governed by the county. Property taxes, schools, police and trash service all run through Baltimore County government.
Public schools in 21221 are run by Baltimore County Public Schools. 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 Baltimore County relocation guide. For parks and trails, see Baltimore County parks.
ZIP codes near 21221
- 21222 – Dundalk
- 21219 – Sparrows Point
- 21220 – Middle River
- 21237 – Rosedale
- 21224 – Canton, Baltimore
- 21206 – Frankford, Baltimore
Looking at homes in 21221?
See every home for sale in this ZIP code, updated throughout the day, or ask a local agent about the neighborhoods here.
21221 ZIP code: frequently asked questions
What county is ZIP code 21221 in?
ZIP code 21221 is in Baltimore County, Maryland.
What neighborhoods are in the 21221 ZIP code?
The 21221 ZIP code includes Essex, Back River Neck and Hawthorne.
What is the median home value in 21221?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21221 is about $271,500, 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 21221 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?
The center of the 21221 ZIP code is about 9 miles from downtown Baltimore and 42 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.
Where can I see homes for sale in 21221?
You can see all current homes for sale in 21221 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21221/.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21221; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.