Columbia, MD
Population 105,871 · Maryland
About Columbia, MD
Columbia is a major city located in Maryland with a population of 105,871 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,173 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 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 $480,300, which is 96% 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 $1,998, 72% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 43,344 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (26,760 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (14,458 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 28.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
63.5% 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 1.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 6.5% Asian residents, with 20.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbia Ranks in Maryland
Cost of Living in Columbia, MD
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $129,173 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $480,300, which is 96% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,998 is 72% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Columbia's income is 20% above the state average of $107,956, and home values are 19% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Columbia, MD?
Columbia offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,173, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 63.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $480,300. However, as a major city, Columbia provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Columbia has a population of 105,871 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germantown | 90,521 | $112,149 | $401,400 | Compare |
| Waldorf | 82,541 | $115,453 | $383,100 | Compare |
| Silver Spring | 82,129 | $98,880 | $619,400 | Compare |
| Frederick | 80,617 | $95,150 | $365,200 | Compare |
| Ellicott City | 73,737 | $157,891 | $644,300 | Compare |
| Glen Burnie | 72,772 | $88,291 | $329,200 | Compare |
| Gaithersburg | 69,225 | $107,496 | $484,500 | Compare |
| Bethesda | 67,403 | $191,348 | $1,129,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
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, MD?
The population of Columbia, MD is 105,871 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, MD is $129,173 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, MD is $480,300, which is 96% 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, MD is $1,998, which is 72% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, MD is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia, MD a good place to live?
Columbia offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 105,871 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbia, MD?
63.5% 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, MD: median home value is $480,300 (96% above national), median rent is $1,998/month, and median household income is $129,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, MD is 7.4%, 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, MD?
Columbia's population is 1.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 6.5% Asian, and 28.3% two or more races. 20.8% of residents are foreign-born.