Median Income
$92,250
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$175,000
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
358/100K
6% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.6%
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How New Columbia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population914
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density474/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,250
Per Capita$39,713
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,785M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,000
Ownership99.3%
Zillow$221,571
Housing Units426
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent358/100K
Property2,365/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Smoking26.6%
Heart Disease8.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain43.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation629 ft (192 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score6.64
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute15 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is New Columbia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Columbia receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. New Columbia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Columbia is $92,250, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. 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 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Columbia is $175,000, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in New Columbia is below the national average at 358 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,365 per 100,000, 21% above the national average.
Education
15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
New Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.5 inches, including 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
New Columbia has a population of 914 with a density of 474 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Columbia vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Columbia vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Columbia is $92,250, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,713. The average weekly wage is $1,616, 13% higher 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 490 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Columbia vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,250 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,713 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,616 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,022 |
| Gini Index | 0.498 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 490 |
| County GDP | $2,785M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 53 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,112 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in New Columbia is $175,000, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,571, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 99.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 426 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $5,112 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,000 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $221,571 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $105 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 99.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 99.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.7% |
| Housing Units | 426 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,112 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.92% |
In New Columbia, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.6% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 26.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 38.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:172. The dentist ratio is 1:646. 60.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Kidney Disease | 4.3% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.6% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 45.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:172 |
| Dentists | 1:646 |
| Mental Health | 1:157 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
New Columbia has a violent crime rate of 358 per 100,000 residents, 6% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,365 per 100,000, 21% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, New Columbia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 358.4/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,365.3/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 273 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Columbia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 43.5 inches. The area receives 35.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 629 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 629 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 474/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0375°N, 76.8782°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Montour County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williamsport Regional (IPT) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.5"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
16 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
106 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
108 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
87 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
61 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
112 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
109 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
106 km |
| May 7, 1994 |
2 km SW of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
1 km WSW of Montrose Manor, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
251 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 154 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 14, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
28 km |
6 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1992 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1989 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PENOBSCOT (2,091 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
WOODRUFF |
757 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
FIELDS RUN |
711 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
FIVE MILE FIRE |
658 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
BEAR TRAP |
561 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
New Columbia has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 28°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in New Columbia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About New Columbia
What is the population of New Columbia?
New Columbia has a population of 914 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 474 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.
Is New Columbia expensive to live in?
New Columbia has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $92,250, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,000 (38% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Columbia safe?
New Columbia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 358 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,365 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, New Columbia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Columbia?
New Columbia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.5 inches, with 35.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in New Columbia?
The job market in New Columbia is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,616. There are 490 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Columbia?
The median home value in New Columbia is $175,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,571. The homeownership rate is 99.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,112.
How are the schools in New Columbia?
Schools in New Columbia score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.6% of adults in New Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Columbia?
The obesity rate in New Columbia is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.6% of adults are smokers. 38.7% are physically inactive. 60.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:172.
What is transportation like in New Columbia?
The average commute in New Columbia is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Columbia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Columbia is 99.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.