Elkridge, Md
Elkridge, MD is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Howard County, Maryland, United States. Geographically, Elkridge is situated at latitude 39.2068° N and longitude -76.7519° W. The area is bordered by Anne Arundel County to the east and Baltimore County to the north, making it a strategic location near major metropolitan centers such as Baltimore (about 10 miles northeast) and Washington, DC (about 35 miles southwest). Elkridge covers ZIP codes 21075 and a small portion of 21075-21076, which it shares with neighboring communities.
The community of Elkridge was established in the early 18th century and is one of the oldest settlements in Howard County, with a founding date of 1733. Elkridge is divided into several main neighborhoods and districts, including the historic district of Elkridge Landing, the Lyndwood community, Mayfield, Rockburn, Harwood Park, Lawyers Hill, and the new developments of Elkridge Crossing and Howard Square. The area is traversed by significant transportation routes, including Interstate 95, Maryland Route 100, U.S. Route 1, and the MARC Camden Line, connecting residents to the greater Baltimore–Washington corridor.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Elkridge has a population of approximately 25,171 residents. The demographic breakdown is diverse: 47.8% White, 24.7% African American, 13.5% Asian, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race, and 6.6% identifying as two or more races. The median age in Elkridge is about 35.1 years. There are about 9,400 households, with an average household size of 2.67 persons. The median household income in Elkridge is $104,748, and the per capita income is $44,392. Approximately 4.7% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Elkridge is served by the Howard County Public School System, with notable schools such as Elkridge Elementary, Elkridge Landing Middle, and Howard High School. The region is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including Rockburn Branch Park (with over 450 acres of sports fields, trails, and playgrounds), Patapsco Valley State Park, and the Thomas Viaduct, a National Historic Landmark completed in 1835 and recognized as the world’s oldest multi-span masonry railroad bridge still in use.
Commercial and retail hubs in Elkridge include the Elkridge Corners Shopping Center, Lyndwood Square, and nearby Arundel Mills Mall. The area is also known for its proximity to major employment centers in Columbia, Baltimore, Fort Meade, and BWI Airport, all within a 15-minute drive. The housing stock is a mix of historic homes (notably in Lawyers Hill), townhouses, new apartment complexes, and suburban subdivisions.
Elkridge maintains a blend of suburban and semi-rural character, with a growing population, excellent transportation access, and a rich history rooted in its early role as a river port and industrial center on the Patapsco River. Its diverse community, quality schools, and convenient location make Elkridge a sought-after place to live in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.
