Columbia, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Columbia, South Carolina is 138,019 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in South Carolina. The median household income is $55,653, the median home value is $243,500, and the median age is 28.7.
The population has grown 10.7% since 2010 (130,774 → 144,788).
138,019
Population
997
People / sq mi
$55,653
Median Income
$243,500
Median Home Value
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Columbia covers 138.5 sq mi of land at 997 people per square mile.
About Columbia, SC
Columbia skews on age — the median resident is 28.7, younger than the national median. Columbia is a city in South Carolina with a population of 138,019. It is the #2-largest of all cities in South Carolina nationally.
The typical household earns $55,653, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.0%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $243,500, with typical rent around $1,158.
About 46.1% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. About 9.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
Columbia city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Columbia city had a population of 130,774 in 2010 and 144,788 in 2024, a 10.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 144,788 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.74%.
144,788
Population (2024)
130,774
Population (2010)
144,788
Peak (2024)
0.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 130,774 |
| 2011 | 131,302 |
| 2012 | 131,761 |
| 2013 | 131,527 |
| 2014 | 131,781 |
| 2015 | 133,616 |
| 2016 | 134,129 |
| 2017 | 134,005 |
| 2018 | 132,770 |
| 2019 | 131,674 |
| 2020 | 136,207 |
| 2021 | 136,400 |
| 2022 | 139,639 |
| 2023 | 142,173 |
| 2024 | 144,788 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 49.9% |
| Black or African American | 39.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$55,653
Median Household Income
$38,087
Per Capita Income
15.0%
Poverty Rate
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$243,500
Median Home Value
$1,158
Median Rent
47.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.9%
High School+
46.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.4%
Drive Alone
62.9%
Public Transit
9.8%
Work From Home
17.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
40.8%
Foreign Born
91.5%
Non-English at Home
7.1%
Veterans
12.7%
With Disability
91.9%
Health Insurance
96.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 12.5% |
| Information | 8.0% |
| Public Administration | 7.4% |
| Manufacturing | 5.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.4% |
| Retail Trade | 3.8% |
| Construction | 3.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
Largest cities in South Carolina
Largest counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia, South Carolina has a population of 138,019 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in South Carolina.
The median household income in Columbia, South Carolina is $55,653, with 15.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Columbia, South Carolina is $243,500, with median monthly rent at $1,158 and a homeownership rate of 47.3%.
The median age in Columbia, South Carolina is 28.7 years. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The population has grown 10.7% since 2010 (130,774 → 144,788).
Where to stay in Columbia
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More from South Carolina
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Full rankings of South Carolina cities by population
Statewide data for South Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.