Median Income
$21,118
72% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,700
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$573
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
38.1%
207% higher than US avg
How Columbia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population674
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density548/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 40%
Economy
C
Median Income$21,118
Per Capita$15,795
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty38.1%
County GDP$126M
Commute35 min
Housing
B
Home Value$120,700
Rent$573
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$160,106
Health
Obesity43.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain55.3 in/yr
Elevation3 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+77.4%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute35 min
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Columbia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbia receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Columbia has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbia is $21,118, 72% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 38.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbia is $120,700, 57% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $573 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Columbia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Columbia has a population of 674 with a density of 548 people per square mile. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (40.1%), with 29.8% Black.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 64.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Spanish | 35.8% |
| 167% above US avg |
The median household income in Columbia is $21,118, which is 72% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 38.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $21,118 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,795 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $847 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,160 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 38.1% |
| 207% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 98 |
| County GDP | $126M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.6 min |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Columbia is $120,700, 57% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $573 (51% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,106.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,700 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,106 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $573 |
| 51% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,650 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.20% |
In Columbia, 43.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.4% report depression. 31.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 13.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.7% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,473/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Crime Rates: Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Columbia has an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 55.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.8°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 55.3 inches |
| 46% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 548/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.9234°N, 76.2405°W |
| County FIPS | 37177 |