A+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    A-
  2. Crime & Safety
    C+
  3. Housing
    B
  4. Nightlife
    A-
  5. Good for Families
    A
  6. Diversity
    A-
  7. Jobs
    A-
  8. Weather
    B-
  9. Cost of Living
    B
  10. Health & Fitness
    A-
  11. Outdoor Activities
    A-
  12. Commute
    A
View Full Report Card
Population
115,391

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$176,900
National
$178,600
Median Rent
$799
National
$928
Area Feel
Suburban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    52%
  • Own
    48%

Columbia Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Crime & Safety

Crime & Safety
C+
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Assault
    316
    0
  • Murder
    1
    0
  • Rape
    69
    41
  • Robbery
    119
    0
Property Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Burglary
    706
    1
  • Theft
    2,161
    2,081
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
    190
    0

Residents

Diversity
A-
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Median Household Income
$44,907
National
$53,889
Children
16%
Education Levels
National
  • Master's degree or higher
    26%
    11%
  • Bachelor's degree
    30%
    19%
  • Some college or associate's degree
    23%
    29%
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    15%
    28%
  • Less than high school diploma
    6%
    13%
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges

Columbia Reviews

290 reviews
All Categories
I have been coming to Columbia, MO for years and I finally moved up here. I love that I have the option to be in the city and enjoy the shopping downtown and in the mall. I also love the diversity being that it is a college town. There are also some great parks to go to when you want to get away and enjoy what nature has to offer in here Mid-MO. There are many sports events that anybody if able to go to and concerts as well. There is something for everyone to do here in the city!
Review Columbia
There is always something to do in Columbia, Missouri! Home to the University of Missouri, you can find students year round studying on campus or enjoying the shopping downtown. There are beautiful parks and lakes to explore on your days off, and the city is very walkable!
City with broad range of social groups and people from all walks of life. Housing is too expensive because of 3 universities in town, and more affordable housing is found in old neighborhoods needing community outreach badly. There is a wonderful local vibe in downtown and in many of the shopping areas and parks, but it is often overcrowded with college students at peak times. Very safe and friendly in some parts and not so much in others. Needs a serious look at communities and areas that have fallen behind the higher demand central locations.