Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia Heights, MN
Considering a move to Columbia Heights, MN? With a welcoming population of around 22,000, this diverse suburb offers affordable living—median home prices are $270,000 and average rent is $1,270. Commutes are reasonable at 25 minutes, and residents enjoy 56% sunny days each year with classic Minnesota seasons. The city features solid public schools and proximity to major colleges, while crime rates are moderate and the community is served by top Twin Cities healthcare. Columbia Heights is a friendly, accessible spot for those seeking value and urban convenience close to Minneapolis.
Demographics - Columbia Heights, MN
Demographics - Columbia Heights, MN
Columbia Heights is home to nearly 22,000 residents with a median age of 34.8, reflecting a youthful and diverse community. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a mix of cultures, with significant White, Black, and Asian populations, and about 20% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density gives the area an urban feel while maintaining a welcoming, close-knit environment.
Population:
21,973
Density:
5,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
20.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
54.0%
Black:
20.5%
Asian:
12.6%
Others:
12.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia Heights, MN?
Living in Columbia Heights is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $270,000 and average rent around $1,270. The overall cost of living index is slightly above the national average, mainly due to housing and transportation, while utilities and groceries remain reasonable. State income tax rates range from 5.35% to 9.85%, and homeowners can expect average monthly costs of $1,720 with a mortgage.
Median House Value:
$270,000
Gross Rent:
$1,270
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,310
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.8
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
102.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
106.0
Health Care:
104.5
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Columbia Heights, MN a safe place to live?
Columbia Heights experiences moderate crime rates, with about 332 violent crimes and 2,150 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 301, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 47. Residents generally find the area safe, but it's wise to stay alert and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
332
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,482
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 301
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia Heights, MN year-round?
The city experiences classic Minnesota seasons, with cold winters dipping to 7°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. Residents enjoy around 56% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 31 inches. Seasonal changes bring variety, making it ideal for those who appreciate both winter activities and summer warmth.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
26°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Columbia Heights residents have a median household income of $65,000 and a family income of $73,500, with a poverty rate of 11.2%. Most adults have completed high school, and over a quarter hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is about 25 minutes, with a small but notable percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$65,000
Family Income:
$73,500
Per Capita Income:
$30,200
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$36,900
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
20.1%
Rent:
$1,270
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
7.6%
Commute Time:
24.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
28.3%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia Heights, MN?
Columbia Heights offers quality education with public schools like Columbia Heights High School and Columbia Academy, both known for manageable class sizes. Private education options such as Immaculate Conception School are also available, and major colleges like the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis Community & Technical College are just six miles away. The city supports a strong educational foundation from kindergarten through higher education.

Public Schools
Name:
Columbia Heights High School
Street:
1400 49th Ave NE
Phone:
763-528-4600
Students:
870
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Columbia Academy
Street:
900 49th Ave NE
Phone:
763-528-4700
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3

Private Schools
Name:
Immaculate Conception School
Street:
4030 Jackson St NE
Phone:
763-788-9062
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
City:
Minneapolis
State:
MN
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
6,500
Name:
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
City:
Minneapolis
State:
MN
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
50,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Columbia Heights is strong, with major hospitals like Hennepin Healthcare and North Memorial Health located nearby in the Twin Cities. The city boasts about 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.7%. Residents benefit from quality medical services and reliable emergency care options.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Hennepin Healthcare
Address:
701 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone:
(612) 873-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
North Memorial Health Hospital
Address:
3300 Oakdale Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Phone:
(763) 520-5200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia Heights, MN?
The local housing market offers good value, with a median home price of $270,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,270. About 59% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.4%. Home appreciation is steady, making Columbia Heights attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$270,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,270
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in nearby Saint Paul. Services include licensing, registration, and other DMV needs, with comprehensive resources available online. The department is easily accessible for all motor vehicle and driver-related matters.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
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.