Living in Columbia, MO
Columbia is the 223rd-largest city in the US, home to about 131,000 people in 2025. It has grown 3.8% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run well below the national average (89.4 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 130,851+3.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $284,6004.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,097/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $66,498median, per year
- Price level
- 89.4US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 40° / 89°lows 23° / 69°
- Average commute
- 16 min10% work from home
- State income tax
- 4.7%top rate, graduated
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County: Boone County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 705 ft
Metro area: Columbia, MO
Cost of living in Columbia
The median home in Columbia is worth $284,600 and the median household earns $66,498 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,097 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Columbia, MO metro area at 89.4, with housing at 69.2 and goods at 94.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $67,100 here. Missouri taxes wages at a top rate of 4.7%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Missouri is 8.44%.
What would my salary be worth in Columbia?
Columbia weather
Average highs run from 40°F in January to 88°F in July, and January nights average 22°F. It gets 41 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 16 inches of snow. Expect about 35 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 101 times a year. The most comfortable months are June and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Columbia
People and work
The median resident is 29.5 years old, and 57% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 49% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 16 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 29.527th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 57%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 49%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,93767.6 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%5% walk, 0.7% bike
- Unemployment
- 4%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 19.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1993median year
Who moves to Columbia, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from St. Louis County, MO, Kansas City (Jackson County) and Springfield (Greene County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to St. Louis County, MO, Kansas City (Jackson County) and Chicago (Cook County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Boone County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, winter weather, strong wind, lightning.
Home prices
+3.3% in a year
Up 46% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Columbia, MO area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
93% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Columbia, MO area (248 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Columbia
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of Missouri-Columbia in Columbia
- Columbia College in Columbia
- Moberly Area Community College 33 miles
- William Woods University 22 miles
- Lincoln University 28 miles
- Westminster College 22 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Columbia
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Regional Airport COU | 11 mi | 103,081 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Columbia
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia | in town | 23,929 | $21,142 | 77% |
| Columbia College | in town | 4,950 | $25,982 | 51% |
| William Woods University | 22 mi | 1,300 | $26,458 | 47% |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | 23 mi | 1,040 | $21,697 | 49% |
| Westminster College | 22 mi | 638 | $23,913 | 55% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Columbia
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 7, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 19 and the first frost comes around October 29.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Columbia Regional Airport, MO, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Columbia.
Wildfire smoke in Columbia
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Columbia on about 152 days a year, including about 36 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Columbia
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 52,564 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Columbia
Downtown Columbia is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia 93 School District | Pre-K to 12 | 18,640 | 36 | 12.8 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Fulton 58 School District (2,281 students), Southern Boone County R-I School District (1,971 students), Boonville R-I School District (1,662 students), Hallsville R-IV School District (1,552 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Columbia's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Columbia's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Lexington, KY83% matchCompare
- Lynchburg, VA81% matchCompare
- Cincinnati, OH74% matchCompare
- Wichita, KS73% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Columbia
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Columbia
- Hidden Valley Ski Area 95 miles
- Snow Creek 146 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Columbia
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 11% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 16 minutes each way on average.
- Data A highly educated city: 57% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
- Data Clean air: 231 of 248 days in 2025 had good air quality in the metro (EPA).
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Columbia report card from locals
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Columbia through locals' eyes
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Cities near Columbia
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O'Fallon, MO | 87 mi | 96,101 | $326,200 | 95.1 | Compare |
| Lee's Summit, MO | 111 mi | 107,514 | $340,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Independence, MO | 112 mi | 121,675 | $172,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| St. Louis, MO | 114 mi | 278,144 | $197,500 | 95.1 | Compare |
| Kansas City, MO | 121 mi | 521,220 | $242,900 | 92.5 | Compare |
| Kansas City, KS | 126 mi | 157,805 | $167,400 | 92.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Columbia with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, short commutes. Compare Columbia side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Columbia?
The Census Bureau estimates Columbia had 130,851 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 126,048 in April 2020 (+3.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Columbia?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $67,100 in the Columbia area. The median household here earns $66,498.
When is the best time to visit Columbia?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, June and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 88°F and January 40°F for daytime highs.
What county is Columbia in?
Columbia is in Boone County, Missouri. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Columbia in?
Columbia is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Columbia?
About 705 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Missouri have a state income tax?
Yes. Missouri has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 4.7% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Columbia. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Columbia, MO metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Columbia Regional Airport, MO station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.