Pennsylvania / Lancaster County

Moving to Columbia, PA

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

Considering a move to Columbia, PA? This welcoming community of 10,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $240,000 and average rents near $1,050. 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 (52% 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, PA

Columbia has a population of 10,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 5% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
10,800
Density
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
89.0%
Black
4.8%
Asian
1.5%
Others
4.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Columbia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.8. Median home values are around $240,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$240,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$640
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
93.8
Grocery
98.1
Housing
87.4
Utilities
101.5
Transportation
96.2
Health Care
101.8
Miscellaneous
94.6

Crime

Is Columbia, PA a safe place to live?

Columbia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 85. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,180
Crime Index
1,390
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 85

Weather

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

Columbia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
24°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $62,000 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 6% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$62,000
Family Income
$74,500
Per Capita Income
$28,900
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$33,500
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
6.8%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
5.6%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
Bachelors or More
20.4%

Education

How are the schools in Columbia, PA?

Columbia offers quality education options, with public schools like Columbia Junior/Senior High School and Park Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and Millersville University of Pennsylvania. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Columbia Junior/Senior High School
Street
901 Ironville Pike
Phone
717-684-7500
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
14.0
Name
Park Elementary School
Street
1093 Maple St
Phone
717-684-7510
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1

Private Schools

Name
St. Peter’s Catholic School
Street
121 S 2nd St
Phone
717-684-6791
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
City
Lancaster
State
PA
Distance
9 miles
Students
2,000
Name
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
City
Millersville
State
PA
Distance
11 miles
Students
7,600

Healthcare

Columbia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital and UPMC Lititz nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbia, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $240,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.6%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Columbia handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Harrisburg. 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
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Address
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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, PA

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 10,800, median home value $240,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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