Baltimore, MD
21224
Baltimore City County · Maryland · Pop. 50,140
Last updated: May 2026
Baltimore, Maryland (ZIP code 21224) is home to approximately 50,140 residents. The median household income in 21224 is $43,586, which is 38% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 21224 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $168,270 and the average rent is $886/month. 21224 has a violent crime rate of 512.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 34% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of A. 21224 is served by with an average school rating of 5.8/10. Air quality in 21224 is rated Good with an average AQI of 36.4. The average commute time in 21224 is 22 minutes, 6 minutes below the national average. Compare 21224 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 24% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.9x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Baltimore (21224) has higher-than-average violent crime rates at 34% above the US average. Review specific crime types below for more detail.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 21224
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Middle School | public | 6/10 | 713 |
| Baltimore STEM Academy | public | 6/10 | 685 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 21224 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Baltimore, MD (21224)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $168,270 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $886/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 36.4 (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 34% above US average
- − Below-average income - median household income of $43,586
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 21224
What is the population of 21224? ▼
The population of ZIP code 21224 in Baltimore, Maryland is approximately 50,140 people.
Is 21224 safe to live in? ▼
Baltimore (21224) has higher-than-average violent crime rates at 34% above the US average. Review specific crime types below for more detail. Safety Grade: A.
What is the median income in 21224? ▼
The median household income in 21224 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $43,586. The per capita income is $28,331. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 21224? ▼
Renters in this area spend approximately 24% of their income on rent, which is considered very affordable. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.9x the median income. Median home value: $168,270. Average rent: $886/month.
What are schools like in 21224? ▼
Schools in 21224 receive an Education Grade of D. There are 2 schools with an average rating of 5.8/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 24:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 21224? ▼
The violent crime rate in 21224 is 512.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 2495.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 21224? ▼
The median monthly rent in 21224 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $886/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 21224? ▼
The median home value in 21224 (Baltimore, Maryland) is $168,270. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 21224 a good place to live? ▼
21224 (Baltimore, Maryland) has a ZipScore of 55/100 - 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 21224? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 21224 is 36.4 - rated Good by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 8.5 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