West Columbia, SC
Population 17,723 · South Carolina
About West Columbia, SC
West Columbia is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 17,723 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,152 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Columbia features a median home value of $186,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions West Columbia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,092, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,818 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (4,688 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (3,579 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Columbia shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 18.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
38.1% of West Columbia 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 6.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 9.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How West Columbia Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in West Columbia, SC
Compared to national averages, West Columbia has a median household income of $54,152 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,200, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,092 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, West Columbia's income is 8% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 8% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in West Columbia, SC?
West Columbia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,092/month, and a well-educated community where 38.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,152) that falls below the national average. However, West Columbia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Columbia has a population of 17,723 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare West Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near West Columbia
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | 17,759 | $49,713 | $359,100 | Compare |
| Berea | 16,642 | $48,104 | $187,200 | Compare |
| Red Hill | 16,480 | $62,132 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Five Forks | 19,093 | $140,668 | $424,600 | Compare |
| Ladson | 16,261 | $83,031 | $222,100 | Compare |
| North Myrtle Beach | 19,343 | $72,111 | $371,900 | Compare |
| Seven Oaks | 15,990 | $64,003 | $195,900 | Compare |
| Dentsville | 15,396 | $44,029 | $154,600 | 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 West Columbia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Columbia
What is the population of West Columbia, SC?
The population of West Columbia, SC is 17,723 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in West Columbia?
The median household income in West Columbia, SC is $54,152 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Columbia?
The median home value in West Columbia, SC is $186,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Columbia?
The median monthly rent in West Columbia, SC is $1,092, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Columbia?
The unemployment rate in West Columbia, SC is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Columbia, SC a good place to live?
West Columbia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,723 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Columbia, SC?
38.1% of residents in West 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 West Columbia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Columbia, SC: median home value is $186,200 (24% below national), median rent is $1,092/month, and median household income is $54,152. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Columbia?
The poverty rate in West Columbia, SC is 14.1%, 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 West Columbia, SC?
West Columbia's population is 6.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 16.0% two or more races. 9.0% of residents are foreign-born.