Median Income
$55,417
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$151,300
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$777
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Columbia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population769
Median Age32.1 yrs
Density196/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,417
Per Capita$26,637
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$8,043M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$151,300
Rent$777
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$159,228
Rent Burden26.0%
Health
Obesity38.4%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.7 in/yr
Elevation212 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+83.7%
School Score4.40
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute32 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Columbia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbia receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Columbia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbia is $55,417, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbia is $151,300, 46% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Columbia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Columbia has a population of 769 with a density of 196 people per square mile. The median age is 32.1 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 6.4% Black.
Population
32.1yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.9% |
| 86% below US avg |
The median household income in Columbia is $55,417, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,417 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,637 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,029 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,998 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,720 |
| County GDP | $8,043M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 295 |
| Healthcare | 340 |
| Retail | 543 |
| Manufacturing | 105 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,317 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Columbia is $151,300, 46% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $777 (33% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,228.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,300 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,228 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $777 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,317 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.53% |
In Columbia, 38.4% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.2% report depression. 25.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 340 |
Crime Rates: Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Columbia has an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 56.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.9°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 56.7 inches |
| 49% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 212 ft (65 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.2954°N, 85.1102°W |
| County FIPS | 01069 |