Columbia, SC—29201
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 $235,000, with a year-over-year change of 2.4%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, SC are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 1.4%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $235,000 | 2.4% |
| Single Family | $236,000 | 2.6% |
| Condos | $235,000 | 4.0% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $158,000 | 4.6% |
2 Bed | $231,000 | 4.5% |
3 Bed | $276,000 | 2.2% |
4 Bed | $333,000 | 1.8% |
| 5 Bed | $391,000 | 2.1% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,590, with a year-over-year rent change of 1.9%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is studios: $1,160, 1-bedrooms: $1,210, 2-bedrooms: $1,570, 3-bedrooms: $2,060, 4-bedrooms: $2,020. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 30.3% and 23.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,520 | $1,590 |
| Studio Rent | $875 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,050 | $1,210 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,500 | $1,570 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $2,060 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,000 | $2,020 |
% 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 75. This is a increase of 23.0% 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 17.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $301,000 | 13.0% |
Listing Count | 81 | -13.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | -13.0% |
Days on Market | 75 | 23.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 23,000, which has increased by 8.1% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a less popular place for families, as children make up 6.4% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 56.3% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 6.5% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 23,000 | 8.1% |
% Under 18 | 6.4% | 10.3% |
% Seniors | 6.3% | 0.0% |
% WFH | 6.5% | 75.7% |
% w/ College Degree | 56.3% | 10.4% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly white area, with 63.6% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 4.6% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is black, making up 23.8% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 7.4% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has increased by 1.4% 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 | 63.6% | -4.6% |
% Black | 23.8% | 1.3% |
% Hispanic | 4.4% | 83.3% |
% Asian | 4.4% | 37.5% |
% Foreign Born | 7.4% | 1.4% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 206 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 85.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 72.0%, with 34.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Columbia, SC. Investor activity is low, as 7.0% 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 | 206 |
% Conventional Loans | 85.0% |
% Government Loans | 15.0% |
% Investor Loans | 7.0% |
% Second Loans | 9.0% |
% 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 4.6%. 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 | 477 |
Total Units Section 8 | 307 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 4.6% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 91.7% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $480 | $1,050 | $1,530 |
| 2 Bedroom | $190 | $1,500 | $1,690 |
| 3 Bedroom | $160 | $2,000 | $2,160 |
| 4 Bedroom | $590 | $2,000 | $2,590 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 6.2 |
| Median Home Price | $235,000 |
| Median Household Income | $34,300 |