Illinois / Monroe County

Moving to Columbia, IL

Thinking of making a move to Columbia, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia, IL

Considering a move to Columbia, IL? This welcoming community of 10,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $315,000 and average rents near $1,420. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Columbia's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Columbia, IL

Columbia has a population of 10,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 2% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
10,900
Density
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age
41.2
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
92.0%
Black
1.5%
Asian
2.2%
Others
4.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Columbia, IL?

The cost of living in Columbia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.4. Median home values are around $315,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,420. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$315,000
Gross Rent
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges
$142
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
98.4
Grocery
95.8
Housing
96.7
Utilities
101.5
Transportation
96.9
Health Care
97.6
Miscellaneous
96.2

Crime

Is Columbia, IL a safe place to live?

Columbia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 92 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 102. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
92
Property Crimes Per 100k
980
Crime Index
1,072
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 102

Weather

What is the weather like in Columbia, IL year-round?

Columbia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and cold winters dipping to 23°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
23°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
88°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
40.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $84,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.9%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 35% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$43,500
Household Income
$84,000
Family Income
$98,000
Per Capita Income
$41,200
Income Male
$50,500
Income Female
$38,700
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Non English Speakers
9.4%
Rent
$1,420
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.9%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.1%
Bachelors or More
34.8%

Education

How are the schools in Columbia, IL?

Columbia offers quality education options, with public schools like Columbia High School and Columbia Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Southwestern Illinois College and St. Louis Community College - Meramec. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Columbia High School
Street
1000 S Main St
Phone
618-281-4000
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
15.6
Name
Columbia Middle School
Street
420 N Main St
Phone
618-281-5600
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Immanuel Lutheran School
Street
2901 W Main St
Phone
618-281-2850
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Southwestern Illinois College
City
Belleville
State
IL
Distance
10 miles
Students
7,000
Name
St. Louis Community College - Meramec
City
St. Louis
State
MO
Distance
18 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Columbia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton and Mercy Hospital South nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton
Address
1015 Bowles Ave, Fenton, MO 63026
Phone
(636) 496-2000
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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
73.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbia, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $315,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 82%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Columbia handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services, conveniently located in Springfield. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services
Address
2701 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62723
Phone
1-800-252-8980

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.

FAQs About Moving to Columbia, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Columbia, review the core fields on this page: population 10,900, median home value $315,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,420, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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