North East ZIP Codes — Cecil County, MD

There is one unique ZIP code in North East, Maryland and it is 21901. Area code: 443/667/410.

ZIP codes

48.55

sq mi land

3.45

sq mi water

443/667/410

area code

North East, MD ZIP code map

About North East, MD

North East, Maryland, is a charming small town located in Cecil County. Nestled at the convergence of the Northeast River and Elk River, it offers picturesque views and a welcoming community atmosphere. Known for its rich history and access to beautiful waterways, North East is a hidden gem in the heart of Maryland.

Location & geography

The town of North East spans a total land area of 48.55 square miles, with 3.45 square miles designated as water. It is conveniently situated near several neighboring cities, including Elkton, which is about 10 miles to the southwest, and North East is approximately 14 miles from Havre de Grace. The terrain features a mix of lush landscapes and waterways, making it ideal for outdoor activities and nature enthusiasts.

Community & economy

North East has a vibrant community characterized by its friendly residents and local businesses. The economy thrives on industries such as tourism, agriculture, and retail, providing a steady source of employment and growth. Daily life in North East is marked by community events, local markets, and a general sense of neighborliness among its inhabitants.

Transportation

Transportation in North East is facilitated by major highways such as Interstate 95, which runs just west of the town, making it easily accessible. The nearest airports include the Baltimore/Washington International Airport to the south and Philadelphia International Airport to the north. Public transit options may be limited, but local roadways provide convenient access for residents and visitors.

History

North East was founded in the late 18th century and has served as a hub for various industries, including shipping and fishing due to its strategic location along waterways. A key milestone in its history includes the development of the town as a center for shipbuilding during the 19th century. Over the years, North East has transformed, adapting to modern needs while preserving its historical charm.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about North East is that it was originally named 'Chester,' a name now long forgotten. Today, the town is home to a vibrant arts scene, including local galleries and community events showcasing regional artists.

ZIP codes for North East, MD (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
21901	North East	Cecil	View map

Demographics & statistics

19,938

Population

36.3

Median age

$105,876

Median household income

$46,349

Per capita income

$314,900

Median home value

$1,390

Median monthly rent

74.8%

Home ownership

10.7%

Poverty rate

5.5%

Unemployment

6,201

Housing units

32.3%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

849

Under 5

787

570

5–9

528

901

10–14

834

671

15–19

622

745

20–24

690

1,167

25–34

1,080

1,411

35–44

1,307

1,585

45–54

1,468

608

55–59

563

715

60–64

662

770

65–74

713

258

75–84

238

102

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	5,420	27.2%
18 and over	14,518	72.8%
65 and over	2,175	10.9%
Median age	36.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 86%

Black or African American 5.9%

Two or more races 3.7%

Asian 2.1%

Hispanic or Latino 1.6%

Other race 0.7%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.1%

Group	Count	%
White	17,424	86%
Black or African American	1,187	5.9%
Two or more races	754	3.7%
Asian	423	2.1%
Hispanic or Latino	333	1.6%
Other race	133	0.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native	17	0.1%

Household income

Under $10k 3.1%

$10k–$15k 3.0%

$15k–$25k 3.0%

$25k–$35k 4.7%

$35k–$50k 5.8%

$50k–$75k 14.4%

$75k–$100k 13.2%

$100k–$150k 24.7%

$150k–$200k 12.2%

$200k+ 16.0%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.1%
$10k–$15k	3.0%
$15k–$25k	3.0%
$25k–$35k	4.7%
$35k–$50k	5.8%
$50k–$75k	14.4%
$75k–$100k	13.2%
$100k–$150k	24.7%
$150k–$200k	12.2%
$200k+	16.0%
Median income	$105,876

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 1.5%

$50k–$100k 0.5%

$100k–$150k 5.8%

$150k–$200k 8.6%

$200k–$300k 29.7%

$300k–$500k 40.2%

$500k–$1M 12.2%

$1M+ 1.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$314,900
Median rent / month	$1,390
Owner occupied	74.8%
Renter occupied	25.2%
Vacant	11.7%
Single-family detached	68.3%
Large apartment buildings	3.4%
Mobile homes	3.1%
Median rooms	6.4
Avg household size (owned)	2.88

