21043 Property Tax Rate

Property owners in ZIP code 21043 (Ellicott City, Maryland) pay a median of $7,036/year in property taxes on homes valued at $607,300. This translates to an effective tax rate of 1.16%, which is 20% above the Maryland state average of 0.96%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 21043 is approximately $586, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within Howard County. This is $3,062 more than the Maryland average of $3,974/year.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Maryland, 21043 has higher property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 20735 (1.16%) and 20746 (1.15%).

In Ellicott City, property taxes represent approximately 5.0% of the median household income of $141,846, providing context for the relative tax burden on homeowners in this area.

Maryland's Homestead Tax Credit caps annual assessment increases at 10% for your primary residence, though your initial purchase-year assessment is unrestricted — file for the credit with Howard County's tax office. The credit applies automatically to qualifying primary residences but requires proper registration; contact the Howard County Assessor to ensure your homestead classification is recorded within 45 days of purchase. Request a copy of your Notice of Assessment and confirm your assessment ratio is correct (owner-occupied property should be assessed on market value).