Columbia, SC Metro Area

Columbia, SC · Metro Area

849,181Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 6 counties (2 central, 4 outlying), part of the Columbia-Sumter-Orangeburg, SC combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income: $68,359
Median home value: $232,400
Land area: 3,703 sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

County	Role	Population	Median income	Median home value
Richland County, SC	Central	422,117	$63,784	$242,800
Lexington County, SC	Central	304,887	$77,408	$234,500
Kershaw County, SC	Outlying	68,314	$68,231	$217,100
Fairfield County, SC	Outlying	20,550	$47,885	$151,200
Saluda County, SC	Outlying	19,131	$51,009	$146,500
Calhoun County, SC	Outlying	14,182	$58,682	$172,100

Largest cities and towns

42 places in our city pages lie in this area; the 25 largest are shown.

Place	Type	Population	Median income
Columbia, SC	City	139,643	$55,529
Lexington, SC	Town	24,585	$87,126
St. Andrews, SC	CDP	19,868	$46,511
West Columbia, SC	City	17,963	$56,912
Seven Oaks, SC	CDP	15,921	$62,955
Dentsville, SC	CDP	15,209	$45,473
Cayce, SC	City	13,741	$62,045
Oak Grove, SC	CDP	12,256	$74,554
Irmo, SC	Town	11,813	$80,489
Red Bank, SC	CDP	11,314	$68,004
Forest Acres, SC	City	10,530	$78,306
Lugoff, SC	CDP	9,786	$69,485
Woodfield, SC	CDP	9,465	$45,526
Camden, SC	City	8,267	$63,576
Lake Murray of Richland, SC	CDP	7,023	$119,107
Blythewood, SC	Town	5,731	$94,167
Batesburg-Leesville, SC	Town	4,941	$49,646
Winnsboro, SC	Town	3,322	$37,434
Saluda, SC	Town	3,055	$42,506
Springdale, SC	Town	2,742	$77,722
Pine Ridge, SC	Town	2,596	$95,000
Elgin, SC	Town	2,080	$91,667
South Congaree, SC	Town	2,075	$59,539
Hopkins, SC	CDP	1,985	$50,063
Gaston, SC	Town	1,803	$60,000

Also in the Columbia-Sumter-Orangeburg, SC combined area

Sumter, SC · metro · 104,725 Orangeburg, SC · micro · 83,253 Newberry, SC · micro · 38,435

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate

14.5%

Unemployment

5.5%

College Educated

35.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income

$68,359

Mean Household Income

$92,243

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male

48.4%

Female

51.6%

Population Split

Male48.4%

Female51.6%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English10.1%

German9.6%

Irish7.5%

Mexican3.0%

Italian2.6%

Scottish1.8%

African1.8%

French1.4%

Polish1.3%

Reported ancestry groups representing the cultural heritage of the population. Percentages may not sum to 100% as residents may report multiple ancestries or none.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

5.8%Foreign Born

94.2%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized45.7%

Non-Citizen54.3%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later41.1%

Before 201058.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units

378,275

Median Rent

$1,193/mo

Median Home Value

$232,400

Median Year Built

1991

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled

217,494

College Enrollment

22.7%

High School

21.3%

College Educated

35.4%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time

25.0 min

Drive Alone Rate

74.6%

Public Transit

0.4%

Work From Home

11.8%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18

22.1%

18-34 Years

24.6%

35-64 Years

37.2%

65+ Years

16.1%

Population Composition

Under 1822.1%

18-3424.6%

35-6437.2%

65+16.1%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples

43.7%

Single Parent

7.8%

Living Alone

30.4%

Avg Size

2.41

Household Types

Married Couples43.7%

Single Parent7.8%

Living Alone30.4%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income

$37,960

SNAP Usage

10.8%

Health Insurance

91.2%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k16.5%

$25k - $50k20.3%

$50k - $100k30.8%

$100k+32.3%

Key Industries

Manufacturing

9.7%

Retail Trade

10.7%

Education & Health Care

23.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

14.6%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

91.2%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet

90.4%vs ~90% National Avg

Computer Ownership

95.8%vs ~95% National Avg

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better

93.7

0130

Below average< 97

Near average97 - 103

Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better

149.9

0200

Hard to Afford< 80

Moderate80 - 100

Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)

How can this information help me in marketing?