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
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West Columbia covers 9.4 sq mi of land at 1883 people per square mile.
About West Columbia, SC
What sets West Columbia apart is money: median household income runs $54,152, below the US median of $78,538. With 17,723 residents, West Columbia is a city in South Carolina. It ranks #35 among cities in South Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $54,152, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.6%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $186,200, with typical rent around $1,092.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 38.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Just 8.1% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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).
West Columbia city, SC Climate
West Columbia city, SC has an average annual temperature of 17.5°C (64°F) and receives about 1170 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.5°C
Avg Temp
1170
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 44° | 114 mm |
| February | 9° / 48° | 93 mm |
| March | 13° / 56° | 114 mm |
| April | 17° / 63° | 72 mm |
| May | 22° / 71° | 80 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 117 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 129 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 118 mm |
| September | 24° / 74° | 96 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 78 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 74 mm |
| December | 9° / 47° | 85 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit West Columbia city, SC
The most comfortable months to visit West Columbia city, SC are typically May, October and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
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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.