Columbia, PA—17512
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Columbia, PA
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Columbia, PA is $282,000, with a year-over-year change of 4.9%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, PA are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.3%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $282,000 | 4.9% |
| Single Family | $284,000 | 4.4% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $224,000 | 5.7% |
3 Bed | $280,000 | 4.1% |
4 Bed | $368,000 | 4.2% |
| 5 Bed | $369,000 | 4.8% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, PA
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, PA is $1,410, with a year-over-year rent change of 1.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, PA is 1-bedrooms: $1,130, 2-bedrooms: $1,460, 3-bedrooms: $1,470, 4-bedrooms: $1,450. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, PA are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 42.3% and 34.3% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,380 | $1,410 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,100 | $1,130 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,460 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,470 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,450 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Columbia, PA
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Columbia, PA is 43. This is a increase of 3.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 26.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $319,000 | -5.0% |
Listing Count | 61 | -19.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | -19.0% |
Days on Market | 43 | 3.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, PA
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, PA has a population of 18,200, which has increased by 3.0% over the past 5 years. Columbia, PA is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 17.7% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 22.5% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 6.6% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 18,200 | 3.0% |
% Under 18 | 17.7% | -21.3% |
% Seniors | 25.6% | 43.0% |
% WFH | 6.6% | 43.5% |
% w/ College Degree | 22.5% | 25.0% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, PA is a predominantly white area, with 77.2% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 1.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, PA is hispanic, making up 15.0% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 4.3% of the population in Columbia, PA, and this percentage has increased by 16.2% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 77.2% | -1.0% |
% Black | 5.8% | -28.4% |
% Hispanic | 15.0% | 27.1% |
% Asian | 0.4% | -33.3% |
% Foreign Born | 4.3% | 16.2% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, PA
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 458 mortgage originations in Columbia, PA, of which 84.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 58.0%, with 25.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Columbia, PA. Investor activity is low, as 2.0% of loans were by investors. 12.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 458 |
% Conventional Loans | 84.0% |
% Government Loans | 16.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 12.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, PA
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, PA under the Section 8 program is 17.3%. This is considered high, suggesting that the neighborhood is heavily composed of Section 8 homes. Section 8 opportunity is good when HUD pays more than market rent. 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Columbia, PA, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 525 |
Total Units Section 8 | 502 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 17.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 91.9% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$140 | $1,100 | $960 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$240 | $1,450 | $1,210 |
| 3 Bedroom | $130 | $1,450 | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedroom | $150 | $1,450 | $1,600 |
Affordability — Columbia, PA
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.9 |
| Median Home Price | $282,000 |
| Median Household Income | $61,100 |