Question 1

Is 21045 a safe area?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 21045 in Columbia has a crime score of 50/100, which is roughly average for the region. Reported incidents per 1,000 residents track close to the Columbia city median. Both violent and property crime fall within the expected range for an urban ZIP code. Reviewing the Full Crime Report for 21045 and checking the local police department's crime mapping tool for current incident patterns before making decisions is recommended.

Question 2

What are the best schools near 21045?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 21045 has a school score of 100/100, based on NCES EdFacts math and reading proficiency data for public schools in and near ZIP 21045. Schools in this area perform significantly above state averages — proficiency rates consistently outpace both the city and national benchmarks. For families prioritizing public school quality, 21045 ranks among the stronger ZIP codes in Columbia. Scores reflect SY 2020-21 EdFacts assessment data; individual school performance may vary, and reviewing each school's most recent state report card is recommended.

Question 3

What is the average home price in 21045?

Accepted Answer

The median home sale price in 21045 is approximately $489K, based on recent Zillow Research ZHVI data. This places 21045 near the metro median for comparable neighborhoods. Median rent in 21045 is available in the Full Market Report. Prices fluctuate with market conditions; Zillow data reflects trailing sale prices, not current listing prices.

Question 4

Is 21045 a good place to live?

Accepted Answer

ZIP code 21045 has an overall NeighborScore of 67/100, placing it in the moderate range for Columbia. The score combines crime rate (40% weight), school quality (35%), and relative property value (25%), each normalized to the metro area. At 67/100, 21045 scores similarly to the middle tier of Columbia neighborhoods — neither among the strongest nor the weakest performers. Individual priorities (commute, school age, budget) should guide how much weight you give this composite vs. the component scores.

Columbia — ZIP 21045

Real Estate Snapshot

Crime Overview

Nearby Schools

Demographics

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Nearby Neighborhoods

School	Grades	Students	Math ↓	Reading
Jeffers Hill Elementary	PK–05	—	—	—
Oakland Mills High	09–12	—	—	—
Oakland Mills Middle	06–08	—	—	—
Phelps Luck Elementary	PK–05	—	—	—
Stevens Forest Elementary	PK–05	—	—	—
Talbott Springs Elementary	PK–05	—	—	—
Thunder Hill Elementary	KG–05	—	—	—
Waterloo Elementary	PK–05	—	—	—
Long Reach High	09–12	—	—	—
Cradlerock Elementary	PK–05	—	—	—
Lake Elkhorn Middle	06–08	—	—	—