21042 ZIP Code: Living in Ellicott City, MD

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

ZIP code 21042 is in Howard County, Maryland, and covers Ellicott City (west), Turf Valley and Dorsey’s Search (part). Central and western Ellicott City along US-40 and MD-99, with established neighborhoods and Turf Valley. About 43,327 people live in the 21042 ZIP code area.

21042 at a glance

Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21042, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.

Neighborhoods and communities in 21042

The 21042 ZIP code includes Ellicott City (west), Turf Valley and Dorsey’s Search (part). ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.

Homes in 21042: what the housing looks like

Housing in 21042 is mostly single-family detached homes. Most homes were built before 2000; about 25% date from 2000 or later. About 85% 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 21042
Single-family detached	75%
Townhomes and rowhomes (attached)	11%
2–4 unit buildings	1%
Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos)	13%

Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 15,368 housing units in total.

Commuting from 21042

Workers living in 21042 average a 28.6-minute commute. About 28.2% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21042 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.	27 miles
BWI Airport	14 miles
Annapolis	30 miles
Fort Meade	14 miles
Columbia Town Center	5 miles
Towson	18 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 21042 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 21042

• 21794 – West Friendship
• 21163 – Woodstock
• 21104 – Marriottsville
• 21044 – Columbia
• 21043 – Ellicott City
• 21029 – Clarksville

21042 ZIP code: frequently asked questions

What county is ZIP code 21042 in?

ZIP code 21042 is in Howard County, Maryland.

What neighborhoods are in the 21042 ZIP code?

The 21042 ZIP code includes Ellicott City (west), Turf Valley and Dorsey’s Search (part).

What is the median home value in 21042?

The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21042 is about $706,400, 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 21042 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?

The center of the 21042 ZIP code is about 15 miles from downtown Baltimore and 27 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.

Where can I see homes for sale in 21042?

You can see all current homes for sale in 21042 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21042/.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21042; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.