West Columbia, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of West Columbia, South Carolina is 17,723 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest city in South Carolina. The median household income is $54,152, the median home value is $186,200, and the median age is 37.2.
The population has grown 10.0% since 2010 (16,746 → 18,418).
17,723
Population
1883
People / sq mi
$54,152
Median Income
$186,200
Median Home Value
West Columbia covers 9.4 sq mi of land at 1883 people per square mile.
About West Columbia, SC
West Columbia is a city in South Carolina with a population of 17,723. It ranks #35 among cities in South Carolina by population. The median age is 37.2, younger than the national median. The population is 44.5% male and 55.5% female.
The median household income in West Columbia is $54,152, below the US median of $74,580. 7.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $186,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,092. The homeownership rate of 56.7% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in West Columbia reflects 38.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.1 minutes each way.
West Columbia city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of West Columbia city had a population of 16,746 in 2010 and 18,418 in 2024, a 10.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,418 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.69%.
18,418
Population (2024)
16,746
Population (2010)
18,418
Peak (2024)
0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,746 |
| 2011 | 16,782 |
| 2012 | 16,905 |
| 2013 | 16,972 |
| 2014 | 17,138 |
| 2015 | 17,296 |
| 2016 | 17,436 |
| 2017 | 17,514 |
| 2018 | 17,969 |
| 2019 | 17,998 |
| 2020 | 17,516 |
| 2021 | 17,686 |
| 2022 | 17,788 |
| 2023 | 18,414 |
| 2024 | 18,418 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.9% |
| Black or African American | 16.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$54,152
Median Household Income
$35,326
Per Capita Income
7.6%
Poverty Rate
2.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$186,200
Median Home Value
$1,092
Median Rent
56.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.3%
High School+
38.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
79.8%
Public Transit
8.1%
Work From Home
18.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
28.7%
Foreign Born
85.9%
Non-English at Home
8.3%
Veterans
14.7%
With Disability
87.8%
Health Insurance
92.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.5% |
| Construction | 8.6% |
| Manufacturing | 7.8% |
| Information | 6.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.3% |
| Public Administration | 5.2% |
| Retail Trade | 3.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in South Carolina
Largest counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
West Columbia, South Carolina has a population of 17,723 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest city in South Carolina.
The median household income in West Columbia, South Carolina is $54,152, with 7.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in West Columbia, South Carolina is $186,200, with median monthly rent at $1,092 and a homeownership rate of 56.7%.
The median age in West Columbia, South Carolina is 37.2 years. The population is 44.5% male and 55.5% female.
The population has grown 10.0% since 2010 (16,746 → 18,418).
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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.