Median Income
$65,000
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,300
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.9%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$885
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.9%
4% higher than US avg
How Columbia City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,975
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density1,817/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,000
Per Capita$34,873
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty12.9%
County GDP$2,226M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,300
Rent$885
Ownership62.8%
Zillow$274,084
Housing Units4,497
Rent Burden26.8%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property1,489/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault87/100K
Burglary65/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.0%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation854 ft (260 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.9%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute19 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Columbia City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbia City receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Columbia City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbia City is $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 12.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbia City is $184,300, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Columbia City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,489 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
24.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Columbia City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Columbia City has a population of 9,975 with a density of 1,817 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Columbia City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Columbia City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Columbia City is $65,000, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,873 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,123, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 764 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Columbia City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,873 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,123 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,142 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.9% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 764 |
| County GDP | $2,226M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,596 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Columbia City is $184,300, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,084, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $885 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,497 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $3,596. 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,300 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,084 |
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $160 |
| Homes Sold | 8 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 15.4% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $885 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Housing Units | 4,497 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,596 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.95% |
In Columbia City, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,721. The dentist ratio is 1:2,164. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Columbia City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,721 |
| Dentists | 1:2,164 |
| Mental Health | 1:827 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
Columbia City has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 86.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 43.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,489 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,347, burglary at 65, vehicle theft at 76 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Columbia City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Columbia City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.4/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 43.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 86.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,488.7/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| Burglary | 65.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,347.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 76.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbia City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.1 inches. The area receives 21.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 854 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 854 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 5.5 sq mi (14.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,817/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1631°N, 85.4788°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Whitley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
119 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
46 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
64 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
520 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 147 fatalities, 1,833 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
73 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
21 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
131 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Columbia City has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Columbia City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia City
What is the population of Columbia City?
Columbia City has a population of 9,975 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,817 people per square mile, spread across 5.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Columbia City expensive to live in?
Columbia City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,000, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,300 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $885 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Columbia City safe?
Columbia City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,489 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Columbia City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Columbia City?
Columbia City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Columbia City?
The job market in Columbia City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,123. There are 764 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbia City?
The median home value in Columbia City is $184,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,084. For renters, the median monthly rent is $885. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,596.
How are the schools in Columbia City?
Schools in Columbia City score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.9% of adults in Columbia City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbia City?
The obesity rate in Columbia City is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,721.
What is transportation like in Columbia City?
The average commute in Columbia City is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbia City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia City is 90.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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