Columbia, SC—29209
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 $221,000, with a year-over-year change of 1.7%. 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 | $221,000 | 1.7% |
| Single Family | $224,000 | 1.8% |
| Condos | $118,000 | -6.3% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $150,000 | 0.0% |
3 Bed | $212,000 | 1.4% |
4 Bed | $287,000 | 2.9% |
| 5 Bed | $560,000 | 7.5% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,680, with a year-over-year rent change of -3.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is studios: $808, 1-bedrooms: $1,110, 2-bedrooms: $1,320, 3-bedrooms: $1,690, 4-bedrooms: $2,070. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 41.9% and 38.9% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,680 | $1,680 |
| Studio Rent | $799 | $808 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,050 | $1,110 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,320 | $1,320 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,690 | $1,690 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,100 | $2,070 |
% 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 53. This is a increase of 37.0% 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 | $250,000 | 4.0% |
Listing Count | 143 | 23.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 23.0% |
Days on Market | 53 | 37.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 37,300, which has increased by 11.1% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 25.0% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 39.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 7.9% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 37,300 | 11.1% |
% Under 18 | 25.0% | 20.8% |
% Seniors | 12.3% | -10.2% |
% WFH | 7.9% | 102.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 39.3% | -0.3% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly black area, with 49.9% of the population identifying as black. The black population has grown by 7.3% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is white, making up 38.6% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 6.0% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has increased by 17.6% 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 | 38.6% | -13.3% |
% Black | 49.9% | 7.3% |
% Hispanic | 5.6% | 19.1% |
% Asian | 1.5% | -21.1% |
% Foreign Born | 6.0% | 17.6% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 632 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 57.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 74.0%, with 48.0% 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. 13.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 632 |
% Conventional Loans | 57.0% |
% Government Loans | 43.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 13.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, SC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, SC under the Section 8 program is 11.6%. 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 | 909 |
Total Units Section 8 | 722 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 11.6% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 88.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $230 | $1,050 | $1,280 |
| 2 Bedroom | $100 | $1,320 | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedroom | $120 | $1,690 | $1,810 |
| 4 Bedroom | $80 | $2,100 | $2,180 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.4 |
| Median Home Price | $221,000 |
| Median Household Income | $58,900 |