21042 Zip Code, Ellicott City
Crime Rate & Statistics
Very safe zip code — well below-average crime rates
Safer than 50% of zip codes in Ellicott City
Safety at a Glance
Check a specific address
in Ellicott City
Is 21042 a Safe Zip Code?
Yes — this zip code is very safe. Zip code 21042 in Ellicott City, MD has a safety grade of A. The overall crime index is 39, which is 61% below the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 50% of zip codes in Ellicott City.
Compared to the Ellicott City average (crime index 118), zip code 21042 is 79% lower in overall crime. This zip code is significantly safer than Ellicott City as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 98, 2% below average), while murder is the lowest risk (index: 34).
21042 Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Ellicott City city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
34 | -66% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
57 | -43% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
85 | -15% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
98 | -2% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
35 | -65% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
59 | -41% | Low | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
62 | -38% | Low | |
How 21042 Compares
Crime index by category: 21042 vs Ellicott City average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
21042 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
21042 Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Other Zip Codes in Ellicott City
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 21042, Ellicott City?
Zip code 21042 in Ellicott City, MD has a crime safety grade of A as of 2026. The overall crime index is 39, which is 61% below the national average. Compared to the Ellicott City average, crime in Zip code 21042 is 79% lower. Zip code 21042 is safer than 50% of neighborhoods in Ellicott City.
Is Zip code 21042 a safe neighborhood in Ellicott City?
Zip code 21042 is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Ellicott City, earning a crime grade of A. The highest concern is Rape (index: 98), while Murder is the lowest risk (index: 34). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Ellicott City.
How does Zip code 21042 compare to the rest of Ellicott City?
Zip code 21042's overall crime index is 39, compared to the Ellicott City average of 118. This means crime in Zip code 21042 is 79% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 69, and for property crime it is 52. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Zip code 21042?
The most prevalent crime type in Zip code 21042 is Rape, with a crime index of 98 (2% below the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Zip code 21042?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include 21043. These areas are close to Zip code 21042 and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Zip code 21042?
Zip code 21042 has a population of approximately 43,430. The median household income is $182,525. The median home value is $731,057. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 21042 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 21042's overall crime rate is 61% below the national average (index 39 vs 100). Within Ellicott City, it is safer than 50% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.