Columbia City, Seattle, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,458
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$104,771/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,588
3.4% year-over-year change

Columbia City population

How many people live in Columbia City

Columbia City is home to 6,458 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Columbia City locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
6,458
2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
3,263
Female
49.5%
3,195
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,263 50.5% 2.2%
Female 3,195 49.5% 2.4%
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 City is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.8% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
38
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
33.8%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,138 17.6% 2.0%
15 to 24 635 9.8% 1.6%
25 to 44 2,185 33.8% 5.6%
45 to 64 1,585 24.5% -1.3%
Over 65 915 14.2% 1.8%
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 City, 68.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 38.6% of locals are Caucasian, 18.4% are African American and 25.9% have Asian roots. Another 1.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.3%
Non-citizens
11.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,426 68.6% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,309 20.3% 2.4%
Non-citizens 722 11.2% 4.2%
Racial breakdown
White
38.6%
Black or African American
18.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
25.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10%
Other
5.4%
Value Percent
White 2,490 38.6%
Black or African American 1,191 18.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 102 1.6%
Asian 1,675 25.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 7 0.1%
Two or more races 644 10%
Other 349 5.4%

Households in Columbia City

A peek inside Columbia City households

Columbia City has 2,428 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.7% are families, while the remaining 37.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,428
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
905
Family households
1,523
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 905 37.3% 2.6%
Family households 1,523 62.7% 4.0%
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 City

The housing landscape of Columbia City

Columbia City's housing consists of 2,588 units, with 59.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 9.2% 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 0.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,588
3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,541 59.6%
1 unit, attached 238 9.2%
2 units 42 1.6%
3 or 4 units 107 4.1%
5 to 9 units 85 3.3%
10 to 19 units 112 4.3%
20 to 49 units 168 6.5%
50 or more units 287 11.1%
Mobile home 3 0.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
90
130.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Columbia City

In Columbia City, the median construction year is 1968. About 18.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 475 18.4% -6.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 216 8.4% 3.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 347 13.4% 2.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 311 12% 7.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 176 6.8% -9.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 144 5.6% -5.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 186 7.2% 14.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 305 11.8% -4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 336 13% 17.1%
Built in 2020 or later 90 3.5% 130.8%
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 City occupancy rates

Out of the 2,428 occupied housing units in Columbia City, 57.2% are owner-occupied, while 42.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,428
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,038
Owner occupied
1,390
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,038 42.8% 3.8%
Owner occupied 1,390 57.2% 3.3%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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 City housing costs

Housing costs in Columbia City come to a median of $2,000 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,652.

Median housing costs per month
$2,000/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 City
$1,652/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 City

Columbia City education at a glance

About 24.3% of the population in Columbia City went to high school, while 13.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 30.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 321 6.3% -0.3%
High school diploma 1,244 24.3% -0.1%
College diploma 704 13.8% -11.0%
Associate degree 340 6.6% -3.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,542 30.1% 11.7%
Graduate degree 970 18.9% 5.3%
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 City

How much people earn in Columbia City

The average annual household income in Columbia City was $143,515 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $104,771, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Columbia City
$143,515/year
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Columbia City
$104,771/year
4.8% year-over-year change

Columbia City income by age

In Columbia City, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $141,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $113,146 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,922, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,968 in earnings. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,922 11.4%
25 - 44 $141,750 7.6%
45 - 64 $113,146 8.1%
Over 65 $68,968 16.6%
Above poverty level
5,490
Below poverty level
809
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,490 87.2% 2.5%
Below poverty level 809 12.8% -0.1%

Employment in Columbia City

Workforce and job types in Columbia City

86.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.1% run their own businesses, 62.9% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
3,055
Blue collar
492
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,055 86.1% 3.9%
Blue collar 492 13.9% -3.1%
Employer type
Self employees
11.1%
Private companies
62.9%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 393 11.1% 2.3%
Private companies 2,230 62.9% 5.0%
Governmental workers 531 15% -5.5%
Not for profit companies 392 11% 3.2%

Transportation in Columbia City

How people get around in Columbia City

Commuting methods vary: 83.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,849 83.9% -0.7%
Taxicab 5 0.2% 25.0%
Bus or trolleybus 226 10.3% -5.8%
Railroad 1 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 5 0.2% -54.5%
Bicycle 32 1.4% -11.1%
Walk 85 3.9% 73.5%
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 City by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98108 25,529 9,016 $95,780 $137,245
98118 50,500 19,176 $113,762 $157,800

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FAQs about Columbia City demographics 

What is the total population of Columbia City?

Columbia City has a total population of 6,458 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 +2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Columbia City?

The gender ratio in Columbia City is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (3,263 residents)
  • 49.5% females (3,195 residents)

What is the median age in Columbia City?

The median age in Columbia City is 38.

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

The age distribution in Columbia City is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (1,138 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (635 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.8% (2,185 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (1,585 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (915 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbia City is as follows:
  • White: 38.6% (2,490 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.4% (1,191 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (102 residents)
  • Asian: 25.9% (1,675 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (644 residents)
  • Other: 5.4% (349 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.6% of the population in Columbia City.

How many housing units are there in Columbia City?

There are 2,588 housing units in Columbia City, reflecting a +3.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Columbia City has a total of 2,428 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Columbia City?

Columbia City has a median household income of $104,771, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Columbia City?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.1% (3,055 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.9% (492 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.1% (393 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.9% (2,230 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (531 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11% (392 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