Columbia, PA
Population 10,217 · Pennsylvania
About Columbia, PA
Columbia is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 10,217 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,271 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia features a median home value of $174,200, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,064, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,072 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (2,436 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (2,231 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 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.2% 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 1.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbia, PA
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $52,271 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $174,200, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,064 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Columbia's income is 29% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 9% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Columbia, PA?
Columbia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $174,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,064/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,271) 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 10,217 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlyn | 10,276 | $71,978 | $227,100 | Compare |
| Roslyn | 10,150 | $91,106 | $300,300 | Compare |
| Berwick | 10,291 | $45,338 | $135,000 | Compare |
| Northampton | 10,366 | $82,719 | $225,400 | Compare |
| Willow Street | 10,010 | $106,867 | $298,200 | Compare |
| Brentwood | 9,927 | $60,432 | $143,700 | Compare |
| Bristol | 9,874 | $70,595 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Nanticoke | 10,610 | $60,340 | $103,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Columbia, PA is 10,217 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, PA is $52,271 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, PA is $174,200, which is 29% below 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, PA is $1,064, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, PA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia, PA a good place to live?
Columbia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,217 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Columbia, PA?
17.2% 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, PA: median home value is $174,200 (29% below national), median rent is $1,064/month, and median household income is $52,271. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, PA is 17.4%, 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, PA?
Columbia's population is 1.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 6.2% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.