Columbia, SC—29212
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 $277,000, with a year-over-year change of 1.1%. 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 | $277,000 | 1.1% |
| Single Family | $285,000 | 1.1% |
| Condos | $193,000 | 1.0% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $188,000 | 0.5% |
3 Bed | $251,000 | 1.2% |
4 Bed | $335,000 | 0.9% |
| 5 Bed | $448,000 | 1.4% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,600, with a year-over-year rent change of -6.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is 1-bedrooms: $1,240, 2-bedrooms: $1,430, 3-bedrooms: $1,760, 4-bedrooms: $2,050. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 38.0% and 28.6% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,580 | $1,600 |
| Studio Rent | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,100 | $1,240 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,280 | $1,430 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,700 | $1,760 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,150 | $2,050 |
% 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 13.0% 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 46.0%, representing a large inventory and a lot of supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $292,000 | 0.0% |
Listing Count | 171 | 38.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.3% | 38.0% |
Days on Market | 53 | 13.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 27,700, which has decreased by -6.4% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 19.9% of the population. The area has a highly educated workforce, with 45.7% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are some residents working remotely, with 11.0% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 27,700 | -6.4% |
% Under 18 | 19.9% | -7.9% |
% Seniors | 21.9% | 22.3% |
% WFH | 11.0% | 139.1% |
% w/ College Degree | 45.7% | 4.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly white area, with 62.5% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 7.1% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbia, SC is black, making up 25.8% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 6.5% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has increased by 18.2% 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 | 62.5% | -7.1% |
% Black | 25.8% | 18.3% |
% Hispanic | 5.1% | 6.2% |
% Asian | 3.1% | -11.4% |
% Foreign Born | 6.5% | 18.2% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 527 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 70.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 66.0%, with 33.0% 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. 15.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 527 |
% Conventional Loans | 70.0% |
% Government Loans | 30.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 1.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 15.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbia, SC
As of 2024, the percent of homes in Columbia, SC under the Section 8 program is 14.8%. 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 | 654 |
Total Units Section 8 | 540 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 14.8% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 90.6% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $230 | $1,100 | $1,330 |
| 2 Bedroom | $190 | $1,280 | $1,470 |
| 3 Bedroom | $180 | $1,700 | $1,880 |
| 4 Bedroom | $100 | $2,150 | $2,250 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.5 |
| Median Home Price | $277,000 |
| Median Household Income | $74,700 |