Is Columbia, MO a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What is Columbia, MO known for?

Columbia is situated in the heart of Missouri. The city is renowned for its rich academic environment, as it houses multiple higher education institutions. This lends an energetic, youthful vibe to the city. Beyond the academic, locals cherish the thriving arts scene, farmers' markets, and outdoor recreational activities like biking trails and nature parks.

Columbia leans moderately liberal, reflecting an ethnically diverse population and being inclusive of various sexual orientations. This makes Columbia a mosaic of cultures and lifestyles, appealing to a broader spectrum of people.

Couples can enjoy the low-key yet vibrant nightlife and a variety of dining options, while retirees often appreciate the quiet, well-maintained parks and community centers. Singles will find a lively social scene centered around the academic calendar. Families can benefit from quality public schools and an array of family-friendly events, especially during the summer. Students, naturally, have academic and extracurricular opportunities galore, and for those of diverse beliefs and backgrounds, the city's liberal lean offers a welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights

Pros and Cons icon

Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Columbia, MO, include educational resources, recreational activities, cultural diversity, and more. While some Cons are around limited career opportunities, weather variability, and traffic issues.
Read more in Pros and Cons.

Safety and Crime icon

Safety and Crime

Columbia, MO is ranked 212th out of the top 333 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 214th on safety from violent crime, and 201st on safety from property crime.
Read more in Safety and Crime.

Cost of Living icon

Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Columbia, MO is 27% lower than the national average.
Read more in Cost of Living.

Discretionary Income icon

Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Columbia, MO leaves $2,232 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
Read more in Discretionary Income.

Climate and Weather icon

Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Columbia, MO in January is 32°F and 79°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average -11°F cooler in January and experiences no difference in temperature in July.
Read more in Climate and Weather.

Politics and Voting icon

Politics and Voting

Columbia, MO voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 54.9% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.