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 10,222 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $170,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 24 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 10,222 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 80% White, 9% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

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 $170,000 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
$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?

Columbia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 371 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. 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
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 warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The area receives about 43 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
86°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
68°F

Fall

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

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $53,600 and a low poverty rate of 15.6%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 education options, with public schools like Columbia 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 Millersville University and Franklin & Marshall College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

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 2.4 per 1,000 people and 91.7% 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
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
91.7%
Health Care Index
72.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbia, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $170,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 6.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.5%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) - Driver & Vehicle Services, 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 (PennDOT) - Driver & Vehicle Services
Address
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-800-932-4600

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, 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 10,222, median home value $170,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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