Ellicott City, Md
Ellicott City, Maryland, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located in Howard County. Founded in 1772, it is one of the oldest surviving towns in the United States and serves as the county seat of Howard County. Ellicott City is situated at latitude 39.2681° N and longitude 76.7983° W. The area is renowned for its historic downtown, rolling hills, and proximity to major urban centers like Baltimore (approximately 13 miles northeast) and Washington, D.C. (about 35 miles southwest).
The primary zip codes serving Ellicott City are 21042 and 21043. The community covers a total area of about 30.1 square miles (78.0 km²), with a land area of 29.7 square miles and a minor portion (0.4 square miles) covered by water. The elevation averages around 240 feet (73 meters) above sea level. Ellicott City is accessible via major roadways including U.S. Route 40, Maryland Route 144, and Maryland Route 29.
Ellicott City is comprised of several notable districts and neighborhoods. Historic Ellicott City (often called “Old Ellicott City” or “OEC”) is the original mill town, featuring cobblestone streets, 19th-century buildings, unique shops, and restaurants, as well as the B&O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Station, the oldest surviving railroad station in America. Other neighborhoods include Centennial, Turf Valley, Dorsey’s Search, Woodland Hills, Normandy, Font Hill, Bethgate, and Mount Hebron. The Turf Valley area is known for its golf courses and luxury homes, while Dorsey’s Search offers a mix of residential developments and green spaces.
According to the 2020 United States Census, Ellicott City has a population of approximately 75,947. The area is highly diverse: about 56.0% White, 26.3% Asian, 8.0% African American, 0.2% Native American, and 4.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median age is 42.1 years. Ellicott City is recognized for its highly educated population, with nearly 70% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and boasts a median household income of $137,000, far exceeding both state and national averages.
The community is served by the Howard County Public School System, which is consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Notable schools include Centennial High School, Mount Hebron High School, and Howard High School. The area also hosts several parks and recreational facilities, such as Centennial Park, Patapsco Valley State Park, and the Trolley Trail. Ellicott City’s economy is supported by professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare, education, retail, and hospitality sectors.
Ellicott City is known for its annual events like Main Street Music Festival and Midnight Madness. The area’s Main Street has recovered from significant flooding events in 2016 and 2018, with extensive efforts made to revitalize and protect the historic district. The community is a blend of historical charm, suburban comfort, and cultural diversity, making it a sought-after place to live within the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.
