Columbia town, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Columbia town, North Carolina has a total population of 674, the 536th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $21,118, which is 70% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 35.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 70% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (35.3%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in North Carolina (diversity index: 70/100).
Columbia town Quick Facts
How Columbia town 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: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbia town Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Columbia town
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Arthur CDP | 649 | N/A | $137,300 | 56.3% | 9.2% |
| Spivey's Corner CDP | 646 | N/A | N/A | 10.7% | 0.0% |
| Ocracoke CDP | 709 | N/A | $472,200 | 46.3% | 16.8% |
| Dobbins Heights town | 711 | $21,389 | $50,800 | 2.6% | 40.2% |
| South Weldon CDP | 688 | $19,250 | $68,300 | 0.0% | 68.8% |
Population Overview
Columbia town is a small community located in North Carolina, within Tyrrell County. The total population is 674. It ranks as the 536th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbia town is 39.4 years. This is about average than the state median of 39.1 years. With 31.2% of the population under 18, Columbia town has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Columbia town is $21,118. This is 70% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 73% lower. The poverty rate stands at 35.3%. This is 168% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.0%. This is 25% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $120,700. Housing costs are 53% lower than the state median of $259,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x. 41.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 38% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Columbia town is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 30.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (32.6% vs 10.9%).
Education
16.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 77.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbia town, North Carolina 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 North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all North Carolina city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbia town, North Carolina?
Columbia town, North Carolina has a population of 674 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbia town, NC?
The median household income in Columbia town is $21,118, which is 73% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia town, NC?
The poverty rate in Columbia town is 35.3%. This means approximately 238 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbia town, North Carolina?
Columbia town's population is 30.4% White, 29.8% Black, 32.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbia town, NC?
The median home value in Columbia town is $120,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x.
How educated is Columbia town, North Carolina?
16.1% of adults (25+) in Columbia town hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.