Columbia, SC—29205
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 $299,000, with a year-over-year change of 4.0%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, SC are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.7%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $299,000 | 4.0% |
| Single Family | $321,000 | 4.9% |
| Condos | $138,000 | 5.3% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $141,000 | 6.0% |
2 Bed | $194,000 | 6.6% |
3 Bed | $326,000 | 4.8% |
4 Bed | $608,000 | 7.8% |
| 5 Bed | $779,000 | 9.0% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,770, with a year-over-year rent change of 16.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is 1-bedrooms: $1,100, 2-bedrooms: $1,470, 3-bedrooms: $2,180, 4-bedrooms: $3,390. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 54.3% and 19.9% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,770 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,050 | $1,100 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,500 | $1,470 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,150 | $2,180 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $3,200 | $3,390 |
% 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 41. This is a increase of 14.0% 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 22.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $355,000 | -2.0% |
Listing Count | 128 | 2.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 2.0% |
Days on Market | 41 | 14.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 22,800, which has decreased by -8.1% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 18.8% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 66.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 13.8% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 22,800 | -8.1% |
% Under 18 | 18.8% | 21.3% |
% Seniors | 13.6% | 14.3% |
% WFH | 13.8% | 170.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 66.3% | 13.1% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly white area, with 72.5% of the population identifying as white. The white population has grown by 4.5% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is black, making up 15.7% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 3.9% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has decreased by 35.0% 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 | 72.5% | 4.5% |
% Black | 15.7% | -29.6% |
% Hispanic | 4.9% | 28.9% |
% Asian | 2.5% | -16.7% |
% Foreign Born | 3.9% | -35.0% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 355 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 88.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 67.0%, 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. 5.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 355 |
% Conventional Loans | 88.0% |
% Government Loans | 12.0% |
% Investor Loans | 5.0% |
% Second Loans | 2.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 5.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, SC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, SC under the Section 8 program is 10.5%. 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. 1-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Columbia, SC, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 771 |
Total Units Section 8 | 572 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 10.5% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 89.3% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $140 | $1,050 | $1,190 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$180 | $1,500 | $1,320 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$470 | $2,150 | $1,680 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$1,180 | $3,200 | $2,020 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 4.2 |
| Median Home Price | $299,000 |
| Median Household Income | $62,200 |