Columbia, SC—29204
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Columbia, SC
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Columbia, SC is $183,000, with a year-over-year change of -0.2%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, SC are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.5%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $183,000 | -0.2% |
| Single Family | $185,000 | 0.5% |
| Condos | $158,000 | -2.5% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $129,000 | -1.5% |
3 Bed | $195,000 | 0.5% |
4 Bed | $331,000 | 2.8% |
| 5 Bed | $412,000 | 3.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,660, with a year-over-year rent change of 8.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is studios: $900, 1-bedrooms: $1,080, 2-bedrooms: $1,370, 3-bedrooms: $1,900, 4-bedrooms: $2,740. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 38.0% and 31.8% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,660 |
| Studio Rent | $900 | $900 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,050 | $1,080 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,300 | $1,370 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,800 | $1,900 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,450 | $2,740 |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Columbia, SC
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Columbia, SC is 51. This is a increase of 8.0% 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 32.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $215,000 | -10.0% |
Listing Count | 95 | 20.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 20.0% |
Days on Market | 51 | 8.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 18,100, which has decreased by -3.4% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a less popular place for families, as children make up 13.5% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 38.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 8.8% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 18,100 | -3.4% |
% Under 18 | 13.5% | -16.7% |
% Seniors | 20.5% | 25.8% |
% WFH | 8.8% | 109.5% |
% w/ College Degree | 38.7% | 17.3% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly black area, with 48.8% of the population identifying as black. The black population has shrunk by 13.5% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is white, making up 44.1% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 3.3% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has increased by 37.5% 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 | 44.1% | 13.1% |
% Black | 48.8% | -13.5% |
% Hispanic | 2.4% | 118.2% |
% Asian | 2.6% | 85.7% |
% Foreign Born | 3.3% | 37.5% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 233 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 82.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 63.0%, with 30.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Columbia, SC. Investor activity is low, as 5.0% of loans were by investors. 7.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 233 |
% Conventional Loans | 82.0% |
% Government Loans | 18.0% |
% Investor Loans | 5.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 7.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, SC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, SC under the Section 8 program is 15.8%. 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, SC, none of the tracked home sizes currently have HUD payment amounts above market rent, suggesting limited Section 8 opportunity.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 882 |
Total Units Section 8 | 640 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 15.8% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 86.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $0 | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$140 | $1,300 | $1,160 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$320 | $1,800 | $1,480 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$670 | $2,450 | $1,780 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.4 |
| Median Home Price | $183,000 |
| Median Household Income | $49,700 |