Columbia County, Oregon Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Oregon
The population of Columbia County, Oregon is 53,178 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Oregon. The median household income is $86,359, the median home value is $390,600, and the median age is 43.2.
The population of Columbia County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (49,353 → 54,063), a +0.65% annualized rate.
53,178
Population
+0.65%
Annual growth
81
People / sq mi
$86,359
Median Income
$390,600
Median Home Value
Columbia County covers 659 sq mi of land at 80.7 people per square mile.
About Columbia County, OR
In Columbia County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $390,600. With 53,178 residents, Columbia County is a county in Oregon. It ranks #17 among counties in Oregon by population.
Households take in a median $86,359, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.3%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $390,600, with typical rent around $1,221.
Roughly 19.2% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.3% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 33 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Columbia County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Columbia County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Columbia County had a population of 49,353 in 2010 and 54,063 in 2024, a 9.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 54,063 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.66%.
54,063
Population (2024)
49,353
Population (2010)
54,063
Peak (2024)
0.66%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,353 |
| 2011 | 49,408 |
| 2012 | 49,220 |
| 2013 | 49,271 |
| 2014 | 49,513 |
| 2015 | 49,671 |
| 2016 | 50,939 |
| 2017 | 51,749 |
| 2018 | 52,408 |
| 2019 | 52,614 |
| 2020 | 52,716 |
| 2021 | 53,177 |
| 2022 | 53,589 |
| 2023 | 53,918 |
| 2024 | 54,063 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 87.0% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.2
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
19.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 19.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,359+$5,933 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,574 |
| Per-capita income | $39,526 |
| Poverty rate | 5.3%-2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Columbia County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
72.3%
Public transit
11.3%
Work from home
32.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$390,600$-63,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,221
Median rent
75.7%
Homeownership rate
21,980
Total housing units
94.2%
Occupied
5.8%
Vacant
24.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.3%
With health insurance
95.4%
With broadband internet
41.4%
Foreign-born
11.4%
Veterans (18+)
16.7%
With a disability
95.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.4%
High School+
19.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Oregon
Other counties in Oregon
Part of Oregon
Metro areas in Oregon
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia County, Oregon has a population of 53,178 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Oregon. Population density is 81 people per square mile.
The population of Columbia County has grown 9.5% since 2010 (49,353 → 54,063), a +0.65% annualized rate.
The median household income in Columbia County, Oregon is $86,359, with mean (average) household income of $101,574 and per-capita income of $39,526. 5.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Columbia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (87.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.4%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Columbia County, Oregon is 43.2 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Columbia County is $390,600 and median monthly rent is $1,221. 75.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,980 total housing units, 5.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Columbia County, Oregon is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Portland is among the largest cities associated with Columbia County, Oregon, with a population of 642,715.
Columbia County, OR Climate
Columbia County, OR has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 1849 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
1849
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 284 mm |
| February | 5° / 40° | 220 mm |
| March | 6° / 43° | 188 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 128 mm |
| May | 11° / 51° | 90 mm |
| June | 13° / 56° | 68 mm |
| July | 16° / 60° | 30 mm |
| August | 16° / 61° | 41 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 77 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 146 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 278 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 299 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, OR
The most comfortable months to visit Columbia County, OR are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 24°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Columbia County
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Top-rated places to stay near Columbia County
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Statewide data for Oregon
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Oregon
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.