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.6%
2010–2019	14.5%
2000–2009	27.0%
1990–1999	13.4%
1980–1989	16.1%
1970–1979	7.0%
1960–1969	5.2%
1950–1959	8.5%
1940–1949	2.5%
1939 or earlier	5.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.8%
1 bedroom	5.9%
2 bedrooms	17.7%
3 bedrooms	41.4%
4 bedrooms	28.7%
5+ bedrooms	5.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.9%
1 vehicle	22.1%
2 vehicles	41.1%
3 or more	30.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	11.6%
Electricity	43.4%
Propane / LP gas	22.8%
Fuel oil	14.3%
Wood	3.0%
Solar	0.5%
No fuel used	0.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	3,868	55.0%
Cohabiting couple	454	6.4%
Male householder, no spouse	1,052	14.9%
Female householder, no spouse	1,665	23.7%
Households with children under 18	2,682	38.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	1,589	22.6%
Average household size	2.82

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	31.1%	26.3%
Married	58.4%	51.7%
Separated	0.2%	2.8%
Widowed	1.2%	7.9%
Divorced	9.0%	11.3%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.3%

Some HS, no diploma 5.3%

HS graduate 28.7%

Some college, no degree 23.1%

Associate's degree 9.2%

Bachelor's degree 20.4%

Graduate / professional 12.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	93.4%
Bachelor's or higher	32.3%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	306	6.3%
Kindergarten	154	3.2%
Elementary school	2,341	48.4%
High school	1,038	21.5%
College / grad school	993	20.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 22.0%

Retail trade 12.1%

Public administration 10.7%

Construction 9.9%

Professional & management 9.4%

Arts, food & hospitality 8.0%

Manufacturing 7.9%

Finance & real estate 4.9%

Transportation & utilities 4.2%

Other services 3.8%

Wholesale trade 3.7%

Information 2.7%

Agriculture & mining 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	41.6%
Service	13.3%
Sales & office	21.1%
Natural resources & construction	11.7%
Production & transportation	12.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	75.1%
Government	22.2%
Self-employed	2.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.1%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	72.8%
Carpool	11.4%
Public transit	0.1%
Walk	1.9%
Other means	2.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	28.5

Poverty

All people 10.7%

Under 18 years 17.6%

18 and over 8.2%

Married-couple families 0.7%

Female-led households 35.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	26.3%
Retirement income	25.2%
Supplemental Security	5.8%
Cash public assistance	4.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	14.2%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.9%
High cholesterol	33.1%
Heart disease	5.5%
Stroke	2.7%
Asthma	10.0%
Arthritis	25.0%
Kidney disease	2.5%
Pulmonary disease	6.7%
Cancer	6.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	16.9%
No physical activity	24.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	36.0%
Fair or poor health	13.2%
Poor mental health	15.6%
Poor physical health	9.5%
No health insurance	10.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.3%
Visited dentist	62.1%
Cholesterol screening	90.1%
Teeth loss	12.6%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,250	8.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	10.9%
Under 18	5.0%
18–64 years	10.4%
65 and over	28.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	74.7%
Public insurance	32.7%
Uninsured under 19	1.5%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	18,302	91.8%
Spanish	223	1.2%
Other Indo-European	36	0.2%
Asian & Pacific Islander	76	0.4%
Other languages	111	0.6%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	19,280	96.7%
Born in same state	19,165	96.1%
Born in different state	9,373	47.0%
Foreign born	115	0.6%
Naturalized citizen	658	3.3%
Not a US citizen	343	52.1%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	3,406	17.1%
French	2,696	13.5%
Arab	1,209	6.1%
English	186	0.9%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	55	0.3%
Dutch	17	0.1%
German	10	0.1%
Norwegian	5	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	35.3%
Internet access	95.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does North East, MD have?

North East, MD has one ZIP code: 21901. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.