Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia, SC
Considering a move to Columbia, SC? With a population of 136,632 and a median home price of $212,000, Columbia offers affordable living and a vibrant college town atmosphere. Residents enjoy short 17-minute commutes, a warm climate with 64% sunny days, and a variety of educational options, including the University of South Carolina. While property crime rates are higher than average, Columbia features accessible healthcare, a dynamic downtown, and a cost of living well below the national average—making it a great choice for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Columbia, SC
Demographics - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC is home to around 136,600 residents, with a youthful median age of 28.3 and a diverse community where nearly half identify as White and nearly 40% as Black. The city has a slightly higher female population and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting its blend of cultural backgrounds.
Population:
136,632
Density:
1,010 per sq mi
Median Age:
28.3
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
47.5%
Black:
39.5%
Asian:
2.8%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia, SC?
The cost of living in Columbia is notably affordable, with a median home value of $212,000 and average rents around $1,250 per month. Residents enjoy lower-than-average expenses across most categories, although utility costs run a bit higher, making the city attractive for those seeking value for their money.
Median House Value:
$212,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$143
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,360
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$435
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.5
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
70.3
Utilities:
108.7
Transportation:
86.9
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Columbia, SC a safe place to live?
Columbia experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 148 chance of being involved in a violent crime and a 1 in 24 chance of property crime. While these figures may be a consideration for newcomers, many neighborhoods offer strong community engagement and safety initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
675
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,150
Crime Index:
4,825
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 148
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia, SC year-round?
Columbia boasts a warm climate, featuring mild winters with lows around 36°F and hot summers reaching highs near 92°F. With 64% of days being sunny and over 46 inches of annual rainfall, residents enjoy plenty of sunshine balanced by moderate precipitation.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Typical households in Columbia have a median income of $55,300, with a notable 20% poverty rate and a low unemployment rate of 4%. The community is well-educated, with over 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are a quick 17 minutes.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$55,300
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,800
Income Male:
$39,800
Income Female:
$35,100
Poverty Rate:
20.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
39.2%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia, SC?
Families in Columbia benefit from a range of public and private schools, including A.C. Flora High School and Cardinal Newman School, as well as higher education institutions like the University of South Carolina. The presence of large colleges and a variety of school options make the city attractive for students and lifelong learners alike.

Public Schools
Name:
A.C. Flora High School
Street:
1 Falcon Dr
Phone:
803-738-7300
Students:
1,550
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Crayton Middle School
Street:
5000 Clemson Ave
Phone:
803-738-7224
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Private Schools
Name:
Cardinal Newman School
Street:
2945 Alpine Rd
Phone:
803-782-2814
Students:
750

Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
34,000
Name:
Benedict College
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Columbia offers accessible healthcare with major hospitals like Prisma Health Richland Hospital and Providence Health providing comprehensive services. The city has 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, ensuring most residents have access to medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Address:
5 Richland Medical Park Dr, Columbia, SC 29203
Phone:
(803) 434-7000
Type:
General & Trauma Center
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Providence Health
Address:
2435 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29204
Phone:
(803) 256-5300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.8%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia, SC?
The housing market in Columbia remains favorable, with a median home price of $212,000 and about 47.5% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are plentiful, highlighted by a 7.9% vacancy rate and steady home appreciation, making it a balanced market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$212,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Columbia residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Blythewood. The DMV provides essential services such as driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and more, with information and appointments available through their official website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
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.