Columbia, SC
29204
Richland County County · South Carolina · Pop. 46,480
Last updated: May 2026
Columbia, South Carolina (ZIP code 29204) is home to approximately 46,480 residents. The median household income in 29204 is $40,363, which is 43% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 29204 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $181,970 and the average rent is $1,012/month. 29204 has a violent crime rate of 385.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 1% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of A+. 29204 is served by with an average school rating of 5.5/10. Air quality in 29204 is rated Good with an average AQI of 41.7. The average commute time in 29204 is 24 minutes, 4 minutes below the national average. Compare 29204 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 30% of income on rent, which exceeds the recommended 30% threshold. Home prices are moderately affordable at 4.5x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Columbia (29204) has violent crime rates close to the national average. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any US city.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 29204
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia STEM Academy | public | 6/10 | 302 |
| Heritage Academy | public | 6/10 | 669 |
| Jefferson Middle School | public | 5/10 | 797 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 29204 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Columbia, SC (29204)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $181,970 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 41.7 (rated "Good" by EPA standards)
- + Low natural disaster risk - minimal risk of flooding, earthquakes, and severe weather
⚠️ Cons
- − Below-average income - median household income of $40,363
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 29204
What is the population of 29204? ▼
The population of ZIP code 29204 in Columbia, South Carolina is approximately 46,480 people.
Is 29204 safe to live in? ▼
Columbia (29204) has violent crime rates close to the national average. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any US city. Safety Grade: A+.
What is the median income in 29204? ▼
The median household income in 29204 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $40,363. The per capita income is $26,236. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 29204? ▼
Renters spend about 30% of income on rent, which exceeds the recommended 30% threshold. Home prices are moderately affordable at 4.5x the median income. Median home value: $181,970. Average rent: $1,012/month.
What are schools like in 29204? ▼
Schools in 29204 receive an Education Grade of D. There are 3 schools with an average rating of 5.5/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 29204? ▼
The violent crime rate in 29204 is 385.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 2440.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 29204? ▼
The median monthly rent in 29204 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $1,012/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 29204? ▼
The median home value in 29204 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $181,970. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 29204 a good place to live? ▼
29204 (Columbia, South Carolina) has a ZipScore of 55/100 - our composite score based on safety (25%), affordability (20%), schools (15%), air quality (10%), climate (10%), commute (10%), and disaster risk (10%). This area has some advantages but also tradeoffs - review each section.
What is the air quality in 29204? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 29204 is 41.7 - rated Good by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 6.4 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