Columbia MO

In Columbia, the rent-to-income burden runs around 20% — refreshingly manageable by national standards. Median income sits at $66,498 and median rent is $1,097/month. 49% of renters are cost-burdened (30%+ of income on housing). Landlords are winning; everyone else is treading water. Median home value: $284,600 — that's 4.3× the median income. 57% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — a highly educated workforce that drives (and inflates) this local economy. With a median age of 30, this is a young city — high energy, high turnover, and a lot of people figuring out adulthood simultaneously. Employment picture: 4.02% unemployment — a healthy job market. Poverty rate: 19.3% — well above the national average. The headline economic numbers hide a bifurcated city. Average commute: 16 minutes — mercifully short. Columbia was founded in 1821 — that's 205 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 65.3 sq miles at 1,970 people/sq mile — spread out. Elevation: 758 ft — modest elevation. RoastMyCity overall score: 71/100 — Solid Choice.