Columbia City, IN
Population 9,975 · Indiana
About Columbia City, IN
Columbia City is a small town located in Indiana with a population of 9,975 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,000 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia City features a median home value of $184,300, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbia City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $885, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,679 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (2,750 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,628 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia City shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia City have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.9% of Columbia City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbia City, IN
Compared to national averages, Columbia City has a median household income of $65,000 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $184,300, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $885 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Columbia City's income is 6% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 13% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Columbia City, IN?
Columbia City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $184,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $885/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,000) that falls below the national average. However, Columbia City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbia City has a population of 9,975 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Columbia City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Columbia City
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greencastle | 9,863 | $54,217 | $154,000 | Compare |
| Kendallville | 10,094 | $60,909 | $130,600 | Compare |
| Bargersville | 10,163 | $104,160 | $405,100 | Compare |
| Decatur | 9,769 | $58,867 | $132,900 | Compare |
| Sellersburg | 10,215 | $69,851 | $213,300 | Compare |
| McCordsville | 9,700 | $113,495 | $327,900 | Compare |
| Mooresville | 9,608 | $70,228 | $194,300 | Compare |
| Wabash | 10,378 | $54,199 | $115,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Columbia City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia City
What is the population of Columbia City, IN?
The population of Columbia City, IN is 9,975 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Columbia City?
The median household income in Columbia City, IN is $65,000 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia City?
The median home value in Columbia City, IN is $184,300, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Columbia City?
The median monthly rent in Columbia City, IN is $885, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia City?
The unemployment rate in Columbia City, IN is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia City, IN a good place to live?
Columbia City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,975 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbia City, IN?
24.9% of residents in Columbia City 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 City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbia City, IN: median home value is $184,300 (25% below national), median rent is $885/month, and median household income is $65,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia City?
The poverty rate in Columbia City, IN is 14.5%, 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 City, IN?
Columbia City's population is 3.3% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.