Columbia, MD—21044
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Columbia, MD
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Columbia, MD is $536,000, with a year-over-year change of 0.5%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, MD are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.1%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $536,000 | 0.5% |
| Single Family | $601,000 | 0.3% |
| Condos | $286,000 | 1.4% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $212,000 | 1.4% |
2 Bed | $297,000 | 0.7% |
3 Bed | $453,000 | 0.2% |
4 Bed | $669,000 | 0.0% |
| 5 Bed | $857,000 | -0.1% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, MD
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, MD is $2,400, with a year-over-year rent change of -2.8%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, MD is studios: $1,940, 1-bedrooms: $1,800, 2-bedrooms: $2,150, 3-bedrooms: $2,900, 4-bedrooms: $3,580. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, MD are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 45.3% and 32.1% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,180 | $2,400 |
| Studio Rent | $1,920 | $1,940 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,830 | $1,800 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,170 | $2,150 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,850 | $2,900 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $3,500 | $3,580 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Columbia, MD
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Columbia, MD is 31. This is a increase of 12.0% 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 25.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $486,000 | 12.0% |
Listing Count | 97 | 39.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 39.0% |
Days on Market | 31 | 12.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, MD
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, MD has a population of 44,800, which has increased by 1.7% over the past 5 years. Columbia, MD is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.2% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 67.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 24.3% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 44,800 | 1.7% |
% Under 18 | 19.2% | -2.0% |
% Seniors | 17.8% | 11.9% |
% WFH | 24.3% | 417.0% |
% w/ College Degree | 67.3% | 4.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, MD is a predominantly white area, with 44.0% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 9.5% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, MD is black, making up 27.6% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 20.2% of the population in Columbia, MD, and this percentage has decreased by 7.3% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting fewer immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 44.0% | -9.5% |
% Black | 27.6% | 7.0% |
% Hispanic | 10.3% | 18.4% |
% Asian | 12.4% | 5.1% |
% Foreign Born | 20.2% | -7.3% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, MD
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 556 mortgage originations in Columbia, MD, of which 83.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 64.0%, with 29.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Columbia, MD. Investor activity is low, as 2.0% of loans were by investors. 11.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 556 |
% Conventional Loans | 83.0% |
% Government Loans | 17.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 11.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, MD
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, MD under the Section 8 program is 15.3%. 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. In Columbia, MD, all tracked home sizes have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting strong Section 8 opportunity across the board.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,108 |
Total Units Section 8 | 1,077 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 15.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 78.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $240 | $1,830 | $2,070 |
| 2 Bedroom | $370 | $2,170 | $2,540 |
| 3 Bedroom | $420 | $2,850 | $3,270 |
| 4 Bedroom | $150 | $3,500 | $3,650 |
Affordability — Columbia, MD
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.7 |
| Median Home Price | $536,000 |
| Median Household Income | $133,000 |