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Population Review

Columbia County, Florida Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in Florida

The population of Columbia County, Florida is 70,755 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in Florida. The median household income is $55,070, the median home value is $186,400, and the median age is 40.7.

The population of Columbia County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (67,558 → 73,977), a +0.65% annualized rate.

Columbia County within Florida · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

70,755

Population

+0.65%

Annual growth

89

People / sq mi

$55,070

Median Income

$186,400

Median Home Value

Columbia County covers 797 sq mi of land at 88.7 people per square mile.

About Columbia County, FL

Columbia County is defined demographically by education — 16.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 70,755 residents, Columbia County is a county in Florida. It ranks #41 among counties in Florida by population.

Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $55,070, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $186,400, with typical rent around $915.

Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 7.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.

Columbia County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Columbia County had a population of 67,558 in 2010 and 73,977 in 2024, a 9.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,977 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.66%.

2024 · 74K20102024
Columbia County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

73,977

Population (2024)

67,558

Population (2010)

73,977

Peak (2024)

0.66%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201067,558
201167,326
201267,903
201367,444
201467,821
201568,277
201669,300
201770,051
201870,719
201971,766
202069,760
202169,945
202271,941
202373,324
202473,977

Race & Ethnicity

White72.8%
Black or African American16.5%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

40.7

Median Age

48.4%

Female

51.6%

Male

19.9%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.6%
5–9
7.0%
10–14
5.8%
15–19
5.9%
20–24
5.9%
25–34
11.7%
35–44
13.0%
45–54
11.4%
55–59
6.7%
60–64
7.0%
65–74
12.0%
75–84
6.5%
85+
1.4%

Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 19.9%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$55,070$-16,641 vs state
Mean household income$73,958
Per-capita income$28,030
Poverty rate11.3%+2.4% vs state
Unemployment rate3.3%
Employment-to-population49.6%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.0%
Education & health care
10.8%
Construction
9.3%
Public administration
9.1%
Finance & real estate
7.2%
Retail trade
7.0%
Manufacturing
5.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.2%

The largest employment sector in Columbia County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.0% of workers.

How residents commute

0.1%

Drive alone

0.4%

Carpool

77.6%

Public transit

7.1%

Work from home

25.6 min

Avg commute

Housing

$186,400$-138,600 vs state

Median home value

$915

Median rent

70.9%

Homeownership rate

30,066

Total housing units

88.9%

Occupied

11.1%

Vacant

29.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

86.2%

With health insurance

95.1%

With broadband internet

33.3%

Foreign-born

11.0%

Veterans (18+)

20.2%

With a disability

92.7%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

85.5%

High School+

16.3%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Florida

Other counties in Florida

Part of Florida

Metro areas in Florida

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia County, Florida has a population of 70,755 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in Florida. Population density is 89 people per square mile.

The population of Columbia County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (67,558 → 73,977), a +0.65% annualized rate.

The median household income in Columbia County, Florida is $55,070, with mean (average) household income of $73,958 and per-capita income of $28,030. 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Columbia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.8%), Black or African American (16.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Columbia County, Florida is 40.7 years. Residents are 48.4% female and 51.6% male.

The median home value in Columbia County is $186,400 and median monthly rent is $915. 70.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 30,066 total housing units, 11.1% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Columbia County, Florida is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.

Jacksonville is among the largest cities associated with Columbia County, Florida, with a population of 961,739.


Columbia County, FL Climate

Columbia County, FL has an average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F) and receives about 1367 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

20°C

Avg Temp

1367

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

0°10°20°30°40°193mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Columbia County, FL — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January12° / 53°109 mm
February13° / 56°100 mm
March17° / 62°121 mm
April20° / 67°81 mm
May23° / 74°98 mm
June26° / 79°166 mm
July27° / 81°175 mm
August27° / 81°193 mm
September26° / 78°119 mm
October21° / 69°64 mm
November17° / 62°61 mm
December13° / 55°80 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 Columbia County, FL

The most comfortable months to visit Columbia County, FL are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 5°C low). August is usually the wettest month.

OctoberAprilMay

Where to stay near Columbia County

Visiting or relocating to Columbia County, FL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Columbia County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.