21794 ZIP Code: Living in West Friendship, MD

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

ZIP code 21794 is in Howard County, Maryland, and covers West Friendship. Rural Howard County around the Howard County Fairgrounds and I-70. About 2,192 people live in the 21794 ZIP code area.

21794 at a glance

Figures are Census estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 21794, which closely follows the postal ZIP code. Estimates for smaller areas have wider margins of error.

Neighborhoods and communities in 21794

The 21794 ZIP code includes West Friendship. ZIP code lines don’t always match neighborhood or school boundaries, so confirm the details for any specific address.

Homes in 21794: what the housing looks like

Housing in 21794 is mostly single-family detached homes. Most homes were built before 2000; about 32% date from 2000 or later. About 100% 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 21794
Single-family detached	100%
Townhomes and rowhomes (attached)	0%
2–4 unit buildings	0%
Buildings with 5+ units (apartments, condos)	0%

Share of all housing units, ACS 2020–2024. 690 housing units in total.

Commuting from 21794

Workers living in 21794 average a 33.1-minute commute. About 30.9% work from home. Here is how far the center of the 21794 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	19 miles
Washington, D.C.	28 miles
BWI Airport	18 miles
Annapolis	34 miles
Fort Meade	18 miles
Columbia Town Center	8 miles
Towson	21 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 21794 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 21794

• 21723 – Cooksville
• 21738 – Glenwood
• 21042 – Ellicott City
• 21104 – Marriottsville
• 21737 – Glenelg
• 21036 – Dayton

21794 ZIP code: frequently asked questions

What county is ZIP code 21794 in?

ZIP code 21794 is in Howard County, Maryland.

What neighborhoods are in the 21794 ZIP code?

The 21794 ZIP code includes West Friendship.

What is the median home value in 21794?

The median value of owner-occupied homes in 21794 is about $999,400, 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 21794 from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?

The center of the 21794 ZIP code is about 19 miles from downtown Baltimore and 28 miles from Washington, D.C., in a straight line. Drive times vary with traffic.

Where can I see homes for sale in 21794?

You can see all current homes for sale in 21794 on GreatestMoves.com, our home search site, at https://www.greatestmoves.com/zip-codes/21794/.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (tables DP03, DP04, DP05) for ZCTA 21794; U.S. Census Bureau TIGERweb ZCTA boundaries. Distances are calculated from the ZCTA’s internal point.