Columbia, TN
Population 43,971 · Tennessee
About Columbia, TN
Columbia is a mid-sized city located in Tennessee with a population of 43,971 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,204 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia features a median home value of $261,700, which is 7% above 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 $1,092, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,160 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (11,028 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (6,316 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 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 27.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.9% of 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 9.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbia Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Columbia, TN
Compared to national averages, Columbia has a median household income of $61,204 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $261,700, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,092 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Columbia's income is 3% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 22% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Columbia, TN?
Columbia offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,092/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,204) 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 43,971 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Columbia
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brentwood | 45,272 | $184,720 | $926,700 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 41,951 | $71,320 | $359,300 | Compare |
| Gallatin | 46,667 | $73,589 | $343,700 | Compare |
| Mount Juliet | 40,828 | $107,847 | $423,000 | Compare |
| Germantown | 40,812 | $144,799 | $441,200 | Compare |
| Cleveland | 48,185 | $55,904 | $241,800 | Compare |
| La Vergne | 38,944 | $80,418 | $273,700 | Compare |
| Collierville | 51,212 | $134,319 | $458,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Columbia, TN is 43,971 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, TN is $61,204 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, TN is $261,700, which is 7% above 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, TN is $1,092, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, TN is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Columbia, TN a good place to live?
Columbia offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 43,971 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbia, TN?
23.9% 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, TN: median home value is $261,700 (7% above national), median rent is $1,092/month, and median household income is $61,204. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, TN is 14.3%, 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, TN?
Columbia's population is 9.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 15.6% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.