Columbia, MO
Population 127,200 · Missouri
About Columbia, MO
Columbia is a major city in Missouri with a population of 127,200 residents. The median household income is $64,488 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Columbia is 29.2 years.
Housing in Columbia has a median home value of $268,300 and median monthly rent of $1,067. Of the 55,441 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 25,376 owner-occupied and 26,005 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbia is 3.9% and the poverty rate is 20.0%. 56.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.7 minutes.
How Columbia Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Columbia, MO
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $64,488 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $268,300, which is 10% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,067 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Columbia's income is 6% above the state average of $61,047, and home values are 78% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Columbia, MO?
Columbia offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,067/month, and a well-educated community where 56.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,488) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Columbia provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Columbia has a population of 127,200 with a median age of 29.2 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | 121,944 | $59,480 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Lee's Summit | 102,583 | $104,989 | $313,200 | Compare |
| O'Fallon | 92,697 | $107,203 | $305,100 | Compare |
| Springfield | 169,432 | $45,984 | $165,200 | Compare |
| St. Joseph | 71,542 | $55,578 | $144,200 | Compare |
| St. Charles | 71,048 | $85,522 | $280,800 | Compare |
| Blue Springs | 59,416 | $84,075 | $241,500 | Compare |
| St. Peters | 58,200 | $89,827 | $252,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
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, MO?
The population of Columbia, MO is 127,200 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, MO is $64,488 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, MO is $268,300.
What is the average rent in Columbia?
The median monthly rent in Columbia, MO is $1,067.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, MO is 3.9%.