Columbia, CA
Population 2,645 · California
About Columbia, CA
Columbia is a small town located in California with a population of 2,645 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,647 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia features a median home value of $396,200, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. This places Columbia in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,054, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,338 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (832 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (332 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 27.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.5% of Columbia residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.7% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.5% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbia, CA
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $57,647 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $396,200, which is 62% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,054 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Columbia's income is 41% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 39% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Columbia, CA?
Columbia offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,054/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,647) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $396,200. However, Columbia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbia has a population of 2,645 with a median age of 49.2 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sleepy Hollow | 2,644 | $196,630 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Casa Conejo | 2,640 | $142,708 | $813,300 | Compare |
| Pine Mountain Club | 2,661 | $56,681 | $365,700 | Compare |
| Weedpatch | 2,661 | $21,450 | $135,700 | Compare |
| Boron | 2,627 | $61,607 | $131,100 | Compare |
| Ross | 2,626 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Sutter | 2,671 | $94,375 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Sutter Creek | 2,687 | $68,148 | $499,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Columbia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia
What is the population of Columbia, CA?
The population of Columbia, CA is 2,645 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, CA is $57,647 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, CA is $396,200, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Columbia?
The median monthly rent in Columbia, CA is $1,054, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, CA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia, CA a good place to live?
Columbia offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,645 and a median age of 49.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Columbia, CA?
19.5% of residents in Columbia aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbia, CA: median home value is $396,200 (62% above national), median rent is $1,054/month, and median household income is $57,647. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, CA is 14.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Columbia, CA?
Columbia's population is 4.7% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.5% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.