Columbia County, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
65,362
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,644/yr
4.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
29,824
0.2% year-over-year change

Columbia County population

How many people live in Columbia County

Columbia County is home to 65,362 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Columbia County locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
65,362
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
31,643
Female
51.6%
33,719
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,643 48.4% 0.5%
Female 33,719 51.6% 0.4%
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 County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.2% are children under 15, then 18.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.2% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
18.4%
25 to 44
22.2%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
20.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,311 14.2% 0.5%
15 to 24 12,040 18.4% 0.8%
25 to 44 14,510 22.2% 2.6%
45 to 64 16,207 24.8% -2.0%
Over 65 13,294 20.3% 1.0%
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 County, 96.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 63,203 96.7% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,594 2.4% -0.1%
Non-citizens 565 0.9% 14.8%
Racial breakdown
White
91.4%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 59,749 91.4%
Black or African American 1,184 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 134 0.2%
Asian 485 0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 121 0.2%
Two or more races 3,157 4.8%
Other 532 0.8%

Households in Columbia County

A peek inside Columbia County households

Columbia County has 26,350 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60% are families, while the remaining 40% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
26,350
1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,550
Family households
15,800
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,550 40% 5.0%
Family households 15,800 60% -0.1%
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 County

The housing landscape of Columbia County

Columbia County's housing consists of 29,824 units, with 69.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.3% 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 8.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
29,824
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 20,648 69.2%
1 unit, attached 1,875 6.3%
2 units 1,250 4.2%
3 or 4 units 1,360 4.6%
5 to 9 units 532 1.8%
10 to 19 units 411 1.4%
20 to 49 units 877 2.9%
50 or more units 420 1.4%
Mobile home 2,403 8.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 48 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
157
106.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Columbia County

In Columbia County, the median construction year is 1970. About 24.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,278 24.4% -3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,798 6% 10.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,539 8.5% -5.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,269 11% -0.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,371 18% -0.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,281 11% -2.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,635 8.8% 2.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,977 6.6% 6.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,519 5.1% 12.9%
Built in 2020 or later 157 0.5% 106.6%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 26,350 occupied housing units in Columbia County, 69.5% are owner-occupied, while 30.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
26,350
1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,037
Owner occupied
18,313
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,037 30.5% 5.0%
Owner occupied 18,313 69.5% 0.5%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Columbia County come to a median of $901 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $943.

Median housing costs per month
$901/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 County
$943/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 County

Columbia County education at a glance

About 49% of the population in Columbia County went to high school, while 19% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 14.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 911 1.7% -21.4%
High school diploma 26,420 49% 0.7%
College diploma 10,246 19% -2.4%
Associate degree 3,642 6.8% -4.8%
Bachelor's degree 7,895 14.6% 5.3%
Graduate degree 4,765 8.8% 9.7%
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 County

How much people earn in Columbia County

The average annual household income in Columbia County was $81,045 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,644, reflecting a +4.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Columbia County
$81,045/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Columbia County
$64,644/year
4.3% year-over-year change

Columbia County income by age

In Columbia County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,401. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $78,358 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,523, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,596 in earnings. Overall, 86.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,523 -2.4%
25 - 44 $82,401 3.9%
45 - 64 $78,358 3.3%
Over 65 $42,596 2.5%
Above poverty level
52,600
Below poverty level
8,398
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 52,600 86.2% 2.8%
Below poverty level 8,398 13.8% -11.0%

Employment in Columbia County

Workforce and job types in Columbia County

The job market in Columbia County is powered by 30,712 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.9% run their own businesses, 66% are employed by private companies, and 13.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
30,712
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
22,249
Blue collar
8,463
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 22,249 72.4% 4.7%
Blue collar 8,463 27.6% -5.1%
Employer type
Self employees
7.9%
Private companies
66%
Governmental workers
13.4%
Not for profit companies
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,429 7.9% -5.6%
Private companies 20,278 66% 1.7%
Governmental workers 4,102 13.4% 0.7%
Not for profit companies 3,903 12.7% 8.7%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
10.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Columbia County stands at 6%, 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 County

How people get around in Columbia County

In Columbia County, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
0.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 25,110 82.8% -1.7%
Taxicab 25 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 28 0.1% -69.9%
Motorcycle 17 0.1% 21.4%
Bicycle 85 0.3% 844.4%
Walk 983 3.2% 7.5%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
17814 4,669 1,924 $65,089 $83,981
17815 29,790 11,386 $67,510 $82,853
17820 5,499 2,312 $67,685 $88,527
17859 2,701 1,051 $75,515 $86,459
17888 446 174 $0 $89,570
17920 246 118 $0 $77,264
17878 1,488 560 $68,125 $114,013
17945 133 121 $24,813 $27,845
17824 3,949 1,668 $118,176 $121,654
17846 3,621 1,416 $66,591 $89,341

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FAQs about Columbia County demographics 

What is the total population of Columbia County?

Columbia County has a total population of 65,362 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Columbia County?

The gender ratio in Columbia County is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (31,643 residents)
  • 51.6% females (33,719 residents)

What is the median age in Columbia County?

The median age in Columbia County is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in Columbia County?

The age distribution in Columbia County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.2% (9,311 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.4% (12,040 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.2% (14,510 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (16,207 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.3% (13,294 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia County is as follows:
  • White: 91.4% (59,749 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (1,184 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (134 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (485 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (121 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (3,157 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (532 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.7% of the population in Columbia County.

How many housing units are there in Columbia County?

There are 29,824 housing units in Columbia County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Columbia County has a total of 26,350 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Columbia County?

Columbia County has a median household income of $64,644, representing a +4.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Columbia County, with a workforce of 30,712 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.4% (22,249 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.6% (8,463 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.9% (2,429 residents)
  • Private companies: 66% (20,278 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.4% (4,102 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.7% (3,903 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