City profile
Columbia, SC
The state capital offering very affordable living, Benedict College and Allen University (HBCUs), and Southern charm.
Climate
Climate type
Humid subtropical
Winter avg
46°F
Summer avg
83°F
Sunny days / yr
221
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$220,000
Typical monthly housing
$1,300
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
91
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.57%
- State income tax (top)
- 6.2%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 7.50%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate · county score 93/100
Top hazards: Ice storm, Lightning, Strong wind
Nearest major airport
84 mi to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 67% Democratic / 32% Republican
Demographics (Census ACS)
Population (2024)
139,643
Growth since 2019
+4.8%
Median age
28.6
Residents 65+
13.2%
Median household income
$55,529
Income growth since 2019
+17.4%
Black household income
$41,519
Home ownership
45.5%
Poverty rate
24.0%
Poverty rate, 65+
15.9%
Race & ethnicity: Black 40.1% · White 45.7% · Hispanic 6.2% · Asian 3.2% · Other 4.8%
Crime (per 100,000 residents, 2025)
Violent crime
791 · 140% above the national average
Property crime
3,157 · 103% above the national average
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Columbia Police Department. State average: violent 390, property 1,717.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸SC is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Part of the New Great Migration — a growing Black community in the South
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast)
Highlights
- Very affordable housing
- Two HBCUs in the city
- Low cost of living
- State capital amenities
Trade-offs
- Very hot summers
- Limited nightlife
- Fewer healthcare options than larger cities
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.