Columbia County, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 15th-largest in Georgia
The population of Columbia County, Georgia is 159,638 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 15th-largest county in Georgia. The median household income is $96,122, the median home value is $287,400, and the median age is 37.5.
The population of Columbia County has grown 34.0% since 2010 (124,951 → 167,472), a +2.11% annualized rate.
159,638
Population
+2.11%
Annual growth
550
People / sq mi
$96,122
Median Income
$287,400
Median Home Value
Columbia County covers 290 sq mi of land at 550.1 people per square mile.
About Columbia County, GA
Columbia County is a county in Georgia with a population of 159,638. It ranks #15 among counties in Georgia by population. The median age is 37.5, younger than the national median. The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.
The median household income in Columbia County is $96,122, above the US median of $74,580. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $287,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,330. The homeownership rate of 78.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Columbia County reflects 37.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.8 minutes each way.
Columbia County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Columbia County had a population of 124,951 in 2010 and 167,472 in 2024, a 34.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 167,472 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.12%.
167,472
Population (2024)
124,951
Population (2010)
167,472
Peak (2024)
2.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 124,951 |
| 2011 | 128,832 |
| 2012 | 132,601 |
| 2013 | 136,232 |
| 2014 | 139,223 |
| 2015 | 143,991 |
| 2016 | 147,622 |
| 2017 | 151,757 |
| 2018 | 154,399 |
| 2019 | 157,129 |
| 2020 | 156,869 |
| 2021 | 159,680 |
| 2022 | 162,681 |
| 2023 | 165,470 |
| 2024 | 167,472 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.6% |
| Black or African American | 18.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.5
Median Age
51.1%
Female
48.9%
Male
14.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 14.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $96,122+$21,458 vs state |
| Mean household income | $118,347 |
| Per-capita income | $42,457 |
| Poverty rate | 5.3%-4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Columbia County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.2%
Carpool
80.4%
Public transit
9.6%
Work from home
25.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$287,400+$14,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,330
Median rent
78.5%
Homeownership rate
60,412
Total housing units
86.2%
Occupied
13.8%
Vacant
21.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
96.3%
With broadband internet
42.7%
Foreign-born
14.6%
Veterans (18+)
13.9%
With a disability
88.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.1%
High School+
37.8%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Georgia
Part of Georgia
Metro areas in Georgia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia County, Georgia has a population of 159,638 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 15th-largest county in Georgia. Population density is 550 people per square mile.
The population of Columbia County has grown 34.0% since 2010 (124,951 → 167,472), a +2.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Columbia County, Georgia is $96,122, with mean (average) household income of $118,347 and per-capita income of $42,457. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Columbia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (67.6%), Black or African American (18.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Columbia County, Georgia is 37.5 years. Residents are 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
The median home value in Columbia County is $287,400 and median monthly rent is $1,330. 78.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 60,412 total housing units, 13.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Columbia County, Georgia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Atlanta is among the largest cities associated with Columbia County, Georgia, with a population of 499,287.
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Statewide data for Georgia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Georgia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.