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Columbia, SC

Capital and USC home — leafy southern college vibe.

affordableeducatedfour-seasons
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Population
138,019
+0.93% YoY
Median rent
$1,100/mo
Median home
$220k
Sunny days/yr
222
School rating
6/10
Walk score
40/100

Demographics

Historic trends & YoY changes

See race trends back to 2020, population over time and YoY growth per group.

Diversity index: 0.591/100

Job market

Median income$55,653
Unemployment3.4%
Job growth (yoy)1.2%

Top industries

GovernmentEducationHealthcare

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Walk & schools

School Rating

6/10

Based on public school performance, graduation rates, and college readiness.

Walk score40/100
Transit score21/100
Bike score50/100

Walk, Transit & Bike scores out of 100 (higher = more accessible). School rating out of 10.

Climate

Sun days scaled ÷10 for readability.

Safety

Violent crime index8
Property crime index55

Lower is safer (US avg ≈ 22 violent / 35 property).

Cost of living

COL index93

100 = US national average. Below average.

Best time to visit

Prime months

Mar–Apr–May, Sep–Oct–Nov

Shoulder
Jun, Aug
Skip
Jul–Aug (humidity)
Sun
Plenty of sun
Rain
Moderate rainfall

Summers average 93°F, winters 46°F. moderate rainfall; plenty of sun.

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Full city report

Who Columbia is best for — and the honest tradeoffs

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Job Match Finder

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