Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia, PA
Considering a move to Columbia, PA? With a cozy population of just over 10,000, Columbia offers affordable living, with median home prices around $170,000 and average rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy a short 24-minute average commute, moderate crime rates, and access to reputable schools and healthcare nearby. Abundant historic charm, a friendly community, and four-season Pennsylvania weather make Columbia a great option for those seeking comfort and value in a small-town setting.
Demographics - Columbia, PA
Demographics - Columbia, PA
Columbia, PA is home to about 10,200 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37.8, reflecting a diverse small-town community. The population is predominantly White, with Black, Asian, and other groups contributing to its cultural mix. Around 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the town's inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
10,222
Density:
4,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.2%
Black:
8.7%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
10.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia, PA?
Columbia offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $170,000 and average rent at $1,050. Utility and transportation costs are in line with national averages, while groceries and healthcare remain reasonably priced. The town's cost of living index is 90.4, making it a budget-friendly choice in Pennsylvania.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.4
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
100.2
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Columbia, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Columbia are moderate for the region, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 51 and violent crime at 1 in 270. The overall crime index suggests residents enjoy a generally safe environment, though it's wise to take standard precautions. The town’s supportive community atmosphere contributes to its sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
371
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,321
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 270
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia, PA year-round?
Columbia experiences four distinct seasons, with pleasant summers reaching highs of 86°F and winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 43 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 52% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate varied weather. Residents can look forward to colorful springs and falls along the Susquehanna River.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
64°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Columbia's residents typically earn a median household income of $53,600, with a poverty rate of 15.6%. Most locals commute about 24 minutes to work, and the community boasts an 86.7% high school graduation rate. The neighborhood is close-knit, with affordable rent and a low unemployment rate of 4.7%.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$53,600
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,700
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$32,200
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia, PA?
Columbia offers quality public and private school options, with public schools providing low student-teacher ratios and serving the local community well. Families benefit from proximity to higher education, as Millersville University and Franklin & Marshall College are both less than 10 miles away. Educational attainment is strong, with nearly 87% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Columbia High School
Street:
901 Ironville Pike
Phone:
717-684-7500
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Park Elementary School
Street:
50 S 6th St
Phone:
717-684-2255
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School
Street:
404 Cherry St
Phone:
717-684-2433
Students:
220

Colleges
Name:
Millersville University
City:
Millersville
State:
PA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,800
Name:
Franklin & Marshall College
City:
Lancaster
State:
PA
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Columbia is easily accessible, with major hospitals like Penn Medicine Lancaster General and UPMC Lititz nearby. The town has 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.7%. Residents can expect reliable emergency services and a solid healthcare infrastructure.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital
Address:
555 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone:
(717) 544-5511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UPMC Lititz
Address:
1500 Highlands Dr, Lititz, PA 17543
Phone:
(717) 625-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
72.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia, PA?
Columbia's housing market is both affordable and stable, featuring a median home price of $170,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a modest home appreciation rate of 6.6% over the past year. Rental vacancies remain low, reflecting consistent demand in this welcoming community.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Columbia handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), located in Harrisburg. PennDOT offers comprehensive driver and vehicle services both online and in-person. The agency is accessible by phone and maintains a user-friendly website for routine transactions.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) - Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
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.