West Friendship ZIP Codes — Howard County, MD

There is one unique ZIP code in West Friendship, Maryland and it is 21794. Area code: 443/410/667.

ZIP codes

8.16

sq mi land

0.03

sq mi water

443/410/667

area code

West Friendship, MD ZIP code map

About West Friendship, MD

West Friendship, Maryland, is a charming community located in Howard County. Known for its serene and rural ambiance, it serves as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban areas. This city, with a single ZIP code of 21794, offers a close-knit atmosphere that appeals to both families and individuals alike.

Location & geography

West Friendship is located in Howard County, Maryland, positioned approximately 24 miles southwest of Baltimore and about 30 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. The city spans a total land area of 8.16 square miles, coupled with a minimal water area of 0.03 square miles. This terrain is primarily characterized by rolling hills and open farmland, making it a picturesque spot in the heart of Maryland.

Community & economy

The community of West Friendship is known for its rich agricultural roots and emphasizes a rural lifestyle while providing a friendly environment for residents. Daily life is often centered around local farming, family-owned businesses, and outdoor activities, with various community events that bring neighbors together throughout the year. The city’s character reflects a blend of traditional Maryland culture and modern living, creating a unique atmosphere for its inhabitants.

Transportation

West Friendship is conveniently accessible via major highways, including Interstate 70, which provides connections to surrounding cities and regions. The closest named airports are Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, located roughly 20 miles to the east, and the smaller Columbia Regional Airport nearby. Public transit options may be limited, but the area’s road network facilitates easy travel within and beyond the city.

History

West Friendship, MD, was established in the 19th century and has a history deeply rooted in agriculture and rural life. Over the years, the local economy has evolved, while still maintaining its connection to farming and agrarian industries, contributing to the community's identity. Notable events in the city's history have included the establishment of local markets and the promotion of agricultural fairs, which have long been traditions in the area.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about West Friendship is its proximity to popular attractions like the Howard County Fairgrounds, which hosts an annual fair that highlights local traditions and the agricultural community. Additionally, the area is home to scenic landscapes frequented by outdoor enthusiasts, enhancing its appeal for those seeking nature-related activities.

ZIP codes for West Friendship, MD (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
21794	West Friendship	Howard	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,309

Population

43.6

Median age

$191,458

Median household income

$92,398

Per capita income

$935,900

Median home value

Median monthly rent

99.5%

Home ownership

3.9%

Poverty rate

5.1%

Unemployment

769

Housing units

61.7%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

154

35–44

138

213

45–54

191

55–59

109

60–64

115

65–74

104

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	517	22.4%
18 and over	1,792	77.6%
65 and over	405	17.5%
Median age	43.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 64.5%

Asian 21.4%

Two or more races 6%

Black or African American 4.7%

Hispanic or Latino 3.4%

Group	Count	%
White	1,541	64.5%
Asian	512	21.4%
Two or more races	144	6%
Black or African American	112	4.7%
Hispanic or Latino	81	3.4%

Household income

Under $10k 3.5%

$10k–$15k 1.7%

$25k–$35k 5.8%

$35k–$50k 0.5%

$50k–$75k 13.2%

$75k–$100k 1.6%

$100k–$150k 8.5%

$150k–$200k 16.8%

$200k+ 48.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.5%
$10k–$15k	1.7%
$25k–$35k	5.8%
$35k–$50k	0.5%
$50k–$75k	13.2%
$75k–$100k	1.6%
$100k–$150k	8.5%
$150k–$200k	16.8%
$200k+	48.4%
Median income	$191,458

Housing

Home values

$200k–$300k 1.7%

$300k–$500k 2.1%

$500k–$1M 55.3%

$1M+ 41.0%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$935,900
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	99.5%
Renter occupied	0.5%
Vacant	0.0%
Single-family detached	100.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	10.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.96

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	10.1%
2000–2009	25.2%
1990–1999	26.6%
1980–1989	22.5%
1970–1979	5.4%
1960–1969	1.3%
1950–1959	1.7%
1940–1949	0.0%
1939 or earlier	7.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	0.5%
2 bedrooms	1.3%
3 bedrooms	25.6%
4 bedrooms	45.7%
5+ bedrooms	26.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.3%
1 vehicle	13.7%
2 vehicles	26.6%
3 or more	58.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	37.4%
Electricity	32.0%
Propane / LP gas	8.8%
Fuel oil	11.0%
Wood	7.1%
Solar	2.1%
No fuel used	0.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	558	72.2%
Cohabiting couple	16	2.1%
Male householder, no spouse	47	6.1%
Female householder, no spouse	152	19.7%
Households with children under 18	285	36.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	238	30.8%
Average household size	2.95

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	41.4%	10.1%
Married	56.5%	70.7%
Separated	1.2%	0.0%
Widowed	0.0%	8.9%
Divorced	0.9%	10.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.2%

Some HS, no diploma 2.6%

HS graduate 15.7%

Some college, no degree 12.3%

Associate's degree 7.5%

Bachelor's degree 24.5%

Graduate / professional 37.2%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.2%
Bachelor's or higher	61.7%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	9	1.6%
Kindergarten	15	2.6%
Elementary school	253	43.7%
High school	166	28.7%
College / grad school	136	23.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 26.7%

Professional & management 25.6%

Public administration 12.8%

Construction 8.6%

Retail trade 7.7%

Manufacturing 5.4%

Finance & real estate 3.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.5%

Other services 2.5%

Information 1.8%

Agriculture & mining 1.3%

Wholesale trade 0.9%

Transportation & utilities 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	73.6%
Service	7.6%
Sales & office	14.0%
Natural resources & construction	3.8%
Production & transportation	1.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	79.9%
Government	16.4%
Self-employed	3.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	72.1%
Carpool	5.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	1.4%
Avg commute (minutes)	33.5

Poverty

All people 3.9%

Under 18 years 1.6%

18 and over 4.5%

Married-couple families 2.3%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	22.6%
Retirement income	17.5%
Supplemental Security	0.0%
Cash public assistance	1.7%
Food stamps / SNAP	1.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	29.8%
High cholesterol	34.9%
Heart disease	4.4%
Stroke	2.0%
Asthma	8.3%
Arthritis	20.6%
Kidney disease	2.1%
Pulmonary disease	3.8%
Cancer	6.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.5%
No physical activity	14.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.9%
Fair or poor health	7.3%
Poor mental health	10.9%
Poor physical health	6.2%
No health insurance	6.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.9%
Visited dentist	77.5%
Cholesterol screening	94.7%
Teeth loss	5.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	140	7.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	6.7%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	3.1%
65 and over	27.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	91.0%
Public insurance	17.0%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,220	96.1%
Spanish	170	7.7%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	43	1.9%
Other languages	127	5.7%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,865	80.8%
Born in same state	1,865	80.8%
Born in different state	1,210	52.4%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	444	19.2%
Not a US citizen	302	68.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	438	19%
French	308	13.3%
Arab	216	9.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	44	1.9%
Dutch	7	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	33.5%
Internet access	98.7%

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

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does West Friendship, MD have?

West Friendship, MD has one ZIP code: 21794. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.