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 126,254 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $295,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% 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 126,254 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 27 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 72% White, 12% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
126,254
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
27.2
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
71.8%
Black
11.5%
Asian
6.2%
Others
10.5%

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 90.4. Median home values are around $295,000 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
$295,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$540
State Taxes
Low: 1.5%| High: 5.4%
Cost Of Living Index
90.4
Grocery
94.1
Housing
82.5
Utilities
98.0
Transportation
92.3
Health Care
94.8
Miscellaneous
91.2

Crime

Is Columbia, MO a safe place to live?

Columbia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 405 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. 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
405
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
2,825
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 247
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

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

Columbia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
42°F

Summer

Min
67°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
69°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $63,800 and a low poverty rate of 19.1%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 44% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$32,500
Household Income
$63,800
Family Income
$88,400
Per Capita Income
$29,600
Income Male
$44,000
Income Female
$35,500
Poverty Rate
19.1%
Non English Speakers
12.8%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Public Transport Usage
4.8%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.2%
Bachelors or More
43.5%

Education

How are the schools in Columbia, MO?

Columbia offers quality education options, with public schools like Rock Bridge High School, Hickman High School, and Jefferson Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Missouri, Stephens College, 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
1,650
Student Teacher Ratio
16.1
Name
Hickman High School
Street
1104 N Providence Rd
Phone
573-214-3000
Students
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4
Name
Jefferson Middle School
Street
1201 N Garth Ave
Phone
573-214-3400
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
Lourdes School
Street
915 Fairview Rd
Phone
573-445-3175
Students
340
Name
Christian Fellowship School
Street
4600 Christian Fellowship Rd
Phone
573-445-8565
Students
520

Colleges

Name
University of Missouri
City
Columbia
State
MO
Distance
0 miles
Students
31,000
Name
Stephens College
City
Columbia
State
MO
Distance
1 mile
Students
650
Name
Columbia College
City
Columbia
State
MO
Distance
1 mile
Students
6,000

Healthcare

Columbia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like University of Missouri Health Care, Boone Hospital Center, and Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 90.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
University of Missouri Health Care
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
Name
Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
Address
800 Hospital Dr, Columbia, MO 65201
Phone
(573) 814-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
90.1%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbia, MO?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $295,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Columbia handle vehicle services through the Missouri Department of Revenue - Driver License Bureau, 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 - Driver License Bureau
Address
301 West High Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone
(573) 751-4600

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 126,254, median home value $295,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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