Columbia, KY
Population 4,842 · Kentucky
About Columbia, KY
Columbia is a small community in Kentucky with a population of 4,842 residents. The median household income is $45,221 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Columbia is 27.9 years.
Housing in Columbia has a median home value of $123,500 and median monthly rent of $756. Of the 1,895 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 681 owner-occupied and 877 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbia is 6.2% and the poverty rate is 22.5%. 19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.9 minutes.
Cost of Living in Columbia, KY
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $45,221 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,500, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $756 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Columbia's income is 32% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 32% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Columbia, KY?
Columbia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $756/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,221) that falls below the national average. However, Columbia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbia has a population of 4,842 with a median age of 27.9 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendron | 4,840 | $64,777 | $197,900 | Compare |
| Reidland | 4,887 | $83,764 | $214,600 | Compare |
| Benton | 4,774 | $63,368 | $159,600 | Compare |
| Massac | 4,937 | $75,103 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Hurstbourne | 4,669 | $113,906 | $495,100 | Compare |
| Hazard | 5,105 | $68,582 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Prospect | 4,518 | $172,361 | $494,000 | Compare |
| Williamsburg | 5,226 | $32,431 | $108,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia
What is the population of Columbia, KY?
The population of Columbia, KY is 4,842 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, KY is $45,221 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, KY is $123,500.
What is the average rent in Columbia?
The median monthly rent in Columbia, KY is $756.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, KY is 6.2%.