Vitamin Shoppe, Marco's Pizza, Mattress Firm & Tropical Grille
Closed5449 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072
Columbia, SC
Columbia, South Carolina, is the state capital and the central city of the Midlands, positioned near South Carolina’s geographic center where the Broad and Saluda rivers form the Congaree. Founded in 1786 as one of the nation’s earliest planned capitals, it remains a governmental, educational, military, and cultural hub. Known affectionately as “Cola” or “Soda City,” Columbia combines historic districts, a major research university, Fort Jackson, revitalized downtown neighborhoods, and access to distinctive river and forest landscapes. Its landmarks include the South Carolina State House, the University of South Carolina, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, and nearby Congaree National Park.
Recreational Delights
Columbia’s recreation is shaped by its rivers, greenways, parks, and nearby lakes rather than ocean beaches. The Three Rivers Greenway and Columbia Canal offer scenic walking, cycling, running, fishing, and paddling along the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree rivers. Downtown Finlay Park provides lawns, water features, event spaces, and recreational amenities following its major revitalization. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden combines wildlife exhibits with botanical landscapes along the Saluda River. Nearby Congaree National Park protects one of the Southeast’s finest old-growth bottomland forests, with hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and ranger programs. Lake Murray, west of the city, is a popular destination for boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, and lakeside leisure. Neighborhood parks, the BullStreet District, and the expanding network of trails add convenient outdoor options throughout the metropolitan area.
Culinary Scene
Columbia’s food scene reflects South Carolina’s Lowcountry and Midlands traditions while embracing increasingly diverse global influences. Barbecue, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, pimento cheese, soul food, and other Southern staples remain central, alongside Korean, Mexican, Indian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, and contemporary American restaurants. The Congaree Vista is a major dining and nightlife district, with restaurants, bars, galleries, and converted warehouse spaces along Gervais Street. Main Street offers independent cafés, chef-driven restaurants, and casual eateries, while Five Points and nearby Devine Street are popular for student-oriented dining, pubs, and locally owned businesses. The Saturday Soda City Market brings farmers, food trucks, bakers, artisans, and specialty vendors downtown, creating one of Columbia’s most distinctive food experiences. The city’s famously hot summers also encourage a lively craft-beverage, patio-dining, and frozen-dessert culture.
Demographics
- The supplied geography has an estimated population of 849,181, compared with Columbia city’s 147,035 estimated residents in 2025 and the broader metropolitan area’s approximately 879,918 people.
- The median age is 37.6, slightly younger than the U.S. median of 38.9, reflecting the influence of the University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson, and the region’s higher-education institutions.
- Median household income is $68,359, below the U.S. median of $80,734. Columbia is nevertheless notably diverse, with substantial Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, student, military, and international communities.
Population
849,181
Growth 1.11%
Households
339,601
Growth 1.56%
Median Age
37.6
US Median Age 38.9
Median Household Income
$68,359
US Median Household Income $80,734
Radius Metrics Highlights in 3-mile radius
34,198
Total population
65%
5 year population growth projection
500
Vehicles per day on Wellmore Drive
13,482
Total households
$48,422
Per capita income
| 1 Mile | 3 Miles | 5 Miles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 6,080 | 34,198 | 87,716 |
| 5 year projected total population | 10,516 | 56,286 | 169,274 |
| Total households | 2,626 | 13,482 | 34,178 |
| Current Median Household Income | $111,446 | $105,319 | $98,274 |
| 5 year projected median household income | $145,410 | $142,620 | $129,384 |
| Current Per Capita Income | $49,779 | $48,422 | $45,887 |
| 5 year projected per capita income | $71,419 | $64,258 | $58,641 |
| Median home value | $317,940 | $324,779 | $291,273 |
Sports
College football
South Carolina Gamecocks
College women’s basketball
South Carolina Gamecocks
Minor League baseball
Columbia Fireflies
College baseball
South Carolina Gamecocks
Education
University of South Carolina
Benedict College
Allen University
Columbia College
Entertainment
Koger Center for the Arts
South Carolina State Museum
Columbia Museum of Art
Colonial Life Arena
Quality of Life
Columbia offers a moderate cost-of-living environment, a central location, mild winters, extensive higher education and healthcare resources, and abundant cultural and outdoor amenities. Residents benefit from revitalized districts, major employers, and convenient highway, air, and rail connections. Hot, humid summers, occasional flooding, and income disparities are notable challenges, while ongoing downtown and riverfront investment continues to improve the city’s appeal.
2022 Population by age
6%
0-4 Years
20%
5-19 Years
8%
20-24 Years
26%
25-44 Years
24%
45-64 Years
16%
65+ Years
Employers
5%
Unemployment rate
Employment sectors
Health Care and Social Assistance
14.21%
Retail Trade
11.3%
Educational Services
10.86%
Manufacturing
10.28%
Public Administration
7.47%
Accommodation and Food Services
7.09%
Construction
6.94%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
6.39%
Finance and Insurance
5.92%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services
5.38%
Transportation and Warehousing
4.84%
Wholesale Trade
2.24%
Other
7.07%