Living in Columbia, SC
Columbia is the 193rd-largest city in the US, home to about 147,000 people in 2025 and the capital of South Carolina. It has grown 7.5% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (93.7 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 147,035+7.5% since 2020
- Median home value
- $264,3004.8 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,204/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $55,529median, per year
- Price level
- 93.7US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 57° / 93°lows 35° / 72°
- Average commute
- 18 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 6%top rate, graduated
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County: Richland County, Lexington County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 292 ft
Metro area: Columbia, SC
Cost of living in Columbia
The median home in Columbia is worth $264,300 and the median household earns $55,529 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.8 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,204 a month, about 26% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Columbia, SC metro area at 93.7, with housing at 79.5 and goods at 96.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $70,200 here. South Carolina taxes wages at a top rate of 6%. The average combined state and local sales tax in South Carolina is 7.49%.
What would my salary be worth in Columbia?
Columbia weather
Average highs run from 57°F in January to 93°F in July, and January nights average 35°F. It gets 45 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 1 inches of snow. Expect about 81 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are March to May and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Columbia
People and work
The median resident is 28.6 years old, and 46% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 46% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 18 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 28.618th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 46%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 46%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,062138.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%14% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 7.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 24%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1980median year
Who moves to Columbia, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Charleston (Charleston County), Greenville (Greenville County) and Fayetteville (Cumberland County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Greenville (Greenville County), Charleston (Charleston County) and Horry County, SC. 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 Richland County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: ice storm, hurricane, tornado, inland flooding.
Home prices
+3.6% in a year
Up 52% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Columbia, SC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
58% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Columbia, SC area (365 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.
- Midlands Technical College 9 miles
- Benedict College 3 miles
- Columbia College 4 miles
- Allen University 3 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 Metropolitan Airport CAE | 10 mi | 654,460 |
| Augusta Regional Airport AGS | 72 mi | 299,141 |
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport CLT | 83 mi | 28,523,822 |
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 South Carolina-Columbia | 3 mi | 29,820 | $22,197 | 79% |
| Midlands Technical College | 9 mi | 7,564 | $5,745 | 14% |
| Benedict College | 3 mi | 1,536 | $17,734 | 43% |
| Columbia College | 4 mi | 1,343 | $21,611 | 41% |
| Columbia International University | 8 mi | 716 | $18,951 | 50% |
| Allen University | 3 mi | 576 | $12,389 | 25% |
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 March 25, 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 29 and the first frost comes around November 7.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Columbia, SC, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Columbia.
Wildfire smoke in Columbia
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Columbia on about 130 days a year, including about 15 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, 53,076 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland School District 1 | Pre-K to 12 | 21,814 | 48 | 12.1 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Richland School District 2 (28,841 students), Lexington School District 1 (27,074 students), Lexington School District 5 (17,053 students), Lexington School District 2 (8,465 students), Calhoun County School District (1,465 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).
- Huntsville, AL84% matchCompare
- Tyler, TX82% matchCompare
- Temple, TX79% matchCompare
- Tuscaloosa, AL79% 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.
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 6% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 18 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Data Poverty is high: 24% of residents live below the poverty line.
Columbia report card from locals
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Cities near Columbia
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill, SC | 69 mi | 75,911 | $295,100 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Augusta, GA | 76 mi | 201,999 | $178,400 | 91.9 | Compare |
| Charlotte, NC | 85 mi | 964,784 | $385,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Gastonia, NC | 87 mi | 87,067 | $277,600 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Concord, NC | 97 mi | 114,598 | $353,700 | 97.3 | Compare |
| North Charleston, SC | 98 mi | 129,245 | $302,200 | 101.0 | 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, a growing population, 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 147,035 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 136,725 in April 2020 (+7.5%).
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 $70,200 in the Columbia area. The median household here earns $55,529.
When is the best time to visit Columbia?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to May and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 93°F and January 57°F for daytime highs.
What county is Columbia in?
Most of Columbia (96% of its land) is in Richland County. Smaller parts lie in Lexington County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Columbia in?
Columbia is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Columbia?
About 292 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does South Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. South Carolina has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 6% 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, SC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Columbia, SC station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.