Columbia County, Washington Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Columbia County is located in Washington with a total population of 3,996. It is the 38th most populous county out of 39 in Washington.

Age Demographics

The median age in Columbia County is 52.1 years. This is 36% higher than the state median of 38.2 years. 12.6% 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 County is $71,528. This is 25% lower than the state median of $94,952. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%. This is 9% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 32% lower than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $256,100. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $519,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% higher than the state average of 63.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Columbia County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.5% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.2%. The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Asian population (0.0%) is well below the state average of 9.3%.

Education

27.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.9%.