Median Income
$59,038
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,900
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
282/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Columbia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population170
Median Age32.0 yrs
Density112/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,038
Per Capita$30,579
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,155M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,900
Ownership89.2%
Zillow$236,161
Housing Units79
Rent Burden17.8%
Crime
F
Violent282/100K
Property1,976/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.0%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,300 ft (396 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute22 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
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, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbia is $59,038, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbia is $121,900, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Columbia is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Columbia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Columbia has a population of 170 with a density of 112 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 32.0 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.2% female and 58.8% male. The city is predominantly White (99.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 2.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.0yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Columbia is $59,038, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,579 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,047, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,522 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,038 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,579 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,047 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,624 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,522 |
| County GDP | $3,155M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.8% |
The median home value in Columbia is $121,900, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,161, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $6,536 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,900 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,161 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.8% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,536 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.36% |
In Columbia, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588. The dentist ratio is 1:1,582. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,582 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 71.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,976 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Columbia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 282.3/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,976.2/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 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 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,300 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 42.8°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,300 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 112/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.6148°N, 98.3106°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brown County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.5"
41% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 26, 2002.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
114 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
364 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 51 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
17 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1999 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1996 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
11 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
32 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
46 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
Columbia has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 11°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and December the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Columbia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia
What is the population of Columbia?
Columbia has a population of 170 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 112 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.2% female and 58.8% male.
Is Columbia expensive to live in?
Columbia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $59,038, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,900 (57% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, 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 282 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.5 inches, with 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Columbia?
The job market in Columbia is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,047. There are 1,522 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $121,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,161. The homeownership rate is 89.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,536.
How are the schools in Columbia?
Schools in Columbia score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbia?
The obesity rate in Columbia is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What is transportation like in Columbia?
The average commute in Columbia is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia is 99.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 2.9% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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