Columbia population
Columbia, South Carolina had an estimated 147,035 residents on July 1, 2025, the 198th-largest city in the US. That is up 13.7% since the 2010 Census and up 24.5% since 2000.
- Population, July 2025
- 147,035+7.5% since April 2020
- People per sq mile
- 1,062138.5 sq mi of land
- Median age
- 28.611.5% are 65 or older
- Households with kids
- 23.3%with anyone under 18
Population by year, 2000 to 2025
| Year | Population | Change | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 147,035 | +2,902 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2024 | 144,133 | +2,763 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2023 | 141,370 | +1,989 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2022 | 139,381 | +3,322 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2021 | 136,059 | -666 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2020 | 136,725 | +4,560 | April 2020 estimates base |
| 2019 | 132,165 | -997 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2018 | 133,162 | -1,243 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2017 | 134,405 | -19 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2016 | 134,424 | +549 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2015 | 133,875 | +1,855 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2014 | 132,020 | +278 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2013 | 131,742 | -207 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2012 | 131,949 | +486 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2011 | 131,463 | +2,191 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2010 | 129,272 | +564 | 2010 Census (April 1) |
| 2009 | 128,708 | +320 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2008 | 128,388 | +1,358 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2007 | 127,030 | +2,293 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2006 | 124,737 | +1,057 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2005 | 123,680 | -2,057 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2004 | 125,737 | +4,225 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2003 | 121,512 | +1,602 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2002 | 119,910 | -239 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2001 | 120,149 | +2,014 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2000 | 118,135 | April 2000 estimates base |
Year-to-year changes across 2010 and 2020 mix census counts with estimates, so small jumps at those years are partly method changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Columbia in 2025?
The Census Bureau estimates Columbia had 147,035 residents on July 1, 2025, making it the 198th-largest city in the US.
Is Columbia growing?
Yes. Columbia has grown 13.7% since the 2010 Census (129,272 people), and grown 7.5% since 2020.
What was the population of Columbia in 2000?
About 118,135 (the Census Bureau's April 2000 estimates base). By the 2010 Census it was 129,272.
How dense is Columbia?
Columbia has about 1,062 people per square mile of land (138.5 square miles).
More about Columbia
See cost of living, jobs and commutes in Columbia, Columbia weather by month, or every Columbia ZIP code. For the biggest cities in the country, see the largest US cities.