21221 Zip Code, Essex
Last updated: October 17, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Above-average safety — lower crime than most zip codes
Safer than 0% of zip codes in Essex
Summary: 21221 (Essex, MD) Crime Rate (2026)
ZIP 21221, Essex, MD has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is 38% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: October 17, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Essex
Is 21221 a Safe Zip Code?
Mixed — the grade is relative, but crime is above the national average. Zip code 21221 in Essex, MD has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average of 100. This zip code is safer than 0% of zip codes in Essex.
Looking at specific crime types, murder is the most elevated concern (index: 135, 35% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 113).
21221 Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Essex city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
135 | +35% | Moderate | |
|
Assault
|
119 | +19% | Moderate | |
|
Robbery
|
113 | +13% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
128 | +28% | Moderate | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
125 | +25% | Moderate | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
132 | +32% | Moderate | |
21221 Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
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21221 Demographics & Context
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Housing
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Zip code 21221, Essex?
Zip code 21221 in Essex, MD has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 138, which is 38% above the national average. Zip code 21221 is safer than 0% of neighborhoods in Essex.
Is Zip code 21221 a safe neighborhood in Essex?
Zip code 21221 has a mixed safety picture with a crime grade of B+, and an overall crime index 138 (38% above the national average). Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Murder (index: 135), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 113). It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Essex.
What type of crime is most common in Zip code 21221?
The most common crime type in Zip code 21221 is Larceny / Theft, with a crime index of 132 (32% above the national average). Homicide is the most elevated type versus the national average (index 135), not the most frequent crime. Overall, property crime is more common than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are the demographics of Zip code 21221?
Zip code 21221 has a population of approximately 41,901. The median household income is $73,786. The median home value is $277,467. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Zip code 21221 crime compare to the national average?
Zip code 21221's overall crime rate is 38% above the national average (index 138 vs 100). Within Essex, it is safer than 0% 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 October 2026.