Violent Crime
187/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% 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
Population38
Median Age68.4 yrs
Density271/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans38.0%
Economy
Per Capita$45,355
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,259M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$323,215
Housing Units10
Rent Burden22.6%
Crime
F
Violent187/100K
Property3,427/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking15.8%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain43.7 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation190 ft (58 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 46%
Broadband12.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Columbia a Good Place to Live?
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, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Columbia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Columbia is below the national average at 187 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,427 per 100,000, 75% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.7 inches, including 12.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Columbia has a population of 38 with a density of 271 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 68.4 years, 76% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 31.6% female and 68.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 38.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.4yrs
Median Age
76% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $45,355 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,100, 23% 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 668 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $45,355 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,100 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.484 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 668 |
| County GDP | $1,259M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $323,215. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 10 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $3,427. 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 10 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,427 |
| 2% below US avg |
In Columbia, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 13.6% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,620. The dentist ratio is 1:9,386. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 41.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,620 |
| Dentists | 1:9,386 |
| Mental Health | 1:889 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,850/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Columbia has a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,427 per 100,000, 75% above the U.S. average. Overall, Columbia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.9/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,426.8/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 305 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 43.7 inches. The area receives 12.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 190 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 55.3°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 271/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7538°N, 78.1634°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Fluvanna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Richmond International (RIC)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.7"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M3.0 on May 6, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
26 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
28 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
26 km |
| Oct 21, 1998 |
13 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.8 |
44 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
22 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
23 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
21 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
30 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
37 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
26 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
27 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
58 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
26 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
23 km |
| May 6, 2025 |
8 km S of Dillwyn, Virginia |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
30 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
28 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
58 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Irene (2011, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
248 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 2 |
124 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
242 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
292 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
289 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 383 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF4 |
89 km |
4 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1998 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1990 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1985 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1977 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1966 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1959 |
EF3 |
52 km |
11 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2018 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PINNACLES (24,792 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
PINNACLES |
24,792 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
MOUNT PLEASANT |
11,001 |
89 km |
| 2016 |
ROCKY MTN FIRE 2016 |
9,299 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
FULTZ RUN |
4,638 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
ST MARYS |
4,373 |
88 km |
| 1999 |
SHOP RUN |
4,261 |
71 km |
| 1986 |
BIG RUN |
4,161 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
SHIPWRECK |
3,779 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,667 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
CUB RUN RX |
2,868 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
TYE RIVER |
1,762 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
BOOTEN GAP |
1,652 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
EADES HOLLOW |
1,564 |
61 km |
| 1998 |
CALVARY |
1,523 |
72 km |
| 1995 |
SHENGAP |
1,385 |
94 km |
| 2001 |
HICKORY RU |
1,055 |
54 km |
| 1995 |
NORWOOD |
999 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
SECOND MOUNTAIN |
970 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
CHICKEN |
947 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
CHOPPING ROAD |
889 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Columbia has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 35°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (3.0").
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) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $842 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $646 |
| Toddler | $566 |
| Preschool | $566 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia
What is the population of Columbia?
Columbia has a population of 38 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 271 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 31.6% female and 68.4% male.
Is Columbia expensive to live in?
Columbia has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Columbia safe?
Columbia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,427 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 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.7 inches, with 12.3 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 $1,100. There are 668 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Columbia?
Schools in Columbia score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbia?
The obesity rate in Columbia is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,620.
What are the demographics of Columbia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 38.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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