Missouri / Boone County

Moving to Columbia, MO

Thinking of making a move to Columbia, MO? 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, MO

Considering a move to Columbia, MO? This welcoming community of 128,555 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $255,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% 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, MO

Columbia has a population of 128,555 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 29 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 73% White, 11% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
128,555
Density
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age
28.6
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.7%

Ethnic Composition

White
73.3%
Black
10.9%
Asian
6.4%
Others
9.4%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Columbia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.5. Median home values are around $255,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$255,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$130
Auto Insurance
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,610
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 1.5%| High: 5.4%
Cost Of Living Index
87.5
Grocery
92.0
Housing
72.4
Utilities
97.6
Transportation
91.0
Health Care
98.2
Miscellaneous
95.5

Crime

Is Columbia, MO a safe place to live?

Columbia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 496 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Missouri.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
496
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,962
Crime Index
3,458
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 202
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

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

Columbia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and cold winters dipping to 21°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
21°F
Max
40°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
88°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,800 and a low poverty rate of 19.4%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 54% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,000
Household Income
$57,800
Family Income
$82,400
Per Capita Income
$32,800
Income Male
$43,900
Income Female
$36,700
Poverty Rate
19.4%
Non English Speakers
8.7%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
17.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.4%
Bachelors or More
54.3%

Education

How are the schools in Columbia, MO?

Columbia offers quality education options, with public schools like Rock Bridge High School and Gentry Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Missouri-Columbia and Columbia College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Rock Bridge High School
Street
4303 S Providence Rd
Phone
573-214-3100
Students
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio
18.5
Name
Gentry Middle School
Street
4200 Bethel St
Phone
573-214-3240
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
15.9

Private Schools

Name
Christian Fellowship School
Street
4600 Christian Fellowship Road
Phone
573-445-8565
Students
330

Colleges

Name
University of Missouri-Columbia
City
Columbia
State
MO
Distance
0 miles
Students
31,000
Name
Columbia College
City
Columbia
State
MO
Distance
0 miles
Students
6,000

Healthcare

Columbia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like University of Missouri Health Care – University Hospital and Boone Hospital Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 90.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
University of Missouri Health Care – University Hospital
Address
1 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65212
Phone
(573) 882-4141
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Boone Hospital Center
Address
1600 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201
Phone
(573) 815-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
90.7%
Health Care Index
78.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbia, MO?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $255,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 47%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.0%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
46.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.7%
New Construction Rate
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.5%

DMV Information

Residents of Columbia handle vehicle services through the Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle & Driver Licensing Division, conveniently located in Jefferson City. 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
Missouri
Department
Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle & Driver Licensing Division
Address
301 West High Street, Room 370, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone
573-526-3669

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, MO

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 128,555, median home value $255,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 17.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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