Median Income
$55,417
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$151,300
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
231/100K
39% 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
Ownership79.1%
Zillow$159,228
Housing Units353
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent231/100K
Property2,634/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking16.2%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.7 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation212 ft (65 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.03
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 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Columbia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Columbia is below the national average at 231 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,634 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
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 5/10.
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. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age is 32.1 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 6.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 78.1% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $26,637 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,029, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,720 business establishments, including 295 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=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 median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,228. Monthly rent averages $777 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $772 for a one-bedroom to $936 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 353 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $2,317 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
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
| Homeownership | 79.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.9% |
| Housing Units | 353 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 16.3% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,221. The dentist ratio is 1:1,566. 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,221 |
| Dentists | 1:1,566 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 55.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 340 |
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 231 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,634 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Columbia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 231.1/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,634.0/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 306 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 56.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 212 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 212 ft (65 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.2954°N, 85.1102°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Houston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.7"
49% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
5.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
163 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
211 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
225 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
153 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
215 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
246 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
144 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
284 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
159 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
217 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
224 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
87 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
575 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 74 fatalities, 1,177 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
77 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
5 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
81 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
92 km |
7 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
81 km |
11 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,753 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,442 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,750 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,508 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,424 |
56 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,423 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,062 |
55 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,927 |
54 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,718 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,657 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,599 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
2,478 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
58 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,417 |
55 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
2,253 |
68 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,233 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,154 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
5.8 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Columbia has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.7 inches, with January being the wettest month (5.8") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Columbia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $528 |
| Toddler | $505 |
| Preschool | $478 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia
What is the population of Columbia?
Columbia has a population of 769 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 196 people per square mile, spread across 4.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is Columbia expensive to live in?
Columbia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,417, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $151,300 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Columbia safe?
Columbia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 231 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,634 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Columbia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Columbia?
Columbia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Columbia?
Columbia has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,029. There are 3,720 business establishments in the area, including 295 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $151,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,228. For renters, the median monthly rent is $777. Fair market rent is $772 for a 1-bedroom and $936 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,317.
How are the schools in Columbia?
Schools in Columbia score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbia?
The obesity rate in Columbia is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,221.
What is transportation like in Columbia?
The average commute in Columbia is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia is 90.5% White, 6.4% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.4% of residents have a disability. 78.1% have health insurance coverage.
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