MarylandPop. 104,338Mid-size cities
Is Columbia a Good Place to Live? Columbia, Maryland: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Columbia ranks #36 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($131,490, #17 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on high rents ($2,042/mo, #205 of 256).
Columbia by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Columbia's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Columbia: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Columbia safe?
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
Columbia's cost of living index is 104.5, 4% above the US level of 100 and #923 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,042/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $507,609, 19% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
| Measure | Columbia | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 104.5#923 of 1,308 | 105 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $507,609#823 of 1,187 | $428,308 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,259/mo#825 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $497,400#982 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,042/mo#1115 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 18.6%#298 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Columbia housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Columbia is in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro.
Maryland housing market →Is Columbia safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Columbia alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Columbia crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Columbia?
The median household in Columbia earns $131,490, 58% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above Maryland ($102,905). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Columbia | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $131,490#101 of 1,312 | $102,905 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.5%#286 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Columbia?
The median resident of Columbia is 39.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 63.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #102 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 63.6%#102 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 64.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Columbia's schools and health?
Columbia's 23 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $19,256 spent per pupil. 32.2% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Columbia | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 86.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,256#244 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.2%#553 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 13.3%#78 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 15,676 students are enrolled in Columbia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Columbia?
The average commute in Columbia is 27.9 minutes (Maryland 32.3); 2% of workers take transit and 24.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Columbia scores 13.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77°F and winters 36.9°F, with 47.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Columbia | MarylandMD | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.9 min#993 of 1,312 | 32.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.2%#1005 of 1,312 | 14.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 65.5% | 66.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2% | 5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 24.8% | 15.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.4#260 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Maryland is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 42.7 | 26.1 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 46.1 | 28 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 54.8 | 34.8 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 67 | 44.9 | 3.8 |
| May | 75.5 | 55.3 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 84.2 | 64.5 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 88.6 | 69.4 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 87.1 | 67.9 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 80 | 61.2 | 4.7 |
| Oct | 68.5 | 49.7 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 57.1 | 38.6 | 3.5 |
| Dec | 47 | 31.4 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Laurel 3 W.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 57.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 36.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.5 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Laurel 3 W.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Columbia?
Howard County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Howard County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.05% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.05%#6 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Howard County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Howard County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0047% | 65% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0024% | 46% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0017% | 21% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.036% | 3% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Columbia compare with similar-size cities?
Columbia is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #4 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 104,338.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #36 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Brockton, MAPop. 105,386 | #859 | 52.3 | $80,115 | $1,641/mo | 538 | 31.5 min |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #442 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 | 29.7 min |
| Buckeye, AZPop. 104,923 | #478 | 58.4 | $99,486 | $1,963/mo | 159 | 33.3 min |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #1013 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 | 21.8 min |
| El Cajon, CAPop. 104,449 | #1223 | 44.0 | $67,511 | $1,856/mo | 457 | 24.8 min |
| Lee's Summit, MOPop. 103,656 | #179 | 65.0 | $102,531 | $1,422/mo | 112 | 25.2 min |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #288 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 | 16.3 min |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #863 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 | 20.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Columbia compare with the rest of Maryland?
Columbia ranks #5 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 71.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 28% above the Maryland median. Homes are 19% above the typical Maryland home.
| City | Rank in MD | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethesda, MDPop. 69,397 | #1 | 76.7 | $192,237 | $2,469/mo | no data |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #2 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #3 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #4 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data |
| Columbia, MDPop. 104,338 | #5 | 71.5 | $131,490 | $2,042/mo | no data |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #6 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 |
| Gaithersburg, MDPop. 69,825 | #7 | 68.2 | $112,467 | $2,058/mo | 216 |
| Germantown, MDPop. 90,719 | #8 | 67.5 | $117,546 | $2,040/mo | no data |
| Severn, MDPop. 58,402 | #9 | 66.0 | $134,423 | $2,175/mo | no data |
| Bel Air South, MDPop. 58,137 | #10 | 64.9 | $123,653 | $1,757/mo | no data |
| Bowie, MDPop. 57,926 | #11 | 64.8 | $141,995 | $2,330/mo | 205 |
| Frederick, MDPop. 83,395 | #12 | 63.5 | $97,069 | $1,764/mo | 390 |
| Silver Spring, MDPop. 81,462 | #13 | 63.2 | $99,860 | $1,913/mo | no data |
| Wheaton, MDPop. 52,926 | #14 | 63.0 | $111,478 | $2,163/mo | no data |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #15 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data |
| Towson, MDPop. 58,679 | #16 | 61.8 | $101,320 | $1,764/mo | no data |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #17 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #18 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data |
| Baltimore, MDPop. 573,243 | #19 | 48.0 | $62,177 | $1,331/mo | 1,351 |
| Dundalk, MDPop. 65,969 | #20 | 45.5 | $64,520 | $1,473/mo | no data |
All 20 Maryland cities we track, by overall score. Maryland statewide: median income $102,905, violent crime 358 per 100,000.
How is Columbia's score calculated?
Columbia scores 71.5 out of 100, #36 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Maryland's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Columbia. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
83.9 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Columbia. Similar-size median 53.8.
65.9 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Columbia's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
78.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Columbia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
49.4 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Columbia. Similar-size median 51.2.
83.6 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Columbia. Similar-size median 50.1.
57.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Columbia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
86.8 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Columbia alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Columbia.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Columbia's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Columbia has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Columbia
Is Columbia, MD a good place to live?
Columbia ranks #36 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 256 mid-size cities and #5 of 20 in Maryland. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($131,490, #17 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on high rents ($2,042/mo, #205 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
Columbia's cost of living index is 104.5, 4% above the US level of 100 and #923 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,042/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $507,609, 19% above the typical Maryland home ($428,308).
Is Columbia safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Columbia alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Columbia crime rate or rank it on safety. Maryland as a whole records 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household in Columbia earns $131,490, 58% above the US figure of $83,163 and 28% above Maryland ($102,905). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Columbia?
Median rent in Columbia is $2,042/mo (Census), #1115 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,259/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Columbia?
The typical home value in Columbia is $507,609, up 0.5% in a year, against $428,308 for Maryland and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $497,400.
How are the public schools in Columbia?
Columbia's 23 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (Maryland 86.3%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $19,256 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Columbia?
The average commute is 27.9 minutes, #993 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 32.3 minutes across Maryland. 9.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Columbia?
Columbia averages 57.1°F over the year, 77°F in summer and 36.9°F in winter, with 47.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Columbia walkable?
Columbia scores 13.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Columbia at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Howard County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.05% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Columbia?
Howard County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Columbia?
Columbia has 104,338 residents. The median resident of Columbia is 39.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 63.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #102 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of Maryland?
Columbia ranks #5 of the 20 Maryland cities we track, with a score of 71.5 against Maryland's statewide 53.6. Its households earn 28% above the Maryland median. Homes are 19% above the typical Maryland home.
What cities are similar in size to Columbia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Columbia's population of 104,338 are Brockton, MA (#859 overall), Renton, WA (#442 overall), Buckeye, AZ (#478 overall), Edinburg, TX (#1013 overall), and El Cajon, CA (#1223 overall). Columbia is #36.