Columbia Heights, MN
Population 22,016 · Minnesota
About Columbia Heights, MN
Columbia Heights is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 22,016 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,688 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia Heights features a median home value of $259,900, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbia Heights in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,278, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,282 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (5,743 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (3,054 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia Heights shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia Heights have an average one-way commute time of 23.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.9% of Columbia Heights 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 4.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 8.6% Asian residents, with 20.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbia Heights, MN
Compared to national averages, Columbia Heights has a median household income of $74,688 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $259,900, which is 6% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,278 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Columbia Heights's income is 1% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 27% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Columbia Heights, MN?
Columbia Heights offers short commute times averaging just 23.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,688) that falls below the national average. However, Columbia Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbia Heights has a population of 22,016 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Columbia Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Columbia Heights
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings | 22,050 | $92,940 | $294,100 | Compare |
| Golden Valley | 21,927 | $114,435 | $423,500 | Compare |
| Lino Lakes | 21,847 | $121,800 | $385,000 | Compare |
| New Hope | 21,402 | $73,698 | $314,600 | Compare |
| Otsego | 21,358 | $127,219 | $367,200 | Compare |
| Crystal | 22,685 | $86,752 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Willmar | 21,136 | $63,368 | $186,000 | Compare |
| New Brighton | 22,900 | $87,272 | $345,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Columbia Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Heights
What is the population of Columbia Heights, MN?
The population of Columbia Heights, MN is 22,016 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Columbia Heights?
The median household income in Columbia Heights, MN is $74,688 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia Heights?
The median home value in Columbia Heights, MN is $259,900, which is 6% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Columbia Heights?
The median monthly rent in Columbia Heights, MN is $1,278, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia Heights?
The unemployment rate in Columbia Heights, MN is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia Heights, MN a good place to live?
Columbia Heights offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 22,016 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbia Heights, MN?
32.9% of residents in Columbia Heights 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 Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbia Heights, MN: median home value is $259,900 (6% above national), median rent is $1,278/month, and median household income is $74,688. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia Heights?
The poverty rate in Columbia Heights, MN is 14.4%, 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 Heights, MN?
Columbia Heights's population is 4.4% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 8.6% Asian, and 24.7% two or more races. 20.7% of residents are foreign-born.