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Columbia, MO

Missouri

Columbia is a large city in Missouri with a population of 127,200. Residents earn $64,488 per year, which is 14% below the national average.

3.6 /5.0
B+ Good
127,200 Population 1,883/sq mi density
$64,488 Median Income $37,359 per capita
$268,300 Home Value $314,972 Zillow
$1,067 Median Rent 31.4% income on rent
55°F Avg Temperature 264 sunny days/yr
351 Violent Crime/100K 3,413 property/100K
B+
Overall
3.6 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$64,488 median income, 2.6% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.3 / 5.0
$268,300 home value, $1,067/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
351 violent crimes/100K (8% below avg)
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
56.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $64,488
14% lower than US avg
Home Value $268,300
5% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 351/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 56.5%
68% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,067
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 32.0%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment 2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 7.9%
36% lower than US avg

How Columbia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population127,200
Median Age29.2 yrs
Density1,883/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans4.7%

Economy

A
Median Income$64,488
Per Capita$37,359
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty7.9%
Commute17 min

Housing

A
Home Value$268,300
Rent$1,067
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$314,972
Housing Units54,897
Rent Burden31.4%

Crime

F
Violent351/100K
Property3,413/100K
Murder4.3/100K
Assault193/100K
Burglary642/100K

Health

Obesity32.0%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking13.6%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.3%

Climate

Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days264/yr
Elevation709 ft (216 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+56.5%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+25.5%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations16

Is Columbia a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Columbia receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. 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 $64,488, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Columbia is $268,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,067 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Columbia is below the national average at 351 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,413 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.

Education

Columbia is a highly educated community — 56.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 264 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches, including 5.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Columbia has a population of 127,200 with a density of 1,883 people per square mile, spread across 67.6 square miles. The median age is 29.2 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (74.3%), with 12.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.7% of residents, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

127,200
Total Population
1,883
People / sq mi
29.2yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
67.6mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 48.1%
Female 51.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Columbia vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only89.7%
14% above US avg
Spanish10.3%
23% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Columbia vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Columbia is $64,488, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,359. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Columbia vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$64,488
14% below US avg
Per Capita Income$37,359

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.6%
28% below US avg
Poverty Rate7.9%
36% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time16.7 min
Drive Alone74.1%
Public Transit1.2%
Work from Home9.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Columbia is $268,300, 5% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,972, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,067 (8% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 54,897 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. 31.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$268,300
5% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$314,972
Median List Price$385,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$385,000
$/Sq Ft$173
Homes Sold105
Sale-to-List Ratio100.0%
Price Drops13.0%
Inventory223

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,067
8% below US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$1,399
Rent Burden31.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied49.4%
Housing Units54,897
Median Year Built1993

Property Tax

In Columbia, 32.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance.

Health Metrics: Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity32.0%
0% below US avg
Diabetes10.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
High Blood Pressure32.2%
Asthma10.5%
COPD6.4%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.0%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking13.6%
3% below US avg
Binge Drinking17.5%
Physical Inactivity25.5%
Depression23.7%
Mental Distress17.1%
Physical Distress12.6%
Short Sleep35.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate93.3%
Uninsured8.1%
6% below US avg
Checkup Rate77.5%
Dental Visits61.3%

Food & Exercise

Columbia has a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 193.4 per 100,000, robbery at 99.3, rape at 53.9. The murder rate is 4.3 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,413 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,627, burglary at 642, vehicle theft at 145 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Columbia receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent350.9/100K
8% below US avg
Murder4.3/100K
32% below US avg
Rape53.9/100K
Robbery99.3/100K
Assault193.4/100K

Property Crime

Total Property3,413.0/100K
74% above US avg
Burglary641.9/100K
Theft2,626.5/100K
Vehicle Theft144.6/100K
Arson22.3/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 264 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 39.8 inches. The area receives 5.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 709 feet.

Temperature

28°F Jan (-2°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)
Annual Average54.5°F
1% above US avg
January Average28°F (-2°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days264 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall39.8 inches
5% above US avg
Snowfall5.7 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation709 ft (216 m)
Area67.6 sq mi (175.0 km²)
Population Density1,883/sq mi
Coordinates38.9517°N, 92.3341°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 28°F (-2°C) 1.5 in Coldest, Driest
February 34°F (1°C) 1.8 in
March 44°F (7°C) 3.0 in
April 55°F (13°C) 4.0 in
May 64°F (18°C) 5.1 in Wettest
June 73°F (23°C) 4.3 in
July 78°F (26°C) 3.6 in Warmest
August 76°F (25°C) 3.6 in
September 68°F (20°C) 4.0 in
October 57°F (14°C) 3.3 in
November 44°F (7°C) 3.2 in
December 33°F (0°C) 2.4 in

Columbia has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F — from 28°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (1.5").

56.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 68% above the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 25.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 89.6% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 16 EV charging stations. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+56.5%
68% above US avg
High School+95.3%
Graduate Degree+25.5%
School Test Score5.51
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,883/sq mi
Total Area67.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access89.6%
EV Charging Stations16
Alt Fuel Stations30

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute16.7 min
Drive Alone74.1%
Public Transit1.2%
Work from Home9.6%

Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia

What is the population of Columbia?

Columbia has a population of 127,200 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,883 people per square mile, spread across 67.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.

Is Columbia expensive to live in?

Columbia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,488, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $268,300 (5% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,067 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, 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 351 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,413 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 264 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches, with 5.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Columbia?

The job market in Columbia is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Columbia?

The median home value in Columbia is $268,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $314,972. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,067. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Columbia?

Schools in Columbia score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 56.5% of adults in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 25.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Columbia?

The obesity rate in Columbia is 32.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance.

What is transportation like in Columbia?

The average commute in Columbia is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 9.6% work from home.

What are the demographics of Columbia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia is 74.3% White, 12.1% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 89.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Ashland, MO 4,811 pop · 12.9 mi Hallsville, MO 2,049 pop · 12.9 mi Sturgeon, MO 1,143 pop · 19.7 mi Centralia, MO 4,615 pop · 20.7 mi Fulton, MO 12,611 pop · 22.0 mi Boonville, MO 7,682 pop · 22.0 mi New Franklin, MO 1,015 pop · 22.1 mi Fayette, MO 2,800 pop · 23.1 mi Auxvasse, MO 1,385 pop · 23.9 mi Holts Summit, MO 4,572 pop · 24.3 mi St. Martins, MO 1,195 pop · 24.7 mi California, MO 4,523 pop · 25.7 mi Jefferson City, MO 42,565 pop · 27.3 mi Mexico, MO 11,487 pop · 28.5 mi
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