Columbia, IL
Population 11,063 · Illinois
About Columbia, IL
Columbia is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 11,063 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $107,922 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia features a median home value of $290,100, which is 18% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,089, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,743 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (3,652 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (805 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.0% of Columbia residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbia Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Columbia, IL
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $107,922 (44% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $290,100, which is 18% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,089 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Columbia's income is 44% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 75% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Columbia, IL?
Columbia offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $107,922, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,089/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 51.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.0%, better than the national average.
Columbia has a population of 11,063 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterloo | 11,055 | $92,005 | $237,900 | Compare |
| Barrington | 11,049 | $150,714 | $580,900 | Compare |
| Burr Ridge | 11,119 | $154,508 | $694,800 | Compare |
| Taylorville | 11,149 | $52,720 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Summit | 10,896 | $60,417 | $224,800 | Compare |
| Troy | 10,889 | $97,825 | $240,800 | Compare |
| Roscoe | 10,881 | $97,704 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Fox Lake | 10,872 | $69,896 | $219,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
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, IL?
The population of Columbia, IL is 11,063 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, IL is $107,922 per year, which is 44% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, IL is $290,100, which is 18% 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, IL is $1,089, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, IL is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Columbia, IL a good place to live?
Columbia offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 11,063 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbia, IL?
51.0% of residents in Columbia aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbia, IL: median home value is $290,100 (18% above national), median rent is $1,089/month, and median household income is $107,922. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, IL is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Columbia, IL?
Columbia's population is 0.5% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.