Baltimore, MD
21201
Baltimore City County · Maryland · Pop. 30,540
Last updated: May 2026
Baltimore, Maryland (ZIP code 21201) is home to approximately 30,540 residents. The median household income in 21201 is $53,631, which is 24% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 21201 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $174,800 and the average rent is $855/month. 21201 has a violent crime rate of 568.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 49% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of A-. 21201 is served by with an average school rating of 4.9/10. Air quality in 21201 is rated Good with an average AQI of 48.8. The average commute time in 21201 is 30 minutes, 2 minutes above the national average. Compare 21201 vs national averages and nearby neighborhoods using our free ZipScore intelligence platform.
On This Page
👥 Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
💰 Income & Economy
Affordability Assessment: Renters in this area spend approximately 19% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.3x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Baltimore (21201) has higher-than-average violent crime rates at 49% above the US average. Review specific crime types below for more detail.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 21201
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore STEM Academy | public | 4/10 | 656 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 21201 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Baltimore, MD (21201)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $174,800 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $855/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 48.8 (rated "Good" by EPA standards)
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
- − Higher-than-average crime - violent crime rate 49% above US average
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 21201
What is the population of 21201? ▼
The population of ZIP code 21201 in Baltimore, Maryland is approximately 30,540 people.
Is 21201 safe to live in? ▼
Baltimore (21201) has higher-than-average violent crime rates at 49% above the US average. Review specific crime types below for more detail. Safety Grade: A-.
What is the median income in 21201? ▼
The median household income in 21201 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $53,631. The per capita income is $34,860. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 21201? ▼
Renters in this area spend approximately 19% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.3x the median income. Median home value: $174,800. Average rent: $855/month.
What are schools like in 21201? ▼
Schools in 21201 receive an Education Grade of D-. There are 1 schools with an average rating of 4.9/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 20:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 21201? ▼
The violent crime rate in 21201 is 568.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 2533.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 21201? ▼
The median monthly rent in 21201 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $855/month. The national median rent is $1,163/month. This ZIP code is more affordable than the national average for renters.
What is the median home value in 21201? ▼
The median home value in 21201 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $174,800. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 21201 a good place to live? ▼
21201 (Baltimore, Maryland) has a ZipScore of 53/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). This area has some advantages but also tradeoffs - review each section.
What is the air quality in 21201? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 21201 is 48.8 - rated Good by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 8.4 µg/m³.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), FBI Uniform Crime Report, EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index, and Open-Meteo. Last updated: May 2026