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
Among US counties, Columbia County stands out first on household income: a median of $96,122, above the US median of $78,538. With 159,638 residents, Columbia County is a county in Georgia. It ranks #15 among counties in Georgia by population.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $96,122, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.3%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $287,400, with typical rent around $1,330.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 37.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 9.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Columbia County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
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+
Largest cities in Georgia
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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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.