Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Columbia, SC
Considering a move to West Columbia, SC? This friendly city of 18,000 offers an affordable cost of living (median home price $210K, average 2-bed rent $1,110) and a short average commute of 21 minutes. You'll enjoy 61% sunny days per year, proximity to quality healthcare at Lexington Medical Center, and easy access to higher education. While crime rates are above the national average, West Columbia features a diverse community, reasonable utility costs, and a laid-back Southern climate—making it a great choice for those seeking value and convenience near Columbia.
Demographics - West Columbia, SC
Demographics - West Columbia, SC
West Columbia is home to around 18,100 residents, featuring a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 years. The city’s population is primarily White and Black, and about 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a blend of backgrounds and cultures.
Population:
18,109
Density:
1,630 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.2%
Black:
26.8%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Columbia, SC?
West Columbia offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $210,000 and average monthly rent for a two-bedroom around $1,110. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious households.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$1,110
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
95.4
Housing:
69.4
Utilities:
100.8
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
96.7
Miscellaneous:
93.3
Crime
Is West Columbia, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in West Columbia are higher than the national average, with a property crime rate of 3,390 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 476 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 210 chance of experiencing violent crime, so it’s wise to stay informed about neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
476
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,390
Crime Index:
3,866
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 210
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in West Columbia, SC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild Southern climate, with winter lows averaging 37°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The city experiences 61% sunny days each year and about 46.5 inches of rainfall, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The typical household in West Columbia earns about $53,100 annually, with a poverty rate of 17.8%. Most adults have completed high school, and average commute times are just over 21 minutes, contributing to a convenient suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,700
Household Income:
$53,100
Family Income:
$64,400
Per Capita Income:
$29,700
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$33,200
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,110
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
26.5%
Education
How are the schools in West Columbia, SC?
West Columbia provides a range of educational options, including public and private schools with competitive student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with Midlands Technical College in town and the University of South Carolina just four miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Brookland-Cayce High School
Street:
1300 State St
Phone:
803-791-5000
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Northside Middle School
Street:
157 Cougar Dr
Phone:
803-739-4190
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
East Point Academy
Street:
1043 Chris Dr
Phone:
803-926-5180
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
University of South Carolina
City:
Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
35,000
Name:
Midlands Technical College
City:
West Columbia
State:
SC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
West Columbia is served by Lexington Medical Center, a major hospital offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and 86.3% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is reliable and convenient.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lexington Medical Center
Address:
2720 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone:
(803) 791-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.3%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Columbia, SC?
The housing market here is accessible, featuring a median home price of $210,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 57.4%. Home values have appreciated by 6.9% in the past year, indicating a stable but growing market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,110
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can manage vehicle and licensing needs at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Columbia. The DMV offers a full suite of services, with information and online resources available through their official website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1630 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone:
803-896-5000
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.