The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 21629 sells for about $293,700, or $168 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.1% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 57 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,133 a month.
ZIP 21629 — Denton
The housing market in 21629 is characterized by stable home values and a high rate of owner-occupancy, reflecting a mature, family-oriented community. Inventory remains tight, which supports current pricing levels despite broader economic pressures. Market activity is driven by local demand rather than speculative investment.
This ZIP code is well-suited for families and retirees seeking a quiet, small-town environment with high homeownership rates. It is less ideal for those requiring proximity to major metropolitan transit or high-density urban amenities.
Median prices moved up 2.1% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 57 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 8.5% · poverty 10.9% — a mixed stability profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.3%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 21629, Caroline County MD
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in Denton are generally lower than the national average, with property crime being the most frequently reported incident type. The area is considered relatively safe compared to larger urban centers in the region.
Schools serving the 21629 ZIP code are part of the Caroline County Public Schools system, which generally maintains moderate performance ratings. The district focuses on providing foundational education with a mix of rural and small-town community support.
The area faces moderate risks related to seasonal flooding in low-lying regions near the Choptank River. Standard property insurance coverage is typical, though flood insurance is recommended for properties in designated floodplains.
Economic momentum is driven by local government, education, and agricultural services. Infrastructure development is steady, focusing on maintaining the small-town character while supporting modest residential growth.
Property taxes are assessed by Caroline County and the Town of Denton, with rates determined by the combined municipal and county millage. Residents are subject to Maryland state income tax and local income tax surcharges.
Commuting primarily involves driving via MD-404 or MD-313 toward regional employment hubs like Easton or Annapolis. Public transit options are limited, making personal vehicle ownership essential for most residents.
The area features access to the Choptank River for boating and fishing, along with local parks like Martinak State Park. Shopping and dining are concentrated in the historic downtown Denton area.
The rental market is characterized by steady demand from local workers and retirees, with limited new multi-family construction. Vacancy rates remain low, and short-term rental activity is minimal compared to coastal Maryland markets.
The economy is anchored by the public sector, including local government and school district employment, alongside agricultural and small-scale retail businesses.
Transportation is heavily reliant on the state highway network, specifically MD-404, which serves as the primary artery for regional connectivity.
Development is focused on infill residential projects and the preservation of historic downtown structures.
Parcels are subject to Caroline County property tax and the Denton municipal tax, with standard utility service districts.
Property insurance premiums are stable, though proximity to the Choptank River may influence flood insurance requirements for specific parcels.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Offers camping, fishing, and hiking along the Choptank River.
Historic district with local boutiques and restaurants.
Deterministic aggregate of 1 researched property in this ZIP (latest reading each) — each property weighs one; per point, properties lacking the value are excluded. Property-level records (taxes, scores, permits) never roll individually.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.