Columbia, MD—21045
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 $478,000, with a year-over-year change of 0.6%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, MD are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 0.2%, suggesting a relatively flat housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $478,000 | 0.6% |
| Single Family | $497,000 | 0.2% |
| Condos | $248,000 | -0.8% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $185,000 | -2.1% |
2 Bed | $259,000 | -2.3% |
3 Bed | $444,000 | 0.0% |
4 Bed | $568,000 | 0.0% |
| 5 Bed | $681,000 | -0.9% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, MD
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, MD is $2,380, with a year-over-year rent change of 6.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, MD is studios: $1,760, 1-bedrooms: $1,320, 2-bedrooms: $1,890, 3-bedrooms: $2,690, 4-bedrooms: $3,540. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, MD are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 29.5% and 28.3% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,300 | $2,380 |
| Studio Rent | $1,890 | $1,760 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,450 | $1,320 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,850 | $1,890 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,750 | $2,690 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $3,200 | $3,540 |
% 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 26. This is a increase of 16.0% 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 18.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $506,000 | 3.0% |
Listing Count | 100 | 41.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 41.0% |
Days on Market | 26 | 16.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, MD
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, MD has a population of 40,900, which has increased by 2.3% over the past 5 years. Columbia, MD is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 22.5% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 57.4% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 23.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 40,900 | 2.3% |
% Under 18 | 22.5% | -7.0% |
% Seniors | 17.8% | 21.9% |
% WFH | 23.1% | 492.3% |
% w/ College Degree | 57.4% | -0.5% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, MD is a predominantly white area, with 41.7% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 0.2% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, MD is black, making up 32.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 21.9% of the population in Columbia, MD, and this percentage has increased by 3.8% 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 | 41.7% | -0.2% |
% Black | 32.5% | 9.1% |
% Hispanic | 11.1% | -1.8% |
% Asian | 8.7% | -29.8% |
% Foreign Born | 21.9% | 3.8% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, MD
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 574 mortgage originations in Columbia, MD, of which 81.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 62.0%, with 30.0% 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. 13.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 574 |
% Conventional Loans | 81.0% |
% Government Loans | 19.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 13.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, MD
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, MD under the Section 8 program is 21.5%. 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. 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Columbia, MD, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 988 |
Total Units Section 8 | 977 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 21.5% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 86.7% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $330 | $1,450 | $1,780 |
| 2 Bedroom | $330 | $1,850 | $2,180 |
| 3 Bedroom | $60 | $2,750 | $2,810 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$70 | $3,200 | $3,130 |
Affordability — Columbia, MD
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.7 |
| Median Home Price | $478,000 |
| Median Household Income | $117,000 |