Originally part of Northumberland County, Columbia County came into existence in March 1813. But its origins call back to Joseph Hopkinson’s song, “Hail Columbia,” first sung at the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia on April 25, 1798. Coal mining operations began in the mid-nineteenth century and continued until the 1960s.
Choose Your Own Adventure like the Benton Rodeo, gain more insight into Columbia County’s history, or learn more about the area with the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau.
As of 2025 the population of Columbia County is 65,377. The population is expected to grow to 65,401 by 2030 - a growth rate of 0.01%.
The median age of Columbia County residents is 42.
The diversity index of Columbia County is 23.9, meaning that there is a 24% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
The average household income in Columbia County is $86,052 and projected to be $96,734 in 2030. Per capita income is $34,899, projected to be $39,154 in 2030. 2.52% of households – 1,648 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $922,918 and the average disposable income is $66,782.
There are 30,038 housing units in Columbia County; 18,541 are owner-occupied, 7,866 are rented, and 3,631 are vacant. The average home value is $270,661, with 1,421 homes built in 2010 or later, and 7,553 built in 1939 or earlier.
There are 2,349 businesses in Columbia County, employing 25,255 workers and pulling from a labor force of 29,819 age 16 and above. 9,060 workers commute into Columbia County from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
20,520 residents both live and work in/around Columbia County. The average travel time is 21.7 minutes. 5.28% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 2.29% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 23,406 drive alone, 2,127 carpool, and 93 take public transportation. 1,109 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 3,084 residents work from home.
20,351 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 4,119 have associates degrees, 7,171 have bachelor’s degrees, and 4,634 hold a graduate or professional degree.
