Columbia, Missouri, known as "CoMo," is a vibrant college town located in the heart of the state. Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia offers a lively atmosphere, rich cultural scene, and strong sense of community. The city's blend of academic excellence, historic charm, and modern amenities makes living in Columbia an attractive option for students, families, and professionals alike.
Residents of Columbia enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The MKT Trail and Rock Bridge Memorial State Park are popular destinations for hiking, biking, and nature exploration, offering scenic views and a chance to connect with nature.
Columbia's cultural scene is heavily influenced by the University of Missouri, which hosts a range of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year. The Missouri Theatre, the True/False Film Fest, and the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival are cultural highlights that enrich the community's artistic and entertainment landscape. Living in Columbia means being part of a dynamic and engaging community.
The cost of living in Columbia is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market offers a variety of options, from historic homes near the university to new developments in suburban areas. The city's economy is supported by industries such as education, healthcare, and technology.
Public transportation in Columbia is provided by Go COMO, which operates bus routes throughout the city and the university campus. Columbia's climate features hot summers and cold winters, with a variety of seasonal activities available year-round. Overall, Columbia offers a blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and a welcoming community spirit, making it a highly desirable place to live.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
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.
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.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
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 Missouri, Columbia is a mid-sized city with a population of 122,659 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (76% White). Given that fact, Columbia could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 29 years old, Columbia could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. Columbia is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 43% married, this city falls well below the national average. 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.
Living in Columbia can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Missouri, there are many desirable 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. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Columbia and in the areas around Columbia is a much easier task.
Columbia, MO receives 82 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #7 in Missouri and #884 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Columbia ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Columbia ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Columbia has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A-), education (B+) and housing (B+). On a more negative note, Columbia does not have favorable ranks for the following: crime (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
If you're considering living in Columbia, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Columbia provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Ragtag Cinema, Columbia Star Dinner Train, and Museum of Art and Archaeology.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Columbia, the unemployment rate stands at 2.32%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Columbia market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
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. Median real estate prices in Columbia come in at $208,300, which is 47.5% higher than the Missouri 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 3.9, which is 34.5% higher than the Missouri average.
| Statistic | Columbia | Missouri | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.8% | 81.6% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.4% | 9.1% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.1% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.3% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.1% | 1.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Missouri
Safest States In The US
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
These are the largest cities in Missouri