Columbia, SC—29223
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 $217,000, with a year-over-year change of 0.5%. 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 | $217,000 | 0.5% |
| Single Family | $220,000 | 0.9% |
| Condos | $110,000 | -5.2% |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | N/A | N/A |
2 Bed | $137,000 | 1.5% |
3 Bed | $201,000 | 0.5% |
4 Bed | $298,000 | 1.7% |
| 5 Bed | $470,000 | 2.4% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbia, SC
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbia, SC is $1,750, with a year-over-year rent change of 9.4%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbia, SC is studios: $874, 1-bedrooms: $1,230, 2-bedrooms: $1,540, 3-bedrooms: $1,900, 4-bedrooms: $2,190. The most common rental property sizes in Columbia, SC are 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, accounting for 41.0% and 30.2% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,750 |
| Studio Rent | $850 | $874 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,270 | $1,230 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,800 | $1,540 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,750 | $1,900 |
| 4 Bed Rent | $2,170 | $2,190 |
% 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 50. This is a increase of 9.0% 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 | $258,000 | 4.0% |
Listing Count | 220 | 6.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.2% | 6.0% |
Days on Market | 50 | 9.0% |
Demographics — Columbia, SC
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC has a population of 52,800, which has increased by 3.9% over the past 5 years. Columbia, SC is a moderately popular place for families, as children make up 23.3% of the population. The area has a moderately educated workforce, with 36.1% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 9.5% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 52,800 | 3.9% |
% Under 18 | 23.3% | 0.4% |
% Seniors | 16.1% | 16.7% |
% WFH | 9.5% | 196.9% |
% w/ College Degree | 36.1% | 9.4% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbia, SC is a predominantly black area, with 57.5% of the population identifying as black. The black population has grown by 2.0% 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 9.8% of the population in Columbia, SC, and this percentage has increased by 11.4% 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 | 23.5% | -16.1% |
% Black | 57.5% | 2.0% |
% Hispanic | 11.4% | 46.2% |
% Asian | 4.5% | -16.7% |
% Foreign Born | 9.8% | 11.4% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbia, SC
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 873 mortgage originations in Columbia, SC, of which 55.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 73.0%, with 46.0% 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. 15.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting many homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 873 |
% Conventional Loans | 55.0% |
% Government Loans | 45.0% |
% Investor Loans | 2.0% |
% 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 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. 3-bedroom units appear to be good home sizes to consider for Section 8 housing in Columbia, SC, because HUD payments exceed market rent, while 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units do not.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 1,051 |
Total Units Section 8 | 802 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | 8.4% |
% Occupied Section 8 | 84.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$20 | $1,270 | $1,250 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$420 | $1,800 | $1,380 |
| 3 Bedroom | $10 | $1,750 | $1,760 |
| 4 Bedroom | -$50 | $2,170 | $2,120 |
Affordability — Columbia, SC
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.6 |
| Median Home Price | $217,000 |
| Median Household Income | $56,300 |