Columbia, MO Census Data
The 4th largest city in Missouri by population · 13 cities ranked
Columbia is the 4th largest city in Missouri by population and ranks 8th of 13 for median household income. With 127,200 residents, its poverty rate of 20.0% ranks among the higher rates in Missouri. 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
127,200
48.1% male · 51.9% female
Median Age
29.2
9.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$64,488
$14,050 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
56.5%
21.5% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.3%
Poverty Rate
20.0%
7.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.4%
Broadband Access
97.3%
7.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$268,300
Median rent: $1,067 · 49% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Labor force participation: 62.9%
Per Capita Income
$35,767
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.7%
Disability rate: 11.9%
How Columbia Compares to Other Missouri Cities
Rankings among all 13 Missouri cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 13 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 8th of 13 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 13th of 13 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 1st of 13 | Top 10% |
| Highest Home Value | 4th of 13 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Columbia, MO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbia, MO?
The population of Columbia, MO is 127,200 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 29.2 years.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, MO is $64,488, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,767.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, MO is 20.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.4% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Columbia residents have a college degree?
56.5% of adults (25+) in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.3% 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, MO is $268,300. Median rent is $1,067 per month, with 49% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Columbia?
Columbia's population is 74.3% White, 12.1% Black, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Columbia rank among Missouri cities?
Columbia is the 4th largest city in Missouri by population, the 8th highest for median household income, the 13th lowest for poverty rate, the 1st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 13 ranked Missouri cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, MO is 3.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 62.9%. Per capita income is $35,767.
Cities Similar to Columbia
Other Missouri cities with comparable population and income levels.