Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Columbia is a mid-sized city located in the state of Illinois. The city has a population of 10,985 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Columbia is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. 70% of the people in Columbia (over the age of 15) are married and 56% have kids under the age of eighteen. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that this area could be a great place for other families to lay down roots. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Columbia, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 26 minutes.
Living in Columbia can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Columbia and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Columbia to Illinois and the national average.
Using data and statistics Columbia has received a livability score of 77/100. This score is ranked in the 90th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Columbia ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Columbia also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we see that Columbia ranks very well for crime (B+), cost of living (A), education (B) and housing (A+). The bad news for Columbia, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Columbia, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 1.8% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Columbia can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Columbia real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Columbia. Median real estate prices in Columbia come in at $399,529, which is 29.5% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Columbia, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 28.6% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Columbia | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 26min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.7% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.2% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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