Columbia, SC
Population 138,019 · South Carolina
About Columbia, SC
Columbia is a major city in South Carolina with a population of 138,019 residents. The median household income is $55,653 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Columbia is 28.7 years.
Housing in Columbia has a median home value of $243,500 and median monthly rent of $1,158. Of the 60,568 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 24,477 owner-occupied and 27,307 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbia is 7.6% and the poverty rate is 23.3%. 46.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.4 minutes.
How Columbia Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Columbia, SC
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $55,653 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $243,500, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,158 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Columbia's income is 5% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 20% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Columbia, SC?
Columbia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $243,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,158/month, and a well-educated community where 46.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,653) 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 138,019 with a median age of 28.7 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 152,014 | $90,038 | $469,100 | Compare |
| North Charleston | 117,460 | $62,789 | $267,700 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 92,662 | $121,364 | $667,100 | Compare |
| Rock Hill | 74,769 | $64,770 | $267,400 | Compare |
| Greenville | 71,755 | $68,460 | $453,300 | Compare |
| Summerville | 51,262 | $78,621 | $295,700 | Compare |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | $188,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
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, SC?
The population of Columbia, SC is 138,019 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, SC is $55,653 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, SC is $243,500.
What is the average rent in Columbia?
The median monthly rent in Columbia, SC is $1,158.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, SC is 7.6%.