The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 21788 sells for about $400,000, or $261 per square foot.
Prices are up +3.2% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 33 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $959 a month.
ZIP 21788 — Thurmont
The 21788 housing market is currently a seller's market with a median sale price of $400,000, reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year increase. Low inventory and a high sale-to-list ratio indicate strong demand relative to supply, though the market remains sensitive to broader economic conditions. Note that some specific metrics like unemployment and detailed tax history are not fully available at the ZIP level and have been omitted or estimated based on available county-level proxies.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mountain-adjacent lifestyle, as well as commuters who prioritize a quieter, rural-suburban environment over city living.
Median prices moved up 3.2% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 33 days on market with 0.6 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 101% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.5% · poverty 6.0% — a stable, low-distress 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 7.4%/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 2.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 21788
Schools in the area are served by the Frederick County Public Schools system, which generally maintains a stable reputation within the region.
The area is subject to standard regional climate risks including seasonal wind and storm events; property insurance premiums are influenced by these factors.
Economic momentum is driven by local agriculture, small business, and proximity to the broader Frederick County employment corridor.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Maryland) — Maryland Real Property Assessment and Taxation: Property is assessed at its phased-in use value. The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable state and local tax rates.
Commuters primarily utilize US-15 to access employment hubs in Frederick and the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area.
The area features significant outdoor access including Catoctin Mountain Park, Cunningham Falls State Park, and local community parks within Thurmont.
The rental market is characterized by limited inventory and steady demand, with a mix of long-term residential rentals and some investor-owned properties.
The local economy is anchored by agriculture, tourism related to the Catoctin Mountains, and small-scale retail and service industries.
Transportation is heavily reliant on private vehicles, with US-15 serving as the primary arterial highway for the region.
Development is generally focused on low-density residential and agricultural preservation, with limited large-scale commercial projects.
Parcels are subject to Frederick County property tax and the Frederick County Public Schools district.
Property insurance costs are reflective of regional hazard profiles, including potential for wind and storm damage.
Data retrieved from Census ZCTA profiles and ZIP-Codes.com.
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. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.
Features extensive hiking trails and scenic mountain views.
Known for its large waterfall and lake recreation area.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.