Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia City, IN
Thinking of moving to Columbia City, IN? With a small-town population of 9,892, affordable median home prices around $174,000, and average rents just $865, it’s a budget-friendly choice. Residents enjoy short 22-minute commutes, low violent crime (117 per 100K), and 60% sunny days per year. The community features good K-12 schools, accessible healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle in the heart of northeast Indiana. Explore cost of living, education, housing, and more to see if Columbia City is your perfect fit!
Demographics - Columbia City, IN
Demographics - Columbia City, IN
Columbia City is home to nearly 9,900 residents, offering a close-knit community with a predominantly White population and a median age of 39.4 years. The area maintains a balanced gender ratio and a small but growing diversity, with just under 4% of residents speaking languages other than English at home. This demographic mix contributes to a friendly, welcoming atmosphere ideal for families and individuals alike.
Population:
9,892
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.4
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia City, IN?
Residents of Columbia City benefit from a cost of living index well below the national average, highlighted by a median home value of $174,000 and average rents of $865. Everyday expenses like utilities, groceries, and healthcare remain affordable, making the city an attractive destination for those seeking value without sacrificing quality of life. State income taxes are a flat 3.23%, supporting a financially manageable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$174,000
Gross Rent:
$865
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,135
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
3.23%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.7
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
74.5
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
87.1
Miscellaneous:
93.2
Crime
Is Columbia City, IN a safe place to live?
Columbia City maintains a reputation for safety, with a low violent crime rate of 117 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime risks also well below many urban centers. The odds of being affected by violent crime are just 1 in 854, providing peace of mind for families and newcomers. Overall, the city offers a secure environment for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
117
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,467
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 854
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia City, IN year-round?
The city experiences all four seasons, with warm, pleasant summers averaging highs of 83°F and cold winters with lows around 19°F. Annual rainfall is moderate at 37.4 inches, and about 60% of the days are sunny, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes bring variety to the local climate, making it appealing for those who appreciate a mix of weather.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Columbia City’s neighborhoods reflect a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $58,400 and a low unemployment rate of 3.2%. Most residents commute about 22 minutes to work, and over 90% have completed high school, supporting a stable and educated population. The area has a modest poverty rate and very limited reliance on public transportation, typical of smaller cities.
Median Income:
$32,700
Household Income:
$58,400
Family Income:
$70,100
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
10.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$865
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.8%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia City, IN?
Columbia City is served by quality public schools like Indian Springs Middle School and Columbia City High School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private and higher education options are also available, including a local Indiana Tech satellite campus and proximity to major universities in nearby Fort Wayne. The city’s educational resources support lifelong learning for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Indian Springs Middle School
Street:
1692 IN-9
Phone:
260-244-5144
Students:
710
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.6
Name:
Columbia City High School
Street:
1600 S State Rd 9
Phone:
260-244-6136
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.1
Private Schools
Name:
Faith Christian Academy
Street:
1550 E State Road 205
Phone:
260-244-4949
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Indiana Tech (Satellite Campus)
City:
Columbia City
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
120
Name:
Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne
City:
Fort Wayne
State:
IN
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Columbia City is accessible, with Parkview Whitley Hospital providing comprehensive emergency and general medical services. The city has a physician availability of 2.1 per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 92.5%. This ensures residents receive prompt, quality care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Parkview Whitley Hospital
Address:
1260 E State Rd 205, Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone:
(260) 248-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
66.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia City, IN?
Columbia City offers an affordable housing market, with a median home price of $174,000 and 70.5% of homes being owner-occupied. The rental market is stable, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $865 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.6%. Modest appreciation and new construction keep the market accessible for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$174,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$865
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Columbia City are managed by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Opportunity Drive. Residents can access a full range of DMV services locally, making vehicle-related tasks straightforward and hassle-free. More information is available on the official Indiana BMV website.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
662 Opportunity Dr, Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone:
888-692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.