The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 21044 sells for about $489,753, or $265 per square foot.
Prices are roughly flat from a year ago (+0.2%), a market in balance. Homes take about 21 days to sell, which is fast. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $2,166 a month.
ZIP 21044 — Columbia
The 21044 housing market remains competitive with low inventory and steady price appreciation. While the median sale price has seen modest year-over-year growth, the market is characterized by quick sales and high demand for well-maintained properties. Buyers should be prepared for a fast-paced environment, though the pace of price increases has stabilized compared to previous years.
This ZIP is ideal for families and professionals who value a planned community environment, access to top-tier schools, and a central location between Baltimore and D.C.
Median prices moved up 0.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 21 days on market with 2.5 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
28% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.0% · poverty 7.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.2%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 2.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 21044, Howard County MD
Crime in Columbia is generally considered low compared to national averages, with the area benefiting from the planned community design that emphasizes safety and community oversight.
The ZIP is served by the highly-rated Howard County Public School System, which is consistently ranked among the top districts in Maryland.
The area faces standard regional risks for mid-Atlantic weather, including occasional heavy storms and flooding in low-lying areas near creeks, though it is not in a high-risk wildfire zone.
Columbia serves as a major economic hub in Howard County, anchored by the Columbia Gateway business park and ongoing redevelopment of the Downtown Columbia core.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Maryland) — Maryland Real Property Assessment and Taxation: Property is assessed at its phased-in use value. The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable state and local tax rates.
Residents benefit from proximity to US-29 and MD-32, providing direct access to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. employment corridors.
The area features extensive amenities including Lake Kittamaqundi, numerous community parks, miles of paved walking trails, and the Mall in Columbia.
The rental market remains competitive with steady demand, supported by a mix of apartment complexes and townhome rentals, with vacancy rates remaining low.
The economy is driven by a mix of healthcare, technology, and government contracting, with major employers including MedStar Health and various firms in the Columbia Gateway business park.
The area is primarily car-dependent but is served by the Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland (RTA) bus system.
Ongoing redevelopment of the downtown core continues to add high-density residential and commercial space.
The Howard County Department of Assessments and Taxation manages property valuations on a triennial cycle.
Parcels are subject to Howard County property taxes and are served by the Howard County Public School System.
Property insurance premiums are stable, though homeowners should account for standard regional risks like wind and storm damage.
Data sourced from US Census Bureau and Data Commons.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
A central feature of downtown Columbia offering walking paths and recreational space.
A major regional shopping and dining destination.
A world-renowned outdoor concert venue located in the heart of the city.
Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the prior refresh cycle (within 12.5%).