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Columbia, South Carolina

Last updated: 2024 BLS data · Page refreshed:

City Profile — Demographics, Income, Education & Housing
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-Year Estimates
139,643
Population
$55,529
Median Income
$264,300
Home Value
28.6
Median Age

Demographics

Columbia has a population of 139,643 with a median age of 28.6. Here is the racial and ethnic breakdown of the population:

White
46.9%
Black
40.6%
Hispanic
6.2%
Asian
3.3%
Other
3.0%
Demographic Value
Total Population139,643
Median Age28.6
White46.9%
Black or African American40.6%
Asian3.3%
Hispanic or Latino6.2%
Other / Two or More Races3.0%
Columbia, South Carolina — racial composition (Census ACS 2024)Donut chart of 5 segments totaling 100.White: 46.9%Black: 40.6%Hispanic/Latino: 6.2%Asian: 3.3%Other: 3.0%139,643PopulationWhiteWhite46.9%BlackBlack40.6%Hispanic/LatinoHispanic/Latino6.2%AsianAsian3.3%OtherOther3.0%

Income & Economy

The median household income in Columbia is $55,529, which is 31.1% below the national median of $80,610. The per capita income is $39,058. The poverty rate is 24.0%.

$55,529
Median Household Income
$39,058
Per Capita Income
24.0%
Poverty Rate

Employment

The unemployment rate in Columbia is 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.1%.

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Education

In Columbia, 91.2% of residents age 25+ have a high school diploma or higher, and 45.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (21.5% with a graduate or professional degree).

HS Diploma+
91.2%
Bachelor's+
45.9%
Graduate+
21.5%
Education Level % of Adults (25+)
High School Diploma or Higher91.2%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher45.9%
Graduate or Professional Degree21.5%

Housing

The median home value in Columbia is $264,300, below the national median of $303,400. The median monthly rent is $1,204. The homeownership rate is 45.5%.

$264,300
Median Home Value
$1,204/mo
Median Rent
45.5%
Homeownership Rate
Housing Metric Value
Median Home Value$264,300
Median Monthly Rent$1,204
Homeownership Rate45.5%
Vacancy Rate14.4%

Salaries in South Carolina

Explore salary data for popular occupations in South Carolina:

See all South Carolina salaries →

Other Cities in South Carolina

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Columbia, South Carolina?
The population of Columbia, South Carolina is 139,643 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbia, South Carolina?
The median household income in Columbia, South Carolina is $55,529. This is 31.1% below the national median of $80,610.
What is the median home value in Columbia, South Carolina?
The median home value in Columbia, South Carolina is $264,300. The median monthly rent is $1,204.
What percentage of people in Columbia have a college degree?
In Columbia, South Carolina, 45.9% of adults age 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 91.2% have a high school diploma or higher.
Is Columbia, South Carolina an affordable place to live?
The home price-to-income ratio in Columbia, South Carolina is 4.8x (median home value $264,300 vs. median income $55,529), making it moderately affordable by that measure. A ratio under 4.0 is generally considered affordable.

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