Median Income
$34,328
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,100
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$656
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.7%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.6%
58% higher than US avg
How Columbia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,804
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density520/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Economy
C+
Median Income$34,328
Per Capita$17,213
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty19.6%
County GDP$1,142M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,100
Rent$656
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$129,283
Rent Burden31.7%
Health
Obesity46.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain61.9 in/yr
Elevation163 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+76.2%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute25 min
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Columbia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbia receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $34,328, 54% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbia is $112,100, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $656 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.2% 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 61.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Columbia has a population of 5,804 with a density of 520 people per square mile. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (56.6%), with 40.9% Black.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.6% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.4% |
| 82% below US avg |
The median household income in Columbia is $34,328, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,328 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,213 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $943 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,734 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 604 |
| County GDP | $1,142M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 97 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,081 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Columbia is $112,100, 60% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $656 (44% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,283.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,100 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,283 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $656 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,081 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.75% |
In Columbia, 46.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 20.9% report depression. 40.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.7% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.8% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 10.6% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.0% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 79.7% |
| Premature Death | 17,140/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Crime Rates: Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
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 61.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.5°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 61.9 inches |
| 63% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 163 ft (50 m) |
| Area | 11.2 sq mi (28.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 520/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.2569°N, 89.8254°W |
| County FIPS | 28091 |