| Statistic | West Columbia | South Carolina | National |
| Population | 17,782 | 5,148,714 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,939 | 173 | 91 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 38.8 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 51% | 56% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 33% | 40% | 43% |
| Speak English | 89% | 93% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 9% | 4% | 13% |
The population of West Columbia is 17,782, with a population density of 1,939 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 40.2 and 51% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 33% have children under 18. As far as income equality in West Columbia goes, 26% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 11% report an income exceeding $150,000. The West Columbia demographics data can provide indispensable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of cities, towns or even villages, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to devise strategies that foster prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in West Columbia are 73.4% White, 17.6% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, 0.6% American Indian and 0.2% Native Hawaiian, with 9.5% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 88.8% of households reported speaking English only, while 8.8% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 8% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The West Columbia racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.
West Columbia could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The West Columbia population density is 1,939, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
Healthcare Planning: An analysis of West Columbia demographics can inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Understanding demographic trends allows healthcare providers and policymakers to allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities. Leveraging demographic data, healthcare providers, and policymakers strive to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and customized healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of West Columbia demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in West Columbia can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
Understanding Populations: Analyzing and interpreting the West Columbia demographic data provides us with valuable insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, encompassing age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic variables. This understanding is crucial for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges encountered by various demographic groups within communities. Demographics play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes, and advancing equity, inclusion, and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The West Columbia population and demographic data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also nurturing the well-being and resilience of societies.
| Race | West Columbia | South Carolina | National |
| White | 73.39% | 67.27% | 73.35% |
| Black | 17.56% | 27.35% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 2.31% | 1.42% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.62% | 0.32% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.25% | 0.06% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 3.15% | 2.07% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 2.71% | 1.51% | 4.75% |
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