Columbia, SC Census Data
Key demographic and economic indicators for Columbia, South Carolina from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-03-23 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
138,019
49.4% male · 50.6% female
Median Age
28.7
10.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$55,653
22,885.0 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
46.1%
11.1 above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.9%
Poverty Rate
23.3%
10.9 above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 8.1%
Broadband Access
96.5%
6.8 above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$243,500
Median rent: $1,158 · 47% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.6%
Labor force participation: 54.6%
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Columbia, SC Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbia, SC?
The population of Columbia, SC is 138,019 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 28.7 years.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, SC is $55,653, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $30,016.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia?
The poverty rate in Columbia, SC is 23.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 8.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Columbia residents have a college degree?
46.1% of adults (25+) in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.9% 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, SC is $243,500. Median rent is $1,158 per month, with 47% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Columbia?
Columbia's population is 49.9% White, 39.5% Black, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).