Columbia, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,088
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,804/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,563
-0.0% year-over-year change

Columbia population

How many people live in Columbia

Columbia is home to 5,088 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Columbia locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
5,088
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
2,458
Female
51.7%
2,630
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,458 48.3% 0.1%
Female 2,630 51.7% 0.7%
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 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.9% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.9%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
23.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 858 16.9% -10.2%
15 to 24 529 10.4% 16.3%
25 to 44 1,142 22.4% -1.0%
45 to 64 1,362 26.8% 0.7%
Over 65 1,198 23.5% 4.3%
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

In Columbia, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,011 98.5% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 54 1.1% -33.3%
Non-citizens 23 0.4% -14.8%
Racial breakdown
White
92.9%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 4,724 92.9%
Black or African American 31 0.6%
Asian 10 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 17 0.3%
Two or more races 274 5.4%
Other 31 0.6%

Households in Columbia

A peek inside Columbia households

Columbia has 2,260 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.4% are families, while the remaining 42.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,260
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
963
Family households
1,297
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 963 42.6% 10.1%
Family households 1,297 57.4% -1.4%
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 2,563 units, with 67.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% 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 7.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,563
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,737 67.8%
1 unit, attached 25 1%
2 units 163 6.4%
3 or 4 units 159 6.2%
5 to 9 units 82 3.2%
10 to 19 units 41 1.6%
20 to 49 units 21 0.8%
50 or more units 134 5.2%
Mobile home 194 7.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
26
-3.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Columbia

In Columbia, the median construction year is 1951. About 49.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,267 49.4% 9.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 135 5.3% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 319 12.4% -6.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 161 6.3% -15.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 233 9.1% -8.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 153 6% -28.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 133 5.2% 12.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 82 3.2% 2.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 55 2.2% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 26 1% -3.7%
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 2,260 occupied housing units in Columbia, 72.9% are owner-occupied, while 27.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,260
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
612
Owner occupied
1,648
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 612 27.1% -3.2%
Owner occupied 1,648 72.9% 5.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.8%
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 $840 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $755.

Median housing costs per month
$840/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
$755/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 39.8% of the population in Columbia went to high school, while 20.2% pursued college studies. Another 15.8% earned an associate degree and 12.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 100 2.5% 61.3%
High school diploma 1,606 39.8% 3.0%
College diploma 816 20.2% -1.1%
Associate degree 640 15.8% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 505 12.5% -1.0%
Graduate degree 373 9.2% 9.4%
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 $84,851 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,804, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Columbia
$84,851/year
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Columbia
$67,804/year
-0.4% 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 $87,622. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,603 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,174, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,142 in earnings. Overall, 85.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,174 6.8%
25 - 44 $87,622 6.0%
45 - 64 $81,603 -2.2%
Over 65 $52,142 6.4%
Above poverty level
4,296
Below poverty level
706
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,296 85.9% 1.9%
Below poverty level 706 14.1% -1.9%

Employment in Columbia

Workforce and job types in Columbia

74.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 59.1% are employed by private companies, and 20% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,733
Blue collar
598
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,733 74.4% 6.3%
Blue collar 598 25.6% -7.6%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
59.1%
Governmental workers
20%
Not for profit companies
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 203 8.7% 18.0%
Private companies 1,377 59.1% -2.8%
Governmental workers 465 20% 11.2%
Not for profit companies 286 12.3% 5.9%

Transportation in Columbia

How people get around in Columbia

In Columbia, the average commute time is 2 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
2 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,968 95.7% -1.2%
Taxicab 2 0.1% 100.0%
Bus or trolleybus 9 0.4% 125.0%
Bicycle 15 0.7% 25.0%
Walk 62 3% 10.7%
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
13439 3,681 1,396 $65,761 $94,194
13491 3,431 1,267 $72,917 $95,042
13407 5,042 2,181 $69,846 $83,757
13357 10,167 4,652 $63,678 $84,191

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FAQs about Columbia demographics 

What is the total population of Columbia?

Columbia has a total population of 5,088 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Columbia?

The gender ratio in Columbia is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (2,458 residents)
  • 51.7% females (2,630 residents)

What is the median age in Columbia?

The median age in Columbia is 42.

What is the age distribution of the population in Columbia?

The age distribution in Columbia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.9% (858 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (529 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (1,142 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (1,362 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.5% (1,198 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia is as follows:
  • White: 92.9% (4,724 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (31 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (10 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (17 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (274 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (31 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Columbia.

How many housing units are there in Columbia?

There are 2,563 housing units in Columbia, reflecting a -0.0% 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 2,260 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Columbia?

Columbia has a median household income of $67,804, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Columbia?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.4% (1,733 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.6% (598 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (203 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.1% (1,377 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20% (465 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.3% (286 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