Columbia Furnace, VA
Population 266 · Virginia
About Columbia Furnace, VA
Columbia Furnace is a small community located in Virginia with a population of 266 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,191 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbia Furnace features a median home value of $230,000, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbia Furnace in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $670, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 153 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (60 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (81 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 Furnace shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Columbia Furnace have an average one-way commute time of 33.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.8% of Columbia Furnace 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 3.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, and 10.5% Asian residents, with 10.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbia Furnace Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Columbia Furnace, VA
Compared to national averages, Columbia Furnace has a median household income of $39,191 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $230,000, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $670 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Columbia Furnace's income is 55% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 30% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Columbia Furnace, VA?
Columbia Furnace offers affordable housing with a median home value of $230,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $670/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,191) that falls below the national average. However, Columbia Furnace’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbia Furnace has a population of 266 with a median age of 45.9 years. Compare Columbia Furnace with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Furnace
What is the population of Columbia Furnace, VA?
The population of Columbia Furnace, VA is 266 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Columbia Furnace?
The median household income in Columbia Furnace, VA is $39,191 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbia Furnace?
The median home value in Columbia Furnace, VA is $230,000, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Columbia Furnace?
The median monthly rent in Columbia Furnace, VA is $670, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia Furnace?
The unemployment rate in Columbia Furnace, VA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Columbia Furnace, VA a good place to live?
Columbia Furnace offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 266 and a median age of 45.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Columbia Furnace, VA?
8.8% of residents in Columbia Furnace 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 Furnace?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbia Furnace, VA: median home value is $230,000 (6% below national), median rent is $670/month, and median household income is $39,191. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia Furnace?
The poverty rate in Columbia Furnace, VA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Columbia Furnace, VA?
Columbia Furnace's population is 3.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Black or African American, 10.5% Asian, and 10.2% two or more races. 10.5% of residents are foreign-born.