Columbia, SC—29229
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 $265,000, with a year-over-year change of 0.4%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, SC are flat. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.2%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $265,000 | 0.4% |
| Single Family | $266,000 | 0.4% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $182,000 | -10.8% |
3 Bed | $240,000 | 0.4% |
4 Bed | $292,000 | 0.0% |
| 5 Bed | $365,000 | 0.3% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $2,060, with a year-over-year rent change of 6.7%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is 1-bedrooms: $1,310, 2-bedrooms: $1,450, 3-bedrooms: $1,880, 4-bedrooms: $2,320. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 43.4% and 22.9% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,000 | $2,060 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,300 | $1,310 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,400 | $1,450 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,800 | $1,880 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,200 | $2,320 |
% 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 1.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market about the same amount of time than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 27.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $280,000 | -2.0% |
Listing Count | 328 | 14.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.6% | 14.0% |
Days on Market | 51 | 1.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 50,700, which has remained stable by -0.4% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a popular place for families, as children make up 28.6% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 45.9% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 13.1% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 50,700 | -0.4% |
% Under 18 | 28.6% | -3.1% |
% Seniors | 11.0% | 27.9% |
% WFH | 13.1% | 309.4% |
% w/ College Degree | 45.9% | 1.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly black area, with 62.3% of the population identifying as black. The black population has grown by 12.1% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is white, making up 23.5% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 6.7% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has decreased by 21.2% 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 | 23.5% | -22.7% |
% Black | 62.3% | 12.1% |
% Hispanic | 7.5% | 15.4% |
% Asian | 3.4% | -24.4% |
% Foreign Born | 6.7% | -21.2% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 716 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 47.0% 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 1.0% of loans were by investors. 19.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 716 |
% Conventional Loans | 47.0% |
% Government Loans | 53.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 19.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, SC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, SC under the Section 8 program is 3.3%. 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 | 244 |
Total Units Section 8 | 231 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 3.3% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 85.0% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $400 | $1,300 | $1,700 |
| 2 Bedroom | $480 | $1,400 | $1,880 |
| 3 Bedroom | $600 | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| 4 Bedroom | $680 | $2,200 | $2,880 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.5 |
| Median Home Price | $265,000 |
| Median Household Income | $72,600 |