Columbia, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,632
14.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,507/yr
12.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,018
18.7% year-over-year change

Columbia population

How many people live in Columbia

Columbia is home to 6,632 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46% of Columbia locals are male, and 54% are female.

Total population
6,632
14.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46%
3,054
Female
54%
3,578
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,054 46% 20.7%
Female 3,578 54% 9.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Columbia is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.6% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
23.6%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,410 21.3% 28.3%
15 to 24 846 12.8% 5.2%
25 to 44 1,567 23.6% 0.3%
45 to 64 1,434 21.6% 30.5%
Over 65 1,375 20.7% 10.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,621 99.8% 14.4%
Non-citizens 11 0.2% 22.2%
Racial breakdown
White
59.8%
Black or African American
35.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
3%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 3,965 59.8%
Black or African American 2,376 35.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 37 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 13 0.2%
Two or more races 201 3%
Other 40 0.6%

Households in Columbia

A peek inside Columbia households

Columbia has 2,445 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.8% are families, while the remaining 41.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,445
22.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,007
Family households
1,438
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,007 41.2% 28.3%
Family households 1,438 58.8% 18.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Columbia

The housing landscape of Columbia

Columbia's housing consists of 3,018 units, with 76.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,018
18.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,301 76.2%
1 unit, attached 14 0.5%
2 units 179 5.9%
3 or 4 units 194 6.4%
5 to 9 units 62 2%
10 to 19 units 70 2.3%
20 to 49 units 125 4.1%
Mobile home 73 2.4%
Homes built since 2020
11
-35.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Columbia

In Columbia, the median construction year is 1969. About 8.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 247 8.2% 3.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 379 12.6% -10.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 310 10.3% 1.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 607 20.1% -8.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 580 19.2% 51.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 444 14.7% 85.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 200 6.6% 41.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 167 5.5% 240.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 73 2.4% -8.8%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.4% -35.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Columbia occupancy rates

Out of the 2,445 occupied housing units in Columbia, 63.4% are owner-occupied, while 36.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,445
22.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
895
Owner occupied
1,550
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 895 36.6% 6.4%
Owner occupied 1,550 63.4% 33.6%
Unoccupied housing units
19.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Columbia housing costs

Housing costs in Columbia come to a median of $701 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $806.

Median housing costs per month
$701/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Columbia
$806/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Columbia

Columbia education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in Columbia went to high school, while 24.1% pursued college studies. Another 11.1% earned an associate degree and 6.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 249 5.1% -25.9%
High school diploma 2,267 46.4% 13.2%
College diploma 1,179 24.1% 6.6%
Associate degree 542 11.1% 11.1%
Bachelor's degree 306 6.3% 24.9%
Graduate degree 347 7.1% 39.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Columbia

How much people earn in Columbia

The average annual household income in Columbia was $47,984 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,507, reflecting a +12.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Columbia
$47,984/year
8.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Columbia
$38,507/year
12.2% year-over-year change

Columbia income by age

In Columbia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $41,062. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $45,332 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $22,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $32,930 in earnings. Overall, 75.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $22,250 1.1%
25 - 44 $41,062 10.5%
45 - 64 $45,332 -0.5%
Over 65 $32,930 8.4%
Above poverty level
4,434
Below poverty level
1,432
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,434 75.6% 14.3%
Below poverty level 1,432 24.4% 21.9%

Average renter income in Columbia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Columbia, their median household income was $19,185 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 50.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,185
Rent-to-income ratio
50.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Columbia

Workforce and job types in Columbia

The job market in Columbia is powered by 2,070 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 71.6% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,070
9.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,451
Blue collar
619
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,451 70.1% 18.7%
Blue collar 619 29.9% -8.3%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
71.6%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 269 13% 92.1%
Private companies 1,481 71.6% 4.2%
Governmental workers 198 9.6% 17.2%
Not for profit companies 122 5.9% -26.9%
Unemployment rate
8.3%
18.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Columbia stands at 8.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Columbia

How people get around in Columbia

In Columbia, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,797 88.3% 9.4%
Walk 64 3.1% 64.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Columbia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39429 16,320 6,252 $46,401 $72,450

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FAQs about Columbia demographics 

What is the total population of Columbia?

Columbia has a total population of 6,632 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +14.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Columbia?

The gender ratio in Columbia is as follows:
  • 46% males (3,054 residents)
  • 54% females (3,578 residents)

What is the median age in Columbia?

The median age in Columbia is 41.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Columbia?

The age distribution in Columbia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (1,410 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (846 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.6% (1,567 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (1,434 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (1,375 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia is as follows:
  • White: 59.8% (3,965 residents)
  • Black or African American: 35.8% (2,376 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (37 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (13 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3% (201 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (40 residents)

What percentage of the population in Columbia are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Columbia.

How many housing units are there in Columbia?

There are 3,018 housing units in Columbia, reflecting a +18.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Columbia and what is the average household size?

Columbia has a total of 2,445 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Columbia?

Columbia has a median household income of $38,507, representing a +12.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Columbia?

The employment rate is 91.7% in Columbia, with a workforce of 2,070 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.1% (1,451 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.9% (619 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (269 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.6% (1,481 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (198 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (122 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025