Columbia, SC
29203
Richland County County · South Carolina · Pop. 37,840
Last updated: May 2026
Columbia, South Carolina (ZIP code 29203) is home to approximately 37,840 residents. The median household income in 29203 is $27,396, which is 61% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 29203 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $93,868 and the average rent is $619/month. 29203 has a violent crime rate of 1045.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 174% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of F. 29203 is served by with an average school rating of 3.9/10. Air quality in 29203 is rated Moderate with an average AQI of 53.8. The average commute time in 29203 is 23 minutes, 4 minutes below the national average. Compare 29203 vs national averages and nearby neighborhoods using our free ZipScore intelligence platform.
On This Page
👥 Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
💰 Income & Economy
Affordability Assessment: Renters spend about 27% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.4x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Columbia (29203) has significantly elevated violent crime rates. We recommend researching specific neighborhoods within this ZIP code.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 29203
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia STEM Academy | public | 5/10 | 252 |
| Washington High School | public | 4/10 | 627 |
| Jefferson Middle School | public | 3/10 | 747 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 29203 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Columbia, SC (29203)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $93,868 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $619/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
- − Higher-than-average crime - violent crime rate 174% above US average
- − Below-average income - median household income of $27,396
- − Below-average school ratings - average 3.9/10
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 29203
What is the population of 29203? ▼
The population of ZIP code 29203 in Columbia, South Carolina is approximately 37,840 people.
Is 29203 safe to live in? ▼
Columbia (29203) has significantly elevated violent crime rates. We recommend researching specific neighborhoods within this ZIP code. Safety Grade: F.
What is the median income in 29203? ▼
The median household income in 29203 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $27,396. The per capita income is $17,807. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 29203? ▼
Renters spend about 27% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 3.4x the median income. Median home value: $93,868. Average rent: $619/month.
What are schools like in 29203? ▼
Schools in 29203 receive an Education Grade of F. There are 3 schools with an average rating of 3.9/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 25:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 29203? ▼
The violent crime rate in 29203 is 1045.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 4194.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 29203? ▼
The median monthly rent in 29203 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $619/month. The national median rent is $1,163/month. This ZIP code is more affordable than the national average for renters.
What is the median home value in 29203? ▼
The median home value in 29203 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $93,868. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 29203 a good place to live? ▼
29203 (Columbia, South Carolina) has a ZipScore of 35/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). Review all data sections carefully.
What is the air quality in 29203? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 29203 is 53.8 - rated Moderate by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 9 µg/m³.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), FBI Uniform Crime Report, EPA AirNow, FEMA National Risk Index, and Open-Meteo. Last updated: May 2026