Washington / King County

Moving to Columbia, WA

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

Considering a move to Columbia, WA? This welcoming community of 695 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $625,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% 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, WA

Columbia has a population of 695 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 64% White, 3% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
695
Density
1,750 per sq mi
Median Age
41.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
64.0%
Black
3.0%
Asian
6.5%
Others
26.5%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Columbia is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 127.4. Median home values are around $625,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,850. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$625,000
Gross Rent
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges
$142
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
127.4
Grocery
105.8
Housing
158.0
Utilities
107.6
Transportation
113.2
Health Care
107.9
Miscellaneous
110.5

Crime

Is Columbia, WA a safe place to live?

Columbia is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 51. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,980
Crime Index
2,190
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 51

Weather

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

Columbia experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 16 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
57°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
15.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $83,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$62,000
Household Income
$83,500
Family Income
$91,000
Per Capita Income
$34,500
Income Male
$58,000
Income Female
$44,500
Poverty Rate
10.8%
Non English Speakers
18.5%
Rent
$1,850
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
24.6 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.0%
Bachelors or More
29.5%

Education

How are the schools in Columbia, WA?

Columbia offers quality education options, with public schools like Columbia-Burbank High School and Columbia-Burbank Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Columbia Basin College and Washington State University Tri-Cities. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Columbia-Burbank High School
Street
989 Douglas Ave
Phone
509-547-5851
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1
Name
Columbia-Burbank Middle School
Street
1600 Lakeview Dr
Phone
509-547-4741
Students
320
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Patrick Catholic School
Street
1498 Columbia Park Trail
Phone
509-586-0210
Students
210

Colleges

Name
Columbia Basin College
City
Pasco
State
WA
Distance
12 miles
Students
6,500
Name
Washington State University Tri-Cities
City
Richland
State
WA
Distance
22 miles
Students
1,800

Healthcare

Columbia residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Trios Southridge Hospital and Lourdes Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Trios Southridge Hospital
Address
3810 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA 99338
Phone
(509) 946-4611
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lourdes Medical Center
Address
520 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Phone
(509) 546-2222
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbia, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $625,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 73%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Columbia offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$625,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Columbia handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. 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
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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, WA

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 695, median home value $625,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 24.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

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