21797 ZIP Code: Living in Woodbine, MD
Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024
ZIP code 21797 is mostly in Howard County, with part in Carroll County, Maryland, and covers Woodbine. Northwest Howard County into Carroll County along the Patapsco’s South Branch, with farms and larger lots. About 8,643 people live in the 21797 ZIP code area.
21797 at a glance
Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21797, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.
What’s your 21797 home worth?
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Neighborhoods and communities in 21797
The 21797 ZIP code includes Woodbine. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.
Homes in 21797: what the housing looks like
Housing in 21797 is mostly single-family detached homes. Most homes were built before 2000; about 19% date from 2000 or later. About 92% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners, which is higher than the Maryland average of about 67%.
| Type of home | Share of homes in 21797 |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 91% |
| Townhomes and rowhomes (attached) | 1% |
| 2–4 unit buildings | 3% |
| Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos) | 0% |
| Mobile homes | 5% |
Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 2,903 housing units in total.
Commuting from 21797
Workers living in 21797 average a 38.9-minute commute. About 27.9% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21797 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 | 25 miles |
| Washington, D.C. | 30 miles |
| BWI Airport | 24 miles |
| Annapolis | 39 miles |
| Fort Meade | 23 miles |
| Columbia Town Center | 14 miles |
| Towson | 25 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 21797 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 21797
- 21723 – Cooksville
- 21738 – Glenwood
- 21794 – West Friendship
- 21737 – Glenelg
- 21036 – Dayton
- 21104 – Marriottsville
Looking at homes in 21797?
See every home for sale in this ZIP code, updated throughout the day, or ask a local agent about the neighborhoods here.
21797 ZIP code: frequently asked questions
What county is ZIP code 21797 in?
ZIP code 21797 is mostly in Howard County, Maryland, with part in Carroll County.
What neighborhoods are in the 21797 ZIP code?
The 21797 ZIP code includes Woodbine.
What is the median home value in 21797?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21797 is about $735,600, 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 21797 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?
The center of the 21797 ZIP code is about 25 miles from downtown Baltimore and 30 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.
Where can I see homes for sale in 21797?
You can see all current homes for sale in 21797 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21797/.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21797; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.