Columbia, SC—29210
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 $196,000, with a year-over-year change of 0.8%. This indicates that home prices in Columbia, SC are flat. 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 | $196,000 | 0.8% |
| Single Family | $205,000 | 1.0% |
| Condos | $82,000 | -5.7% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $57,000 | -6.6% |
2 Bed | $116,000 | 0.0% |
3 Bed | $200,000 | 1.0% |
4 Bed | $270,000 | 1.9% |
| 5 Bed | $321,000 | 2.9% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,310, with a year-over-year rent change of -1.5%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is studios: $1,050, 1-bedrooms: $995, 2-bedrooms: $1,190, 3-bedrooms: $1,650, 4-bedrooms: $1,840. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 2-bedroom and 1-bedroom, accounting for 47.3% and 30.4% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,200 | $1,310 |
| Studio Rent | $835 | $1,050 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $950 | $995 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,150 | $1,190 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $1,900 | $1,840 |
% 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 68. This is a increase of 70.0% 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 23.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $192,000 | 1.0% |
Listing Count | 137 | 30.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.2% | 30.0% |
Days on Market | 68 | 70.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 40,500, which has remained stable by 0.5% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 18.6% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 29.8% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 9.2% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 40,500 | 0.5% |
% Under 18 | 18.6% | 2.2% |
% Seniors | 11.6% | 8.4% |
% WFH | 9.2% | 228.6% |
% w/ College Degree | 29.8% | 3.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly black area, with 54.6% of the population identifying as black. The black population has shrunk by 0.9% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is white, making up 34.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 7.2% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has increased by 26.3% 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 | 34.4% | -0.3% |
% Black | 54.6% | -0.9% |
% Hispanic | 4.4% | 10.0% |
% Asian | 2.1% | -38.2% |
% Foreign Born | 7.2% | 26.3% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 353 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 64.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 71.0%, with 41.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Columbia, SC. Investor activity is low, as 4.0% of loans were by investors. 14.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 353 |
% Conventional Loans | 64.0% |
% Government Loans | 36.0% |
% Investor Loans | 4.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 14.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, SC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, SC under the Section 8 program is 8.4%. 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 | 931 |
Total Units Section 8 | 839 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 8.4% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 85.8% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $260 | $950 | $1,210 |
| 2 Bedroom | $190 | $1,150 | $1,340 |
| 3 Bedroom | $60 | $1,650 | $1,710 |
| 4 Bedroom | $150 | $1,900 | $2,050 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.5 |
| Median Home Price | $196,000 |
| Median Household Income | $50,300 |