Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia, MD
Thinking of moving to Columbia, MD? With a population of about 105,000, Columbia blends suburban comfort with urban amenities, featuring a median home price of $445,000 and average rent around $1,950. The city enjoys low violent crime rates, highly rated schools, and a well-educated community where 66% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average just over 31 minutes, and residents enjoy a mild climate with 56% sunny days—making Columbia a top choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Columbia, MD
Demographics - Columbia, MD
Columbia, MD is home to over 104,000 residents, offering a diverse community with nearly half identifying as White, a quarter as Black, and a significant Asian population. The median age is just over 39, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals, and about 18% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
104,681
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
49.4%
Black:
25.2%
Asian:
16.3%
Others:
9.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia, MD?
Columbia’s cost of living is above the national average, with a median home value of $445,000 and average rent near $1,950 per month. Residents benefit from moderate utility expenses and Maryland’s state income tax rates, making it a desirable yet premium location in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
Median House Value:
$445,000
Gross Rent:
$1,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,460
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.6
Grocery:
116.3
Housing:
140.5
Utilities:
110.2
Transportation:
115.8
Health Care:
108.4
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Columbia, MD a safe place to live?
Columbia boasts low violent crime rates, with just 156 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for families. While property crime is more common, the overall crime index remains well below national averages, providing peace of mind for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
156
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,183
Crime Index:
1,339
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 641
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia, MD year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 27°F and warm summers peaking near 87°F. Columbia receives about 44 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunshine more than half the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Columbia’s residents are well-educated and affluent, with a median household income of $115,500 and a poverty rate of just over 5%. Commute times average about 31 minutes, and over 66% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, contributing to a vibrant, engaged community.
Median Income:
$57,000
Household Income:
$115,500
Family Income:
$132,000
Per Capita Income:
$51,200
Income Male:
$61,400
Income Female:
$50,700
Poverty Rate:
5.2%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$1,950
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
5.3%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
66.2%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia, MD?
Columbia is known for its excellent schools, including highly rated public and private options as well as proximity to Howard Community College. With a student-to-teacher ratio around 14:1 and over 66% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the city prioritizes educational achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Wilde Lake High School
Street:
5460 Trumpeter Rd
Phone:
410-313-6965
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Hammond Elementary School
Street:
8110 Aladdin Dr
Phone:
410-880-5890
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Columbia Academy
Street:
10350 Old Columbia Rd
Phone:
410-312-7413
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Howard Community College
City:
Columbia
State:
MD
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,200
Name:
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
City:
Baltimore
State:
MD
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
13,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by Howard County General Hospital and a high physician-to-population ratio of 2.9 per 1,000. Nearly 95% of the population is insured, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage and services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Howard County General Hospital
Address:
5755 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044
Phone:
(410) 740-7890
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.7%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia, MD?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $445,000 and a 6.1% appreciation rate over the past year. Homeownership is common, with nearly 67% of residents owning their homes, and the rental market remains stable with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$445,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,950
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Columbia residents are provided by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, conveniently located in nearby Glen Burnie. The MVA offers a full range of licensing and registration services both in-person and online.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
6601 Ritchie Hwy NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
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.