Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Ratings
Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.
West Columbia, South Carolina is a mid-sized city with a population of 17,782 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, West Columbia is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in West Columbia. With an average one way commute time of only 18 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in West Columbia could be a positive experience compared to other cities in South Carolina if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in West Columbia and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare West Columbia to South Carolina and the national average.
Using data and statistics West Columbia has received a livability score of 61 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 47th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that West Columbia has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A-) and housing (A-). Unfortunately for West Columbia, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F), education (D) and employment (D-).
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that West Columbia has an unemployment rate of 2.41% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in West 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.
West 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 West Columbia. The median home price for West Columbia homes is $156,200, which is 8.8% higher than the South Carolina average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in West Columbia, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 12.9% higher than the South Carolina average.
| Statistic | West Columbia | South Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.1% | 82.8% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 0.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.1% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.5% | 3.6% | 4.6% |
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