Special Interest
Housing in Columbia County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Columbia County averages $976/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Florida median of $1,669 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 28% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Columbia County FMR Area are $1,049 for a studio, $1,096 for 1‑bedroom, $1,396 for 2‑bedroom, $1,674 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,848 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $420 increase for a 2-bedroom in Columbia County shows a 43% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Columbia County was 4.0% in 2024, compared to Florida at 3.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
