Columbia 63 Average
Columbia Livability #143 ranked city in Mississippi#14,895 ranked city in the USARanks better than 49% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Columbia

PROS
  • 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.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • 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.

New Real Estate Listings in Columbia Area
Search Homes for Sale in Columbia, MS

What's it like Living in Columbia?

Columbia is a small city located in the state of Mississippi. The city has a population of 5,940 inhabitants. Columbia is mostly populated by White (52%) and Black or African American (44%) ethnic groups. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Columbia, only 48% of the population is married. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Columbia your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 28 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Columbia can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Mississippi, 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. 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, cost of living, commute, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Mississippi and national averages.

Using data and statistics Columbia has received a livability score of 61/100. This score is ranked in the 46th percentile when compared to all other cities. Columbia does not score well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

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 2.07% 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.

Assuming that Columbia meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Columbia. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Columbia are simply unattainable. The median home price for Columbia homes is $79,800, which is 24.5% lower than the Mississippi 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 3.3, which is 26.9% higher than the Mississippi average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Columbia

See all the best places to live around Columbia

How Do You Rate The Livability In Columbia?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Columbia, MS Livability

      vs

      Columbia transportation information

      Statistic Columbia Mississippi National
      Average one way commute28min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work89.8%84.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.1%9.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%0.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home0.5%2.2%4.6%
      Source: The Columbia, MS data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).