Columbia CDP, Maryland Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Columbia CDP, Maryland has a total population of 105,871, the 2nd largest city in Maryland, with a median household income of $129,173, which is 27% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Columbia CDP is the 2nd largest city in Maryland with a population of 105,871.
- 63.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Maryland.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Maryland (diversity index: 70/100).
Columbia CDP Quick Facts
How Columbia CDP Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 67 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbia CDP Rankings in Maryland
Explore Maryland Rankings
Cities Similar to Columbia CDP
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germantown CDP | 90,521 | $112,149 | $401,400 | 50.2% | 8.5% |
| Waldorf CDP | 82,541 | $115,453 | $383,100 | 32.4% | 7.0% |
| Silver Spring CDP | 82,129 | $98,880 | $619,400 | 59.8% | 9.7% |
| Frederick city | 80,617 | $95,150 | $365,200 | 41.8% | 9.4% |
| Ellicott City CDP | 73,737 | $157,891 | $644,300 | 69.6% | 3.6% |
Population Overview
Columbia CDP is a major urban center located in Maryland. The total population is 105,871. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 528 cities and towns in Maryland.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbia CDP is 39.1 years. This is about average than the state median of 39.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Columbia CDP is $129,173. This is 27% higher than the state median of $101,652. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 64% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%. This is 20% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.3%. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 9% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $480,300. Housing costs are 21% higher than the state median of $397,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 64.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 67.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Columbia CDP is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 28.3%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (11.8% vs 6.4%).
Education
63.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Columbia CDP in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 49% higher than the state rate of 42.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.5%. Notably, 34.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbia CDP, Maryland is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Maryland state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 528 Census-designated places in Maryland. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbia CDP, Maryland?
Columbia CDP, Maryland has a population of 105,871 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbia CDP, MD?
The median household income in Columbia CDP is $129,173, which is 64% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia CDP, MD?
The poverty rate in Columbia CDP is 7.4%. This means approximately 7,847 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbia CDP, Maryland?
Columbia CDP's population is 43.8% White, 28.3% Black, 9.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 11.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbia CDP, MD?
The median home value in Columbia CDP is $480,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Columbia CDP, Maryland?
63.5% of adults (25+) in Columbia CDP hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 34.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.