Columbia, KY
Population 4,842 · Kentucky
About Columbia, KY
Columbia is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 4,842 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,221 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia features a median home value of $123,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Columbia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $756, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,895 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (681 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (877 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.8% 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 7.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Columbia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia
What is the population of Columbia, KY?
The population of Columbia, KY is 4,842 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, KY is $45,221 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, KY is $123,500, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Columbia?
The median monthly rent in Columbia, KY is $756, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, KY is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia, KY a good place to live?
Columbia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,842 and a median age of 27.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Columbia, KY?
19.8% 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, KY: median home value is $123,500 (50% below national), median rent is $756/month, and median household income is $45,221. 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, KY is 22.5%, 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, KY?
Columbia's population is 7.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.