21204 ZIP Code: Living in Towson, MD
Updated November 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024
ZIP code 21204 is in Baltimore County, Maryland, and covers Towson, Ruxton and Riderwood. The Baltimore County seat, home to Towson University and Towson Town Center, plus the wooded Ruxton and Riderwood areas. About 19,845 people live in the 21204 ZIP code area.
21204 at a glance
Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21204, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.
What’s your 21204 home worth?
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Neighborhoods and communities in 21204
The 21204 ZIP code includes Towson, Ruxton and Riderwood. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.
Homes in 21204: what the housing looks like
Housing in 21204 is mostly apartments and condos in larger buildings. Most homes were built before 2000; about 25% date from 2000 or later. About 46% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners, so renting is common here.
| Type of home | Share of homes in 21204 |
|---|---|
| Single-family detached | 35% |
| Townhomes and rowhomes (attached) | 10% |
| 2–4 unit buildings | 6% |
| Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos) | 50% |
Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 9,588 housing units in total.
Commuting from 21204
Workers living in 21204 average a 23.8-minute commute. About 24.7% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21204 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 | 8 miles |
| Washington, D.C. | 41 miles |
| BWI Airport | 16 miles |
| Annapolis | 30 miles |
| Fort Meade | 22 miles |
| Columbia Town Center | 18 miles |
| Towson | 1 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 21204 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 21204
- 21093 – Lutherville-Timonium
- 21212 – Homeland, Baltimore
- 21286 – Towson
- 21209 – Mount Washington, Baltimore
- 21210 – Roland Park, Baltimore
- 21239 – Original Northwood, Baltimore
Looking at homes in 21204?
See every home for sale in this ZIP code, updated throughout the day, or ask a local agent about the neighborhoods here.
21204 ZIP code: frequently asked questions
What county is ZIP code 21204 in?
ZIP code 21204 is in Baltimore County, Maryland.
What neighborhoods are in the 21204 ZIP code?
The 21204 ZIP code includes Towson, Ruxton and Riderwood.
What is the median home value in 21204?
The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21204 is about $594,800, 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 21204 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?
The center of the 21204 ZIP code is about 8 miles from downtown Baltimore and 41 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.
Where can I see homes for sale in 21204?
You can see all current homes for sale in 21204 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21204/.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21204; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.