Ellicott City, MD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
75,257
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$156,964/yr
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
27,645
0.5% year-over-year change

Ellicott City population

How many people live in Ellicott City

Ellicott City is home to 75,257 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Ellicott City locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
75,257
2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
37,166
Female
50.6%
38,091
Value Percent YoY change
Male 37,166 49.4% 0.5%
Female 38,091 50.6% 3.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ellicott City is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.1% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.6% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.1%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
21.6%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
18.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,344 19.1% -1.6%
15 to 24 9,494 12.6% 3.9%
25 to 44 16,247 21.6% 1.2%
45 to 64 21,236 28.2% 2.5%
Over 65 13,936 18.5% 5.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ellicott City, 69.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.8% of locals are Caucasian, 9.1% are African American and 30.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
69.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.5%
Non-citizens
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 52,581 69.9% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15,459 20.5% 6.6%
Non-citizens 7,217 9.6% 5.6%
Racial breakdown
White
50.8%
Black or African American
9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
30.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.1%
Other
2.1%
Value Percent
White 38,235 50.8%
Black or African American 6,852 9.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 152 0.2%
Asian 23,080 30.7%
Two or more races 5,360 7.1%
Other 1,578 2.1%

Households in Ellicott City

A peek inside Ellicott City households

Ellicott City has 26,919 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.5% are families, while the remaining 23.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
26,919
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,330
Family households
20,589
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,330 23.5% 2.1%
Family households 20,589 76.5% 1.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ellicott City

The housing landscape of Ellicott City

Ellicott City's housing consists of 27,645 units, with 54% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 18.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
27,645
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,926 54%
1 unit, attached 5,235 18.9%
2 units 167 0.6%
3 or 4 units 101 0.4%
5 to 9 units 2,849 10.3%
10 to 19 units 1,956 7.1%
20 to 49 units 1,075 3.9%
50 or more units 1,321 4.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 15 0%
Homes built since 2020
232
42.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ellicott City

In Ellicott City, the median construction year is 1992. About 1.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 472 1.7% 24.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 181 0.6% -41.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,425 5.2% 4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,402 8.7% -4.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,796 10.1% -4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,743 20.8% 0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,079 18.4% -5.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,829 17.5% 5.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,486 16.2% 6.5%
Built in 2020 or later 232 0.8% 42.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ellicott City occupancy rates

Out of the 26,919 occupied housing units in Ellicott City, 72% are owner-occupied, while 28% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
26,919
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
7,543
Owner occupied
19,376
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 7,543 28% 3.8%
Owner occupied 19,376 72% 0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
2.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ellicott City housing costs

Housing costs in Ellicott City come to a median of $2,318 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,061.

Median housing costs per month
$2,318/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ellicott City
$2,061/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ellicott City

Ellicott City education at a glance

About 15.3% of the population in Ellicott City went to high school, while 12.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.3% earned an associate degree and 30.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 33.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,429 2.5% 23.1%
High school diploma 8,670 15.3% 4.9%
College diploma 7,108 12.6% 3.3%
Associate degree 2,984 5.3% 5.4%
Bachelor's degree 17,255 30.5% -0.4%
Graduate degree 19,211 33.9% 3.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ellicott City

How much people earn in Ellicott City

The average annual household income in Ellicott City was $187,257 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $156,964, reflecting a -0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ellicott City
$187,257/year
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ellicott City
$156,964/year
-0.6% year-over-year change

Ellicott City income by age

In Ellicott City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $166,357. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $196,785 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,081, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $104,474 in earnings. Overall, 96.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,081 -2.1%
25 - 44 $166,357 6.2%
45 - 64 $196,785 -3.5%
Over 65 $104,474 0.7%
Above poverty level
71,496
Below poverty level
2,796
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 71,496 96.2% 2.0%
Below poverty level 2,796 3.8% 6.4%

Average renter income in Ellicott City

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ellicott City, their median household income was $76,398 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$76,398
Rent-to-income ratio
32.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ellicott City

Workforce and job types in Ellicott City

The job market in Ellicott City is powered by 36,692 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 55.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
36,692
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
33,341
Blue collar
3,351
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 33,341 90.9% -1.9%
Blue collar 3,351 9.1% 22.8%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
55.2%
Governmental workers
21.3%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,099 11.2% 5.3%
Private companies 20,258 55.2% 2.6%
Governmental workers 7,819 21.3% -9.7%
Not for profit companies 4,516 12.3% 2.3%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ellicott City stands at 3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ellicott City

How people get around in Ellicott City

Commuting methods vary: 70.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 25,543 70.2% -4.9%
Taxicab 82 0.2% 57.7%
Bus or trolleybus 21 0.1% 23.5%
Subway or elevated 67 0.2% N/A
Railroad 100 0.3% 69.5%
Motorcycle 16 0% N/A
Bicycle 51 0.1% 15.9%
Walk 251 0.7% 5.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ellicott City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
21042 43,327 15,099 $190,061 $221,122
21043 48,525 17,568 $148,125 $177,430

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FAQs about Ellicott City demographics 

What is the total population of Ellicott City?

Ellicott City has a total population of 75,257 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ellicott City?

The gender ratio in Ellicott City is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (37,166 residents)
  • 50.6% females (38,091 residents)

What is the median age in Ellicott City?

The median age in Ellicott City is 43.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ellicott City?

The age distribution in Ellicott City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.1% (14,344 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (9,494 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.6% (16,247 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (21,236 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.5% (13,936 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ellicott City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellicott City is as follows:
  • White: 50.8% (38,235 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.1% (6,852 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (152 residents)
  • Asian: 30.7% (23,080 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.1% (5,360 residents)
  • Other: 2.1% (1,578 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ellicott City are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 69.9% of the population in Ellicott City.

How many housing units are there in Ellicott City?

There are 27,645 housing units in Ellicott City, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ellicott City and what is the average household size?

Ellicott City has a total of 26,919 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ellicott City?

Ellicott City has a median household income of $156,964, representing a -0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ellicott City?

The employment rate is 97% in Ellicott City, with a workforce of 36,692 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.9% (33,341 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.1% (3,351 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (4,099 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.2% (20,258 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.3% (7,819 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (4,516 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025