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Columbia

#1 in Best Places to Live in Columbia, MO Area
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • City in Missouri
  • 395 reviews
    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
      B+
    11. Outdoor Activities
      B+
    12. Commute
      A
    View Full Report Card
    Columbia is a city in Missouri with a population of 118,620. Columbia is in Boone County and is one of the best places to live in Missouri. Living in Columbia offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Columbia there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Columbia and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Columbia are highly rated.
    About Columbia...
    Population
    118,620

    Real Estate

    Median Home Value
    $185,300
    National
    $184,700
    Median Rent
    $825
    National
    $949
    Area Feel
    Dense Suburban
    Rent vs. Own
    • Rent
      53%
    • Own
      47%
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    Niche may be compensated by the third party lenders and others who place ads on the website. Niche is not a lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. There are many additional borrowing options available.

    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
      200.7
      282.7
    • Murder
      4
      6.1
    • Rape
      72
      40.7
    • Robbery
      84.2
      135.5
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      444.2
      500.1
    • Theft
      2,142.6
      2,042.8
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      231.4
      284

    Residents

    Diversity
    A-
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Age
    • <10 years
      11%
    • 10-17 years
      7%
    • 18-24 years
      27%
    • 25-34 years
      16%
    • 35-44 years
      11%
    • 45-54 years
      10%
    • 55-64 years
      9%
    • 65+ years
      10%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      25%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      28%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      24%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      17%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      6%
      13%
    • Public Schools
    • Private Schools
    • Colleges

    Working in Columbia

    Jobs
    A-
    Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
    Median Household Income
    $47,236
    National
    $55,322
    Search for Jobs in Columbia
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    Columbia Reviews

    395 reviews
    All Categories
    I have been in Columbia since the Spring of 2013. I love what this town has to offer. With big city dreams and a small town feel, Columbia, MO, is my new home. There are amazing eateries, niche shops in the downtown area, and opportunities galore! There is some pretty amazing colleges and universities in the area as well. Also, the hospitals have amazing experiences for those in the health science and business field. Did I mention the cost of living is pretty reasonable as it was rated in the top ten best places to live in America for someone starting out in their young adulthood.
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    Columbia only thrives because of the transient money from colleges. As a resident subsidizing constant university growth, higher property taxes, the cost to do anything in columbia is unmarketable unless you are directing the attention towards the students. Columbia has nothing to offer unless you need Schooling, Hospital, Lawyer. LIVED HERE 35yrs wife and I have not been downtown to shop for 20 yrs there is a reason to stay away from the downtown socialistic council. Hell there is not even a hint of Christmas lights or decorations at Christmas. COLUMBIA SUCKS.
    On Line College is the Future.
    Physical building and Socialites are not a future. Close the colleges and save Zillions.
    Bet Columbia doe not even survive after such a future.
    Columbia is the home of Mizzou Tigers! Everywhere you look you are welcomed to Columbia with the colors of Black and Gold! It is also a great community and has a great familly atmosphere. Columbia is known for quite a bit of trail to walk or ride which ever you prefer. They have the best resturants and if you like to play in the park with your family after a great meal, I suggest to walk at the Shelter Gardens! A very beautiful and peaceful, don't forget your camera when visit Columbia!