Columbia, SC Census Data
The 2nd largest city in South Carolina by population · 7 cities ranked
Columbia is the 2nd largest city in South Carolina by population and ranks 7th of 7 for median household income. With 138,019 residents, its poverty rate of 23.3% ranks among the higher rates in South Carolina. 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
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 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%
Per Capita Income
$30,016
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.1%
Disability rate: 12.7%
How Columbia Compares to Other South Carolina Cities
Rankings among all 7 South Carolina cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 7 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 7th of 7 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 7th of 7 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 4th of 7 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 7th of 7 | Bottom 25% |
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).
How does Columbia rank among South Carolina cities?
Columbia is the 2nd largest city in South Carolina by population, the 7th highest for median household income, the 7th lowest for poverty rate, the 4th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 7 ranked South Carolina cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbia?
The unemployment rate in Columbia, SC is 7.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.6%. Per capita income is $30,016.
Cities Similar to Columbia
Other South Carolina cities with comparable population and income levels.