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.
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.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
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.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Located in the state of Kentucky, Columbia is a small-sized city with a population of 4,905 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (87% White). Given that fact, Columbia could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 28 years old, Columbia could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Columbia, only 41% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Columbia will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Columbia is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Kentucky, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Columbia and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Kentucky and national averages.
The livability score in Columbia is 64/100 and the city is ranked in the 55th percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Columbia ranks very well for crime (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Columbia. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: amenities (F), education (F) and employment (F).
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 82 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Columbia boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
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.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Columbia is real estate affordability. The median home price for Columbia homes is $198,232, which is 12% lower than the Kentucky average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Columbia, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 5.9% lower than the Kentucky average.
| Statistic | Columbia | Kentucky | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.5% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.9% | 9.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.3% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.7% | 3.3% | 4.6% |
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