Columbia, MD Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Maryland by population · 18 cities ranked
Columbia is the 2nd largest city in Maryland by population and ranks 5th of 18 for median household income. With 105,871 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 11 other Maryland cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
105,871
48.2% male · 51.8% female
Median Age
39.1
0.4 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$129,173
$50,635 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
63.5%
28.5% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.6%
Poverty Rate
7.4%
5.0% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.6%
Broadband Access
98.1%
8.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$480,300
Median rent: $1,998 · 65% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Labor force participation: 66.3%
Per Capita Income
$68,008
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.5%
Disability rate: 10.5%
How Columbia Compares to Other Maryland Cities
Rankings among all 18 Maryland cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 18 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 5th of 18 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 7th of 18 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 5th of 18 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 18 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Columbia, MD Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbia, MD?
The population of Columbia, MD is 105,871 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.1 years.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, MD is $129,173, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $68,008.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, MD is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Columbia residents have a college degree?
63.5% of adults (25+) in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia, MD is $480,300. Median rent is $1,998 per month, with 65% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Columbia?
Columbia's population is 46.1% White, 29.0% Black, 9.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 11.8% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Columbia rank among Maryland cities?
Columbia is the 2nd largest city in Maryland by population, the 5th highest for median household income, the 7th lowest for poverty rate, the 5th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 18 ranked Maryland cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, MD is 4.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.3%. Per capita income is $68,008.
Cities Similar to Columbia
Other Maryland cities with comparable population and income levels.