Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia, TN
Considering Columbia, TN for your next home? With a population of just over 43,000, Columbia offers affordable living—median home prices hover around $315,000 and average rents are about $1,280. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 61% sunny days, an average commute of 27 minutes, and access to quality healthcare at Maury Regional Medical Center. While crime rates are higher than average, the city is known for its welcoming Southern charm, strong local schools, and a vibrant historic downtown.
Demographics - Columbia, TN
Demographics - Columbia, TN
Columbia, TN is home to approximately 43,000 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37.4 years. The city has a diverse population, with nearly 18% identifying as Black and over 6% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This blend contributes to a welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere.
Population:
43,089
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.4
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.9%
Black:
17.7%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
7.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia, TN?
Living in Columbia is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $315,000. Average rents are about $1,280 per month, and residents benefit from low state income taxes. Utility and transportation costs are reasonable, making the city attractive for families and newcomers.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,215
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
4.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.5
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
75.8
Utilities:
97.9
Transportation:
90.4
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Columbia, TN a safe place to live?
Columbia experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 227 chance of being affected by violent crime and more frequent property crime. While these rates warrant attention, many residents find that the city's community spirit and proactive local policing efforts help foster a sense of safety. Newcomers are advised to research neighborhoods and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
441
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,985
Crime Index:
3,426
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 227
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia, TN year-round?
Columbia boasts a mild climate with warm summers reaching up to 89°F and winters rarely dipping below 29°F. The area enjoys 61% sunny days annually and receives about 54 inches of rainfall, supporting lush green landscapes. Residents can expect pleasant seasons ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Columbia typically earn a median income of just under $60,000, with a low unemployment rate around 3.3%. The city maintains a strong sense of community, with most residents commuting about 27 minutes and a poverty rate near 14%. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 88% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$33,780
Household Income:
$59,750
Family Income:
$70,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$47,500
Income Female:
$36,100
Poverty Rate:
14.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$1,280
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.6%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia, TN?
Columbia supports strong educational opportunities, featuring public schools like Columbia Central High and Whitthorne Middle, as well as several private and post-secondary institutions. Columbia State Community College offers local higher education for about 6,000 students, enhancing workforce development. The city's schools are known for their commitment to quality learning environments.
Public Schools
Name:
Columbia Central High School
Street:
921 Lion Pkwy
Phone:
931-381-2220
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0
Name:
Whitthorne Middle School
Street:
915 Lion Pkwy
Phone:
931-388-2558
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Private Schools
Name:
Agathos Classical School
Street:
1201 Mapleash Ave
Phone:
931-388-0556
Students:
160
Colleges
Name:
Columbia State Community College
City:
Columbia
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,000
Name:
Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Pulaski
City:
Pulaski
State:
TN
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
900
Healthcare
Columbia offers convenient access to quality healthcare, anchored by Maury Regional Medical Center which provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city has about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 89% health insurance coverage. This ensures that residents can access essential medical care locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maury Regional Medical Center
Address:
1224 Trotwood Ave, Columbia, TN 38401
Phone:
(931) 381-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia, TN?
The housing market in Columbia is stable, with a median home price of $315,000 and home values appreciating at over 5% annually. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain accessible with average rents at $1,280 for a two-bedroom. Foreclosure rates are low, reflecting a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Columbia residents are served by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security for driver services, with the nearest full-service location in nearby Nashville. The DMV provides accessible licensing, registration, and vehicle services, and information is readily available online. Appointments and contact options help streamline the process for newcomers.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
1150 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone:
1-866-849-3548
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.