West Columbia, TX
Population 3,631 · Texas
About West Columbia, TX
West Columbia is a small town located in Texas with a population of 3,631 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,985 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 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 $138,200, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Columbia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,011, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,470 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (906 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (521 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 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West Columbia have an average one-way commute time of 26.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.6% of West 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 31.6% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Columbia, TX
Compared to national averages, West Columbia has a median household income of $41,985 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $138,200, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,011 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, West Columbia's income is 42% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 35% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in West Columbia, TX?
West Columbia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $138,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,011/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,985) 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 3,631 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare West Columbia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near West Columbia
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastland | 3,631 | $51,334 | $175,800 | Compare |
| Groesbeck | 3,634 | $54,615 | $144,100 | Compare |
| Howe | 3,638 | $57,417 | $190,000 | Compare |
| Laguna Vista | 3,605 | $63,191 | $267,500 | Compare |
| Shavano Park | 3,602 | $158,969 | $838,800 | Compare |
| Ballinger | 3,599 | $61,250 | $109,000 | Compare |
| Shenandoah | 3,597 | $67,422 | $396,000 | Compare |
| Sweeny | 3,592 | $64,557 | $180,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
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, TX?
The population of West Columbia, TX is 3,631 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in West Columbia?
The median household income in West Columbia, TX is $41,985 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Columbia?
The median home value in West Columbia, TX is $138,200, which is 44% 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, TX is $1,011, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Columbia?
The unemployment rate in West Columbia, TX is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is West Columbia, TX a good place to live?
West Columbia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,631 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Columbia, TX?
16.6% of residents in West 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 West Columbia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Columbia, TX: median home value is $138,200 (44% below national), median rent is $1,011/month, and median household income is $41,985. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Columbia?
The poverty rate in West Columbia, TX is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is West Columbia, TX?
West Columbia's population is 31.6% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 19.6% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.