Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbia, WA
Considering a move to Columbia, WA? This quiet rural town of just 220 residents offers scenic charm, affordable living, and a close-knit community. With median home prices around $420,000 and average rents near $1,050, housing remains accessible. Crime rates are low, and the area boasts mild summers, over 50% sunny days, and easy access to healthcare and outdoor activities. Commute times are short, and local schools provide quality education, making Columbia a peaceful spot for those seeking a slower pace of life in northwest Washington.
Demographics - Columbia, WA
Demographics - Columbia, WA
Columbia, WA is a small rural community with about 220 residents, a median age of 48.2 years, and a population density of 580 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with over 92% of residents identifying as such, and features a slightly higher number of males than females. A modest percentage of households speak a language other than English, reflecting a close-knit and relatively homogeneous population.
Population:
220
Density:
580 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbia, WA?
Living in Columbia is moderately affordable, with a cost of living index of 113.4—slightly above the national average. The median home value is around $420,000 and the average rent is $1,050, offering accessible housing options for many. Utilities and healthcare costs are close to national averages, while state taxes range from 0% to 9%, making budgeting straightforward for new residents.
Median House Value:
$420,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
113.4
Grocery:
109.6
Housing:
118.2
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
106.2
Health Care:
103.8
Miscellaneous:
100.7
Crime
Is Columbia, WA a safe place to live?
Columbia experiences low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,150 per 100,000. The chances of being a victim of violent crime are about 1 in 833, reflecting a generally safe environment. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this quiet community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 833
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbia, WA year-round?
Columbia features mild and comfortable weather, with summer highs around 75°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 34°F. The area receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 52% of the year. This climate supports year-round outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
75°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $70,800 and a family income of $79,400, with a poverty rate of just 8.3%. Most residents are highly educated, as over 95% have completed high school and nearly a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Columbia's small-town atmosphere and low unemployment rate contribute to a stable and friendly neighborhood feel.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$70,800
Family Income:
$79,400
Per Capita Income:
$34,200
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
28.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
32.1%
Education
How are the schools in Columbia, WA?
Columbia offers quality education through Edison Elementary School, which has a low student-teacher ratio of 15.1, ensuring personalized attention. Families benefit from proximity to higher education, with Skagit Valley College just 14 miles away and Western Washington University 24 miles away. While there are no private schools in town, the public and nearby collegiate options provide strong educational opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Edison Elementary School
Street:
5831 Main St, Bow, WA 98232
Phone:
360-766-4935
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Colleges
Name:
Skagit Valley College
City:
Mount Vernon
State:
WA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
4,500
Name:
Western Washington University
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to nearby hospitals such as United General Medical Center and Skagit Valley Hospital, both offering emergency and surgical services. The community enjoys solid healthcare access, with 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% of residents covered by health insurance. Columbia’s healthcare index of 77.2 indicates reliable and accessible medical care for locals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
United General Medical Center
Address:
2000 Hospital Dr, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Phone:
(360) 856-6021
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Skagit Valley Hospital
Address:
1415 E Kincaid St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Phone:
(360) 424-4111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbia, WA?
The housing market in Columbia is stable, with a median home price of $420,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Owner-occupied homes make up 73.5% of the market, and the area has a low 0.4% foreclosure rate. Home values have appreciated by 5.6% over the past year, reflecting steady growth and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$420,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing needs in Columbia are managed by the Washington Department of Licensing, located in Olympia. Residents can access services online or by phone, making it convenient to handle registrations, licenses, and other DMV-related tasks. The state’s main DMV office is easily reachable for any in-person requirements.
State:
Washington
Department:
WA Department of Licensing
Address:
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone:
360-902-3900
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.