Columbia, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Columbia, California had a total population of 2,235, the 879th largest community in California, with a median household income of $58,520, which is 41% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 41% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 10.0% is notably above the national average.
Columbia Quick Facts
How Columbia Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,645 | 2,235 | -15.5% |
| Median household income | $57,647 | $58,520 | +1.5% |
| Median home value | $396,200 | $376,200 | -5.0% |
How Columbia Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbia Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Tuolumne County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonora | 4,919 | $82,690 | 16.9% | $422,300 |
| Phoenix Lake | 4,794 | $103,125 | 4.8% | $488,500 |
| Mono Vista | 3,675 | $85,769 | 7.0% | $427,800 |
| Jamestown | 3,265 | $57,276 | 6.1% | $374,600 |
| East Sonora | 2,651 | $77,574 | 11.6% | $335,100 |
| Pine Mountain Lake | 2,498 | $79,387 | 5.6% | $426,500 |
| Twain Harte | 2,372 | $88,739 | 9.7% | $462,700 |
| Soulsbyville | 2,101 | $96,865 | 3.2% | $419,800 |
| Cedar Ridge | 1,671 | $82,308 | 7.9% | $407,000 |
| Tuolumne City | 1,148 | $57,313 | 7.5% | $431,200 |
Cities Similar to Columbia
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonoma State University | 2,210 | N/A | N/A | 40.5% | N/A |
| Hoopa | 2,233 | $64,643 | $248,500 | 18.3% | 21.5% |
| Hamilton City | 2,267 | $65,833 | $302,800 | 4.1% | 7.6% |
| Sky Valley | 2,255 | $51,190 | $148,100 | 20.9% | 17.6% |
| Lakeview | 2,062 | $59,375 | $548,800 | 16.8% | 31.8% |
Population Overview
Columbia is a small community located in California, within Tuolumne County. The total population is 2,235. It ranks as the 879th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbia is 49.8 years. This is 31% higher than the state median of 37.9 years. 17.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Columbia is $58,520. This is 41% lower than the state median of $99,122. It is also 28% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 15.6%. This is 29% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 10.0%. This is 51% higher than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $376,200. Housing costs are 49% lower than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.4x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 70.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 26% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Columbia is White (non-Hispanic), making up 80.7% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 6.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (80.7% vs 33.8%). The Black or African American population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (6.1%) is well below the state average of 40.2%. The Asian population (2.8%) is well below the state average of 15.3%.
Education
23.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 36% lower than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbia, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbia, California?
Columbia, California has a population of 2,235 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbia, CA?
The median household income in Columbia is $58,520, which is 28% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia, CA?
The poverty rate in Columbia is 15.6%. This means approximately 327 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbia, California?
Columbia's population is 80.7% White, 1.1% Black, 6.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbia, CA?
The median home value in Columbia is $376,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.4x.
How educated is Columbia, California?
23.6% of adults (25+) in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.