Pennsylvania · Metropolitan Area
Columbia is a small city in Pennsylvania with a population of 10,217. Residents earn $52,271 per year, which is 30% below the national average.
Based on current data, Columbia receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Columbia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Columbia is $52,271, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
The median home value in Columbia is $174,200, 38% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,064 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Violent crime in Columbia is below the national average at 154 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,197 per 100,000, near the national average.
17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches, including 23.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 85.7% |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 14.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $52,271 |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $32,827 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,153 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,509 |
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 14,605 |
| County GDP | $39,951M |
| Restaurants | 1,139 |
| Healthcare | 1,279 |
| Retail | 1,900 |
| Manufacturing | 1,012 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,335 |
| 81% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.64% |
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
| Census Median | $174,200 |
| 38% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $286,576 |
| Median List Price | $221,500 |
| Median List Price | $221,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $141 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 31.8% |
| Inventory | 22 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,064 |
| 9% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,262 |
| Studio | $786 |
| 1 Bedroom | $941 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,140 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,367 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,335 |
| 81% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.64% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,922/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,279 |
| Total Violent | 154.2/100K |
| 59% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 19.3/100K |
| Robbery | 77.1/100K |
| Assault | 57.8/100K |
| Total Property | 2,197.0/100K |
| 12% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 626.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,483.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 86.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 52 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 45.2 inches |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 23.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 347 ft (106 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,239/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0349°N, 76.4959°W |
| County FIPS | 42071 |
Winner: Republican by 16 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.2% |
| 49% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 82.4% |
| School Test Score | 6.46 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 4,239/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.4 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 17 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,279 |
| Restaurants | 1,139 |
| Retail Stores | 1,900 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 52 |
| Avg Commute | 26.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |