Columbia, SC—29206
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 $376,000, with a year-over-year change of 5.5%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, SC are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.3%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $376,000 | 5.5% |
| Single Family | $395,000 | 5.9% |
| Condos | $138,000 | -2.1% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $189,000 | 3.3% |
3 Bed | $337,000 | 5.3% |
4 Bed | $517,000 | 7.3% |
| 5 Bed | $831,000 | 9.8% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,440, with a year-over-year rent change of -17.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is studios: $1,350, 1-bedrooms: $1,030, 2-bedrooms: $1,220, 3-bedrooms: $1,680, 4-bedrooms: $1,780. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 57.0% and 24.7% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,300 | $1,440 |
| Studio Rent | $1,260 | $1,350 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $975 | $1,030 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,200 | $1,220 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,420 | $1,680 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,700 | $1,780 |
% 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 66. 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 60.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $372,000 | -2.0% |
Listing Count | 87 | 12.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.4% | 12.0% |
Days on Market | 66 | 16.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 20,100, which has increased by 4.5% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a popular place for families, as children make up 26.5% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 64.4% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 14.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 20,100 | 4.5% |
% Under 18 | 26.5% | 1.5% |
% Seniors | 18.3% | 2.2% |
% WFH | 14.1% | 156.4% |
% w/ College Degree | 64.4% | 5.4% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly white area, with 73.5% of the population identifying as white. The white population has remained stable in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is black, making up 14.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 2.9% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has decreased by 43.1% 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 | 73.5% | 0.0% |
% Black | 14.5% | -11.0% |
% Hispanic | 4.9% | -14.0% |
% Asian | 1.4% | -17.6% |
% Foreign Born | 2.9% | -43.1% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 429 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 86.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 61.0%, with 26.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Columbia, SC. Investor activity is low, as 2.0% 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 | 429 |
% Conventional Loans | 86.0% |
% Government Loans | 14.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% 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 3.1%. 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, SC, 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 | 105 |
Total Units Section 8 | 85 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 3.1% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 85.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $395 | $975 | $1,370 |
| 2 Bedroom | $320 | $1,200 | $1,520 |
| 3 Bedroom | $520 | $1,420 | $1,940 |
| 4 Bedroom | $630 | $1,700 | $2,330 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.6 |
| Median Home Price | $376,000 |
| Median Household Income | $89,700 |