Columbia County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in Washington
The population of Columbia County, Washington is 3,996 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $71,528, the median home value is $256,100, and the median age is 52.1.
The population of Columbia County has declined 1.7% since 2010 (4,094 → 4,025), a -0.12% annualized rate.
3,996
Population
-0.12%
Annual growth
5
People / sq mi
$71,528
Median Income
$256,100
Median Home Value
Columbia County covers 869 sq mi of land at 4.6 people per square mile.
About Columbia County, WA
Columbia County skews on age — the median resident is 52.1, older than the national median. With 3,996 residents, Columbia County is a county in Washington. It ranks #38 among counties in Washington by population.
Median household income is $71,528, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.2%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $256,100, with typical rent around $944.
College attainment is above the local norm at 27.2%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Columbia County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Columbia County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Columbia County had a population of 4,094 in 2010 and 4,025 in 2024, a -1.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 4,094 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.12%.
4,025
Population (2024)
4,094
Population (2010)
4,094
Peak (2010)
-0.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4,094 |
| 2011 | 4,005 |
| 2012 | 3,977 |
| 2013 | 4,002 |
| 2014 | 3,984 |
| 2015 | 3,961 |
| 2016 | 3,983 |
| 2017 | 4,010 |
| 2018 | 4,055 |
| 2019 | 4,023 |
| 2020 | 3,953 |
| 2021 | 4,019 |
| 2022 | 4,018 |
| 2023 | 4,055 |
| 2024 | 4,025 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
52.1
Median Age
49.7%
Female
50.3%
Male
29.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 29.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,528$-23,424 vs state |
| Mean household income | $89,990 |
| Per-capita income | $42,143 |
| Poverty rate | 4.2%-2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Columbia County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
6.6%
Carpool
75.6%
Public transit
5.1%
Work from home
20.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$256,100$-263,700 vs state
Median home value
$944
Median rent
77.9%
Homeownership rate
2,218
Total housing units
85.3%
Occupied
14.7%
Vacant
22.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.2%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
32.5%
Foreign-born
11.2%
Veterans (18+)
19.8%
With a disability
92.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.9%
High School+
27.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia County, Washington has a population of 3,996 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 5 people per square mile.
The population of Columbia County has declined 1.7% since 2010 (4,094 → 4,025), a -0.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Columbia County, Washington is $71,528, with mean (average) household income of $89,990 and per-capita income of $42,143. 4.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Columbia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.5%), Hispanic or Latino (7.1%), Black or African American (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Columbia County, Washington is 52.1 years. Residents are 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
The median home value in Columbia County is $256,100 and median monthly rent is $944. 77.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,218 total housing units, 14.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Columbia County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Columbia County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
Columbia County, WA Climate
Columbia County, WA has an average annual temperature of 8.9°C (48°F) and receives about 535 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.9°C
Avg Temp
535
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 67 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 52 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 53 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 43 mm |
| May | 12° / 53° | 43 mm |
| June | 16° / 60° | 33 mm |
| July | 19° / 67° | 17 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 21 mm |
| September | 15° / 59° | 25 mm |
| October | 9° / 48° | 42 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 70 mm |
| December | 0° / 31° | 69 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, WA
The most comfortable months to visit Columbia County, WA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 29°C high). The coldest is December (near -4°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where 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.