City profile
West Columbia, SC
Richland County · Population 17,963
West Columbia is a town in Richland County, SC with about 17,963 residents and a typical home value near $202,000. It is 4 miles from Columbia, SC, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
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
$201,700
Typical monthly housing
$1,188
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
88
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.55%
- 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 91/100
Top hazards: Tornado, Ice storm, Strong wind
Nearest major airport
85 mi to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 66% Democratic / 32% Republican
Community
Population
17,963
Black population
16.2%
County
Richland County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸SC is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast)
Highlights
- About 17,963 residents
- Typical home value about $202,000
- 4 miles from Columbia, SC
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.