Columbia city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Columbia city, South Dakota has a total population of 170, the 252nd largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $59,038, which is 18% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 1.2%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 1.2% — among the lowest in South Dakota.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Columbia city Quick Facts
How Columbia city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 33 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbia city Rankings in South Dakota
Explore South Dakota Rankings
Other Cities in Brown County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen city | 28,297 | $63,715 | 12.9% | $205,500 |
| Groton city | 1,794 | $82,083 | 3.9% | $173,000 |
| Warner town | 494 | $114,375 | 0.4% | $231,600 |
| Hecla city | 204 | N/A | 9.3% | $47,100 |
| Frederick town | 178 | $81,071 | 12.9% | $83,100 |
| Westport town | 93 | $58,750 | 0.0% | $103,900 |
| Claremont town | 90 | $56,667 | 10.0% | $74,000 |
| Ravinia town | 53 | $29,167 | 20.8% | $63,300 |
| Stratford town | 50 | $73,750 | 8.0% | $69,200 |
| Verdon town | 4 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Columbia city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kranzburg town | 174 | $60,625 | $123,300 | 11.1% | 10.3% |
| Ashton city | 171 | $63,125 | $40,700 | 5.4% | 0.0% |
| Glendale Colony CDP | 177 | N/A | N/A | 11.4% | 6.8% |
| Spring Creek Colony CDP | 161 | N/A | N/A | 0.0% | 50.4% |
| Richland CDP | 168 | $53,295 | $206,800 | 17.5% | 19.6% |
Population Overview
Columbia city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Brown County. The total population is 170. It ranks as the 252nd most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbia city is 32.0 years. This is 15% lower than the state median of 37.7 years. With 35.3% of the population under 18, Columbia city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Columbia city is $59,038. This is 18% lower than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 1.2%. This is 90% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 0.0%. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $121,900. Housing costs are 49% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Columbia city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 89.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% higher than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Columbia city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 99.4% of all residents.
Education
18.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 40% lower than the state rate of 31.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbia city, South Dakota 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 South Dakota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 439 Census-designated places in South Dakota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbia city, South Dakota?
Columbia city, South Dakota has a population of 170 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbia city, SD?
The median household income in Columbia city is $59,038, which is 25% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Columbia city, SD?
The poverty rate in Columbia city is 1.2%. This means approximately 2 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbia city, South Dakota?
Columbia city's population is 99.4% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbia city, SD?
The median home value in Columbia city is $121,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x.
How educated is Columbia city, South Dakota?
18.6% of adults (25+) in Columbia city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.