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 $212,000 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (64% 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 28 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 48% White, 40% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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 higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.5. Median home values are around $212,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 675 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 24. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 64% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
71°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
76°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
64%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $55,300 and a low poverty rate of 20.2%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Columbia offers quality education options, with public schools like A.C. Flora High School and Crayton 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 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
1,550
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Prisma Health Richland Hospital and Providence Health nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 87.8% 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 & 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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $212,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.9%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

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 $212,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 17.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 64%.

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