South CarolinaPop. 139,643Mid-size cities
Is Columbia a Good Place to Live? Columbia, South Carolina: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Columbia ranks #977 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.7 min, #14 of 256) and fast population growth (+2%, #17 of 241), and trails on high poverty (24%, #240 of 256) and low graduation rates (77.3%, #186 of 205).
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).
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
Columbia's cost of living index is 93.7, 6% below the US level of 100 and #410 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,204/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $230,191, 25% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
| Measure | Columbia | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.7#410 of 1,308 | 93.7 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $230,191#203 of 1,187 | $306,323 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,479/mo#317 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $264,300#435 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,204/mo#442 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26%#1088 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). South Carolina 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 Columbia, SC metro.
South Carolina housing market →Is Columbia safe?
Columbia recorded 791 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times South Carolina's 388. That ranks #1004 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #209 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbia Police Department. Property crime runs 3,156 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Columbia | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 791#1004 of 1,085 | 388 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,156#974 of 1,085 | 1,676 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
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). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Columbia?
The median household in Columbia earns $55,529, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 24% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Columbia | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $55,529#1143 of 1,312 | $72,350 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.9%#804 of 1,058 | 4.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 24%#1218 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +2%#100 of 1,132 | +1.5% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
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). South Carolina 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 28.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #334 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.5% 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 | 28.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 45.9%#334 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 45.5% | 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 34 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 12.1 students per teacher and $18,944 spent per pupil. 34.4% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Columbia | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 77.3%#939 of 1,063 | 83.8% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.1#96 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $18,944#268 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.4%#726 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.1%#810 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.2%#1076 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13.2%#973 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). South Carolina is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,808 students are enrolled in Columbia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Columbia?
The average commute in Columbia is 17.7 minutes (South Carolina 26.3); 1% of workers take transit and 11.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Columbia scores 11.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #497 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.7°F and winters 48.9°F, with 43.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Columbia | South CarolinaSC | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17.7 min#177 of 1,312 | 26.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.7%#126 of 1,312 | 7.8% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 63% | 74.9% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 0.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 14.3% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.6% | 12.3% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.8#497 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). South Carolina 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 | 57.2 | 37 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 61 | 39.6 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 68.8 | 45.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 77.2 | 53.4 | 2.7 |
| May | 84.1 | 62.1 | 3 |
| Jun | 90.1 | 69.9 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 93.2 | 73.3 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 91.3 | 72.3 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 86.2 | 67.4 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 77 | 55.5 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 67 | 43.9 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 59.5 | 39.1 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbia Owens Downtown Airport.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 48.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 43.7 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 Columbia Owens Downtown Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Columbia?
Richland County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% 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 Richland County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 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% | 0.12%#444 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 Richland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Richland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.003% | 81% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.019% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0092% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0066% | 43% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.071% | 36% 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 #183 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 139,643.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #977 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 | 17.7 min |
| Fullerton, CAPop. 140,968 | #768 | 53.8 | $104,286 | $2,194/mo | 358 | 30.5 min |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #1147 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data | 21.7 min |
| Miramar, FLPop. 138,600 | #482 | 58.3 | $89,125 | $2,117/mo | 121 | 31.1 min |
| West Valley City, UTPop. 138,437 | #821 | 52.9 | $92,209 | $1,504/mo | 383 | 22.6 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 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 South Carolina?
Columbia ranks #11 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 23% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical South Carolina home.
| City | Rank in SC | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mill, SCPop. 30,775 | #1 | 71.0 | $121,823 | $1,503/mo | 30 |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #2 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #3 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #4 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #5 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 |
| Goose Creek, SCPop. 48,078 | #6 | 57.2 | $88,178 | $1,690/mo | 247 |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #7 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #8 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #9 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #10 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #11 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #12 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #13 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #14 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #15 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 |
| Carolina Forest, SCPop. 26,263 | #16 | 46.7 | $74,436 | $1,668/mo | no data |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #17 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #18 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 |
| Myrtle Beach, SCPop. 38,371 | #19 | 40.6 | $60,394 | $1,261/mo | 1,104 |
| Spartanburg, SCPop. 38,910 | #20 | 40.1 | $51,964 | $1,099/mo | 1,478 |
All 20 South Carolina cities we track, by overall score. South Carolina statewide: median income $72,350, violent crime 387.6 per 100,000.
How is Columbia's score calculated?
Columbia scores 50.4 out of 100, #977 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with South Carolina'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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Columbia. Similar-size median 52.9.
38.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Columbia's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
33.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Columbia. Similar-size median 53.8.
48.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Columbia's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
62.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Columbia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
75.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Columbia. Similar-size median 51.2.
20.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Columbia. Similar-size median 42.1.
58.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Columbia. Similar-size median 50.1.
66.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Columbia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
56.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
57.7 - 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, SC a good place to live?
Columbia ranks #977 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in South Carolina. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.7 min, #14 of 256) and fast population growth (+2%, #17 of 241), and trails on high poverty (24%, #240 of 256) and low graduation rates (77.3%, #186 of 205).
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
Columbia's cost of living index is 93.7, 6% below the US level of 100 and #410 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,204/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $230,191, 25% below the typical South Carolina home ($306,323).
What is the crime rate in Columbia?
Columbia recorded 791 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times South Carolina's 388. That ranks #1004 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #209 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbia Police Department. Property crime runs 3,156 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household in Columbia earns $55,529, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below South Carolina ($72,350). Unemployment is 4.9% (US 4.3%). 24% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Columbia?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,204/mo (Census), #442 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,479/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Columbia?
The typical home value in Columbia is $230,191, up 1.2% in a year, against $306,323 for South Carolina and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $264,300.
How are the public schools in Columbia?
Columbia's 34 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (South Carolina 83.8%), with 12.1 students per teacher and $18,944 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Columbia?
The average commute is 17.7 minutes, #177 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.3 minutes across South Carolina. 2.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Columbia?
Columbia averages 65.5°F over the year, 81.7°F in summer and 48.9°F in winter, with 43.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Columbia walkable?
Columbia scores 11.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #497 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 Richland County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Columbia?
Richland County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% 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 139,643 residents. The median resident of Columbia is 28.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #334 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of South Carolina?
Columbia ranks #11 of the 20 South Carolina cities we track, with a score of 50.4 against South Carolina's statewide 49. Its households earn 23% below the South Carolina median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical South Carolina home.
What cities are similar in size to Columbia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Columbia's population of 139,643 are Fullerton, CA (#768 overall), Metairie, LA (#1147 overall), Miramar, FL (#482 overall), West Valley City, UT (#821 overall), and Warren, MI (#1032 overall). Columbia is #977.