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 city with a population of 4,748 people. According to the most recent Census, 87% of Columbia residents are White, 8% Black and 0% Asian. Columbia tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 28 is far below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 41% of the Columbia population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Columbia is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain 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. Finding the best places to live in Columbia and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, employment and other important metrics.
The livability score in Columbia is 64 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 59th 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 are some categories that Columbia scores poorly for, including: amenities (F), education (D) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Columbia has a violent crime rate of 100 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Columbia apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
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 $110,900, which is 12.1% lower than the Kentucky 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 2.7, which is 3.6% 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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