Columbia, SC
29201
Richland County County · South Carolina · Pop. 16,480
Last updated: May 2026
Columbia, South Carolina (ZIP code 29201) is home to approximately 16,480 residents. The median household income in 29201 is $40,635, which is 43% below the national average of $70,784. The cost of living in 29201 is reflected in its housing market - the median home value is $172,863 and the average rent is $970/month. 29201 has a violent crime rate of 381.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 0% above the national average - earning it a safety grade of A+. 29201 is served by with an average school rating of 5.5/10. Air quality in 29201 is rated Good with an average AQI of 39. The average commute time in 29201 is 30 minutes, 3 minutes above the national average. Compare 29201 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 29% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 4.3x the median income.
🏠 Housing
🔒 Safety & Crime
Columbia (29201) has violent crime rates close to the national average. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any US city.
🎓 Schools & Education
Top Schools in 29201
| School | Type | Rating | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Elementary | public | 6/10 | 760 |
| Washington High School | public | 6/10 | 677 |
| Columbia Charter School | public | 5/10 | 354 |
| Jefferson Middle School | public | 5/10 | 797 |
🌡️ Climate & Weather
🌫️ Air Quality
⚠️ Natural Disaster Risk
🚗 Commute
Nearby ZIP Codes
Compare 29201 With Another ZIP
Pros and Cons of Living in Columbia, SC (29201)
Based on crime, housing, income, schools, and air quality data
✅ Pros
- + Affordable housing - median home value $172,863 (below national average of $303,400)
- + Affordable rent - average $970/month vs national $1,163/month
- + Good air quality - average AQI of 39 (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 $40,635
Data sourced from US Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, and EPA. Individual experiences may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP Code 29201
What is the population of 29201? ▼
The population of ZIP code 29201 in Columbia, South Carolina is approximately 16,480 people.
Is 29201 safe to live in? ▼
Columbia (29201) 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 29201? ▼
The median household income in 29201 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $40,635. The per capita income is $26,413. The US national median household income is $70,784.
What is the cost of living in 29201? ▼
Renters spend about 29% of income on rent - within the affordable range. Home prices are moderately affordable at 4.3x the median income. Median home value: $172,863. Average rent: $970/month.
What are schools like in 29201? ▼
Schools in 29201 receive an Education Grade of D-. There are 4 schools with an average rating of 5.5/10 and a student-teacher ratio of 25:1. See the full schools section above for individual school listings.
What is the crime rate in 29201? ▼
The violent crime rate in 29201 is 381.0 per 100,000 residents, which is above the national average of 380.7. Property crime rate: 2400.0 per 100k (national avg: 1,958.2).
What is the average rent in 29201? ▼
The median monthly rent in 29201 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $970/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 29201? ▼
The median home value in 29201 (Columbia, South Carolina) is $172,863. The national median home value is $303,400. Homes in this ZIP code are more affordable than the national average.
Is 29201 a good place to live? ▼
29201 (Columbia, South Carolina) has a ZipScore of 56/100 - 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 29201? ▼
The average Air Quality Index (AQI) in 29201 is 39 - rated Good by EPA standards. Average PM2.5 level: 8.2 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