Kentucky
Columbia is a small town in Kentucky with a population of 4,842. Residents earn $45,221 per year, which is 40% below the national average.
Based on current data, Columbia receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Columbia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Columbia is $45,221, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Columbia is $123,500, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $756 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.
Columbia is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,105 per 100,000, 44% below the national average.
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 95.5% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 4.5% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $45,221 |
| 40% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,077 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $800 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,550 |
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 508 |
| County GDP | $570M |
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,593 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Work from Home | 16.8% |
| Census Median | $123,500 |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,320 |
| Census Median Rent | $756 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,593 |
| 26% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Premature Death | 13,989/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
| Total Violent | 66.3/100K |
| 83% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 22.1/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 44.2/100K |
| Total Property | 1,104.7/100K |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 419.8/100K |
| Theft | 640.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 44.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 55.4°F |
| 3% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 57.0 inches |
| 50% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 4.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 770 ft (235 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 994/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1034°N, 85.3075°W |
| County FIPS | 21001 |
Winner: Republican by 71.2 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 19.8% |
| 41% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 80.6% |
| School Test Score | 5.50 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 994/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.9 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Retail Stores | 61 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 16.9 min |
| Work from Home | 16.8% |