Median Income
$54,152
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$186,200
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
706/100K
86% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.1%
13% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,092
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.6%
39% lower than US avg
How West Columbia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17,723
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,883/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,152
Per Capita$35,326
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty7.6%
County GDP$19,752M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$186,200
Rent$1,092
Ownership56.7%
Zillow$222,647
Housing Units8,674
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent706/100K
Property6,666/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault423/100K
Burglary823/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured12.9%
Smoking13.9%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.2 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation283 ft (86 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.1%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+14.7%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute18 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is West Columbia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Columbia receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. West Columbia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Columbia is $54,152, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Columbia is $186,200, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,092 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 706 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,666 per 100,000, 240% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
West Columbia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
West Columbia has a population of 17,723 with a density of 1,883 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (65.9%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 16% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.7% of residents, while 13.3% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Columbia vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.7%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.3%
1% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Columbia vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Columbia is $54,152, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,326. The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,854 business establishments, including 628 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Columbia vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,152 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,326 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.6% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,854 |
| County GDP | $19,752M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 628 |
| Healthcare | 754 |
| Retail | 1,199 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,132 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in West Columbia is $186,200, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,647, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,092 (6% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $982 for a one-bedroom to $1,155 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 8,674 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,132. 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $186,200 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $222,647 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,092 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,659 |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $928 |
| 1 Bedroom | $982 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,155 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,450 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,699 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.3% |
| Housing Units | 8,674 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,132 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In West Columbia, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 15.8% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 12.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588. The dentist ratio is 1:1,992. 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
4.5
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
204.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: West Columbia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| Uninsured | 12.9% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,588 |
| Dentists | 1:1,992 |
| Mental Health | 1:474 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,865/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 754 |
West Columbia has a violent crime rate of 706 per 100,000 residents, 86% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 422.6 per 100,000, robbery at 155.7, rape at 127.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 6,666 per 100,000, 240% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 5,249, burglary at 823, vehicle theft at 595 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 41 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, West Columbia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: West Columbia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 706.1/100K |
| 86% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 127.9/100K |
| Robbery | 155.7/100K |
| Assault | 422.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,666.3/100K |
| 240% above US avg |
| Burglary | 822.9/100K |
| Theft | 5,248.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 594.9/100K |
| Arson | 11.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 41 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5,483 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
West Columbia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 308 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 45.2 inches. The area receives 1.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 283 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.3°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 283 ft (86 m) |
| Area | 7.0 sq mi (18.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,883/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.9901°N, 81.0994°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lexington County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aiken Regional (AIK) 41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.2"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
68 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
94 km |
| Aug 21, 1992 |
1 km SSE of Centerville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
70 km |
| Apr 17, 1995 |
0 km NNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
140 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
39 km |
| Nov 13, 1990 |
4 km SSW of Ladson, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
39 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
40 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
39 km |
| Aug 29, 2009 |
2 km NE of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
105 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
63 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jul 20, 2004 |
7 km WSW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Mar 29, 1999 |
3 km NNW of Sangaree, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Mar 19, 2014 |
0 km WNW of Centerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
4 km NNW of Summerville, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
15 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
192 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
228 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
250 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
185 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
287 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
192 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
177 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
279 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
258 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
281 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
207 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 3 |
258 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
500 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 514 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
47 km |
5 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
86 km |
4 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2004 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (8,427 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,427 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
26 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,481 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,968 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,796 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,711 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
68 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,654 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,330 |
87 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,262 |
85 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
47°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
West Columbia has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 46°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.1") and April the driest (2.8").
Average costs for common services in West Columbia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $861 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $784 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $596 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Columbia
What is the population of West Columbia?
West Columbia has a population of 17,723 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 1,883 people per square mile, spread across 7.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is West Columbia expensive to live in?
West Columbia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,152, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $186,200 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,092 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is West Columbia safe?
Public safety is a concern in West Columbia, with a violent crime rate of 706 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,666 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, West Columbia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in West Columbia?
West Columbia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches, with 1.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in West Columbia?
The job market in West Columbia is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 8,854 business establishments in the area, including 628 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Columbia?
The median home value in West Columbia is $186,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $222,647. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,092. Fair market rent is $982 for a 1-bedroom and $1,155 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,132.
How are the schools in West Columbia?
Schools in West Columbia score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.1% of adults in West Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 14.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Columbia?
The obesity rate in West Columbia is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 12.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,588.
What is transportation like in West Columbia?
The average commute in West Columbia is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Columbia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Columbia is 65.9% White, 16% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 86.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.3% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.