Baltimore, MD
21218
Baltimore City County · Maryland · Pop. 44,870
Last updated: May 2026
Baltimore, Maryland (ZIP code 21218) is home to approximately 44,870 residents. The median household income in 21218 is $45,070, which is 36% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 21218 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $165,125 and the average rent is $953/month. 21218 has a violent crime rate of 431.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of A. 21218 is served by with an average school rating of 5.2/10. Air quality in 21218 is rated Good with an average AQI of 36.8. The average commute time in 21218 is 25 minutes, 2 minutes below the national average. Compare 21218 vs national averages and nearby neighborhoods using our free ZipScore intelligence platform.
On This Page
👥 Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
💰 Income & Economy
Affordability Assessment: Renters spend about 25% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.7x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Baltimore (21218) has violent crime rates close to the national average. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any US city.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 21218
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore High School | public | 6/10 | 813 |
| Baltimore Academy | public | 5/10 | 349 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 21218 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Baltimore, MD (21218)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $165,125 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $953/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 36.8 (rated "Good" by EPA standards)
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
- − Below-average income - median household income of $45,070
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 21218
What is the population of 21218? ▼
The population of ZIP code 21218 in Baltimore, Maryland is approximately 44,870 people.
Is 21218 safe to live in? ▼
Baltimore (21218) has violent crime rates close to the national average. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any US city. Safety Grade: A.
What is the median income in 21218? ▼
The median household income in 21218 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $45,070. The per capita income is $29,296. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 21218? ▼
Renters spend about 25% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.7x the median income. Median home value: $165,125. Average rent: $953/month.
What are schools like in 21218? ▼
Schools in 21218 receive an Education Grade of F. There are 2 schools with an average rating of 5.2/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 24:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 21218? ▼
The violent crime rate in 21218 is 431.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 2427.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 21218? ▼
The median monthly rent in 21218 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $953/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 21218? ▼
The median home value in 21218 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $165,125. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 21218 a good place to live? ▼
21218 (Baltimore, Maryland) has a ZipScore of 57/100 - 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 21218? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 21218 is 36.8 - rated Good by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 7.7 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