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
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.
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Safety and Crime
Columbia, MO is ranked 350th out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 351st on safety from violent crime, and 323rd on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living
Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Columbia, MO is 27% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income
A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Columbia, MO leaves $2,232 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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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.
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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.
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The assessments presented on this website, including those related to crime, safety, cost of living, and other location characteristics (e.g., states, cities, towns, villages, neighborhoods, areas, landmarks), are based on various sources and our internal research methods. These assessments are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete and should not be used as the sole basis for making any decisions.