21231 ZIP Code: Living in Fells Point & Butchers Hill, Baltimore, MD

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

ZIP code 21231 is in Baltimore City, Maryland, and covers Fells Point, Butchers Hill, Upper Fells Point and Washington Hill. Historic waterfront rowhome neighborhoods east of downtown, with cobblestone streets and Patterson Park’s western edge. About 14,969 people live in the 21231 ZIP code area.

21231 at a glance

Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21231, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.

Neighborhoods and communities in 21231

The 21231 ZIP code includes Fells Point, Butchers Hill, Upper Fells Point and Washington Hill. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.

Homes in 21231: what the housing looks like

Housing in 21231 is a mix of rowhomes, single-family homes and apartments. About 52% of homes were built before 1940, so expect older construction, plaster walls and period details. About 34% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners, so renting is common here.

Type of home	Share of homes in 21231
Single-family detached	3%
Rowhomes and townhomes (attached)	49%
2–4 unit buildings	13%
Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos)	36%

Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 9,514 housing units in total.

Commuting from 21231

Workers living in 21231 average a 24.1-minute commute. About 25.5% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21231 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	1 miles
Washington, D.C.	36 miles
BWI Airport	9 miles
Annapolis	22 miles
Fort Meade	15 miles
Columbia Town Center	15 miles
Towson	8 miles

Living in Baltimore City: what to know

Baltimore City is its own jurisdiction, separate from Baltimore County. It sets its own property tax rate, which is higher than the surrounding counties, and some city homes carry ground rent. The city also offers homebuying incentives for qualifying buyers.

Public schools in 21231 are run by Baltimore City 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 City relocation guide. For parks and trails, see Baltimore City parks.

ZIP codes near 21231

• 21202 – Downtown, Baltimore
• 21201 – Downtown, Baltimore
• 21205 – Ellwood Park, Baltimore
• 21213 – Belair-Edison, Baltimore
• 21230 – Federal Hill, Baltimore
• 21217 – Bolton Hill, Baltimore

21231 ZIP code: frequently asked questions

What county is ZIP code 21231 in?

ZIP code 21231 is in Baltimore City, Maryland.

What neighborhoods are in the 21231 ZIP code?

The 21231 ZIP code includes Fells Point, Butchers Hill, Upper Fells Point and Washington Hill.

What is the median home value in 21231?

The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21231 is about $350,100, 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 21231 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?

The center of the 21231 ZIP code is about 1 miles from downtown Baltimore and 36 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.

Where can I see homes for sale in 21231?

You can see all current homes for sale in 21231 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21231/.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21231; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.