Columbia, SC
Population 138,019 · South Carolina
About Columbia, SC
Columbia is a major city located in South Carolina with a population of 138,019 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,653 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia features a median home value of $243,500, which is 1% 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 $1,158, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 60,568 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (24,477 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (27,307 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbia shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.1% 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 2.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Columbia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia
What is the population of Columbia, SC?
The population of Columbia, SC is 138,019 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, SC is $55,653 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, SC is $243,500, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Columbia?
The median monthly rent in Columbia, SC is $1,158, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, SC is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live?
Columbia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 138,019 and a median age of 28.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Columbia, SC?
46.1% 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, SC: median home value is $243,500 (1% below national), median rent is $1,158/month, and median household income is $55,653. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, SC is 23.3%, 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, SC?
Columbia's population is 2.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 39.0% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.