Columbia, MD—21046
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 $517,000, 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 | $517,000 | 0.5% |
| Single Family | $545,000 | 0.2% |
| Condos | $299,000 | -2.0% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $325,000 | -1.8% |
3 Bed | $454,000 | -0.4% |
4 Bed | $618,000 | 0.3% |
| 5 Bed | $714,000 | 0.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, MD
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, MD is $2,500, with a year-over-year rent change of 13.6%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, MD is studios: $1,710, 1-bedrooms: $1,830, 2-bedrooms: $2,290, 3-bedrooms: $2,870, 4-bedrooms: $2,990. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, MD are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 37.5% and 30.6% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,350 | $2,500 |
| Studio Rent | $1,710 | $1,710 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,850 | $1,830 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $2,300 | $2,290 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,580 | $2,870 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $3,000 | $2,990 |
% 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 24. This is a increase of 34.0% 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 50.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $474,000 | 0.0% |
Listing Count | 36 | 80.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 80.0% |
Days on Market | 24 | 34.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, MD
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, MD has a population of 15,400, which has decreased by -3.5% over the past 5 years. Columbia, MD is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 20.7% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 62.0% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 17.0% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 15,400 | -3.5% |
% Under 18 | 20.7% | -12.3% |
% Seniors | 12.2% | 10.9% |
% WFH | 17.0% | 240.0% |
% w/ College Degree | 62.0% | -1.0% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, MD is a predominantly white area, with 49.5% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 11.9% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, MD is black, making up 31.3% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 14.3% of the population in Columbia, MD, and this percentage has decreased by 12.8% 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 | 49.5% | -11.9% |
% Black | 31.3% | 31.0% |
% Hispanic | 6.1% | -29.1% |
% Asian | 6.9% | -25.8% |
% Foreign Born | 14.3% | -12.8% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, MD
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 261 mortgage originations in Columbia, MD, of which 80.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 66.0%, with 32.0% 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. 12.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 261 |
% Conventional Loans | 80.0% |
% Government Loans | 20.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 12.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, MD
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, MD under the Section 8 program is 12.5%. This is considered low, suggesting that the neighborhood is sparsely 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 | 304 |
Total Units Section 8 | 274 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 12.5% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 81.1% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $310 | $1,850 | $2,160 |
| 2 Bedroom | $350 | $2,300 | $2,650 |
| 3 Bedroom | $830 | $2,580 | $3,410 |
| 4 Bedroom | $810 | $3,000 | $3,810 |
Affordability — Columbia, MD
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.7 |
| Median Home Price | $517,000 |
| Median Household Income | $127,000 |