Moving to Columbia, SC: Everything You Should Know First
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
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
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
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
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
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
Neighbors
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%
Education
High School or Higher:
91.6%
Bachelors or More:
39.2%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
17.4 minutes
Education
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
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
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
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
Website: