Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia, IL
Thinking of moving to Columbia, IL? With a friendly population of just over 10,000 and a median home price around $272,000, Columbia offers affordable Midwestern living with low crime rates (violent crime at only 53 per 100k). Enjoy short commute times averaging 27 minutes, highly rated schools, and a strong sense of community. The city features a comfortable climate, plenty of sunny days, and easy access to healthcare and major amenities—making it a great choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Columbia, IL
Demographics - Columbia, IL
Columbia, IL is a close-knit community of about 10,200 residents, with the majority identifying as White and a median age of 41.2 years. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming place for families and individuals alike.
Population:
10,207
Density:
1,390 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
95.2%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia, IL?
Columbia offers affordable living, with a median home value of $272,000 and a cost of living index below the national average. Housing and everyday expenses remain manageable, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality of life without big-city prices.
Median House Value:
$272,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,520
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$535
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.5
Grocery:
93.7
Housing:
83.9
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
89.4
Crime
Is Columbia, IL a safe place to live?
Columbia enjoys a very low crime rate, with violent crime at just 53 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime also well below national averages. This safe environment is ideal for families and anyone seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
53
Property Crimes Per 100k:
610
Crime Index:
663
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,887
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 164
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Columbia, with mild winters, warm summers, and an average annual rainfall of about 42 inches. The city enjoys 54% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Columbia is a prosperous community with a median household income of $98,200 and a low poverty rate of 4.1%. Most residents hold at least a high school diploma, and commute times average under 27 minutes, fostering a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$56,000
Household Income:
$98,200
Family Income:
$108,500
Per Capita Income:
$43,300
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$47,500
Poverty Rate:
4.1%
Non English Speakers:
3.4%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.1%
Bachelors or More:
38.6%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia, IL?
Columbia boasts quality educational options, including well-rated public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and a respected private school. Nearby colleges and universities offer higher education opportunities within a short drive, supporting lifelong learning and career growth.

Public Schools
Name:
Columbia High School
Street:
77 Veterans Parkway
Phone:
618-281-5001
Students:
635
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
Columbia Middle School
Street:
100 Eagle Drive
Phone:
618-281-3950
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Immaculate Conception School
Street:
321 S. Metter Ave
Phone:
618-281-5353
Students:
350

Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Illinois College
City:
Belleville
State:
IL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
8,000
Name:
Saint Louis University
City:
St. Louis
State:
MO
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in Columbia, with major hospitals nearby and a physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people. Nearly 95% of residents have health insurance coverage, contributing to overall community well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Red Bud Regional Hospital
Address:
325 Spring St, Red Bud, IL 62278
Phone:
(618) 282-5165
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Hospital South
Address:
10010 Kennerly Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128
Phone:
(314) 525-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia, IL?
The housing market in Columbia is stable, with an owner-occupancy rate of 83% and a median home price of $272,000. Home values have appreciated steadily, and rental options remain available, supporting both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$272,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Columbia residents are served by the Illinois Secretary of State Facility conveniently located on North Main Street, offering essential DMV services locally. More information and services are accessible through the state’s official website.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
318 North Main St, Columbia, IL 62236
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
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.