South Carolina / Richland County

Moving to Columbia, SC

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

Considering a move to Columbia, SC? This welcoming community of 136,632 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $245,000 and average rents near $1,200. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% 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, SC

Columbia has a population of 136,632 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 30 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 41% White, 44% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
136,632
Density
1,160 per sq mi
Median Age
29.6
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
40.7%
Black
44.1%
Asian
3.5%
Others
11.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Columbia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.7. Median home values are around $245,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$245,000
Gross Rent
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 6.4%
Cost Of Living Index
89.7
Grocery
95.8
Housing
77.6
Utilities
103.2
Transportation
96.4
Health Care
97.1
Miscellaneous
90.5

Crime

Is Columbia, SC a safe place to live?

Columbia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,120 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 23. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in South Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,120
Property Crimes Per 100k
4,320
Crime Index
5,440
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 89
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 23

Weather

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

Columbia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 38°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
38°F
Max
59°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
55°F
Max
78°F

Fall

Min
54°F
Max
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,200 and a low poverty rate of 20.4%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 38% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,500
Household Income
$61,200
Family Income
$78,900
Per Capita Income
$29,400
Income Male
$43,000
Income Female
$36,200
Poverty Rate
20.4%
Non English Speakers
9.1%
Rent
$1,200
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
4.9%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.6%
Bachelors or More
37.8%

Education

How are the schools in Columbia, SC?

Columbia offers quality education options, with public schools like A.C. Flora High School, Dreher High School, and Hand Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of South Carolina, Allen University, and Benedict College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
A.C. Flora High School
Street
1 Falcon Dr
Phone
803-738-7300
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
Dreher High School
Street
3319 Millwood Ave
Phone
803-738-7300
Students
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2
Name
Hand Middle School
Street
6100 Two Notch Rd
Phone
803-738-7080
Students
950
Student Teacher Ratio
14.7

Private Schools

Name
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
Street
3000 South Beltline Blvd
Phone
803-253-7525
Students
900
Name
Ben Lippen School
Street
8500 Broad River Rd
Phone
803-807-4135
Students
1,200

Colleges

Name
University of South Carolina
City
Columbia
State
SC
Distance
0 miles
Students
35,000
Name
Allen University
City
Columbia
State
SC
Distance
1 mile
Students
600
Name
Benedict College
City
Columbia
State
SC
Distance
1 mile
Students
2,000

Healthcare

Columbia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Prisma Health Richland Hospital, Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, and Lexington Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 88.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Address
5 Richland Medical Park Dr, Columbia, SC 29203
Phone
(803) 434-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
Address
2740 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205
Phone
(803) 296-5011
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lexington Medical Center
Address
2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone
(803) 791-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
88.7%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbia, SC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $245,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 50%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate
49.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Columbia handle vehicle services through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Blythewood. 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
South Carolina
Department
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
Phone
1-803-896-5000

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, SC

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 136,632, median home value $245,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,200, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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