TennesseePop. 45,441Small cities
Is Columbia a Good Place to Live? Columbia, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Columbia ranks #756 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #136 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.1%, #10 of 182), and trails on long commutes (28 min, #184 of 208).
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 96.3, 4% below the US level of 100 and #501 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,197/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $371,690, 11% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Columbia | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 96.3#501 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $371,690#565 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,576/mo#398 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $308,700#552 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,197/mo#435 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.8x#802 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 22.5%#727 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Columbia safe?
Columbia recorded 371 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 328 and 25% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #682 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #116 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbia Police Department. Property crime runs 1,498 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Columbia | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 371#682 of 1,085 | 492 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,498#478 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee 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 $63,719, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Columbia | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $63,719#958 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.2%#811 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +3.1%#48 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee 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 35.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 25.4%#962 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 63.3% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Columbia's schools and health?
Columbia's 11 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $11,129 spent per pupil. 36.9% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Columbia | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $11,129#1050 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 36.9%#939 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 20.2%#1194 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 13%#955 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,876 students are enrolled in Columbia's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Columbia?
The average commute in Columbia is 28 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.1% of workers take transit and 12.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Columbia scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.2°F and winters 39.5°F, with 56.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Columbia | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 28 min#1000 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 10.9%#1106 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 76.1% | 75% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 1.2% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 12.8% | 12.7% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.9#1084 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Tennessee 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 | 47.9 | 26.9 | 4.6 |
| Feb | 52.4 | 29.1 | 5.1 |
| Mar | 61.5 | 36 | 5.4 |
| Apr | 71.3 | 44.2 | 5.1 |
| May | 78.8 | 53.5 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 85.8 | 62.3 | 5 |
| Jul | 88.8 | 66.6 | 4.8 |
| Aug | 88.4 | 64.9 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 83.3 | 57.9 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 72.1 | 45.3 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 60.3 | 34.9 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 51.1 | 29.6 | 5.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbia 3 Wnw.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 58°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 39.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 56.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbia 3 Wnw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Columbia?
Maury County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 84% 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 Maury County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Columbia | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#616 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Maury County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Maury County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.02% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.018% | 81% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0045% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.084% | 54% 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #136 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 45,441.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #756 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 | 28 min |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #293 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 | 28.9 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 min |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #148 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 | 24.8 min |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #247 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 | 17 min |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #230 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data | 23 min |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #981 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 | 23.1 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 Tennessee?
Columbia ranks #12 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 11% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical Tennessee home.
| City | Rank in TN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #1 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #2 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #3 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #4 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #5 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #6 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #7 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #8 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #9 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #10 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #11 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #12 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #13 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #14 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #15 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #16 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #17 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #18 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #19 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #20 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 |
All 20 Tennessee cities we track, by overall score. Tennessee statewide: median income $71,997, violent crime 492.3 per 100,000.
How is Columbia's score calculated?
Columbia scores 54.1 out of 100, #756 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 Tennessee'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.
47.2 - 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 78.4.
72.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Columbia. Similar-size median 52.2.
39.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Columbia's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
55.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Columbia's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
72.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Columbia. Similar-size median 46.7.
41.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Columbia. Similar-size median 44.2.
71.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Columbia. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Columbia's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
36.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
64.9 - 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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, TN a good place to live?
Columbia ranks #756 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #136 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.1%, #10 of 182), and trails on long commutes (28 min, #184 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Columbia?
Columbia's cost of living index is 96.3, 4% below the US level of 100 and #501 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,197/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $371,690, 11% above the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Columbia?
Columbia recorded 371 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 328 and 25% below Tennessee's 492. That ranks #682 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #116 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbia Police Department. Property crime runs 1,498 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household in Columbia earns $63,719, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 14.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Columbia?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,197/mo (Census), #435 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,576/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Columbia?
The typical home value in Columbia is $371,690, up 1.1% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $308,700.
How are the public schools in Columbia?
Columbia's 11 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $11,129 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Columbia?
The average commute is 28 minutes, #1000 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 10.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Columbia?
Columbia averages 58°F over the year, 76.2°F in summer and 39.5°F in winter, with 56.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Columbia walkable?
Columbia scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 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 Maury County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Columbia?
Maury County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 84% 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 45,441 residents. The median resident of Columbia is 35.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Columbia ranks #12 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 54.1 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 11% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 25% below the statewide rate. Homes are 11% above the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Columbia?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Columbia's population of 45,441 are Hackensack, NJ (#293 overall), Potomac, MD (#19 overall), Huntington, WV (#1221 overall), Riverton, UT (#148 overall), and Charlottesville, VA (#247 overall). Columbia is #756.