Columbia County, FL

County

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2024 Population

71,789

US Senator

Rick Scott

Republican Party

US Senator

Ashley Moody

Republican Party

2024 Poverty Rate

16.7%

2.05% 1-year decrease

2024 Median Household Income

$59,205

7.51% 1-year growth

2024 Median Property Value

$194,900

4.56% 1-year growth

2024 Employed Population

29,553

5.03% 1-year growth

About

None of the households in Columbia County, FL reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

97.7% of the residents in Columbia County, FL are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Columbia County, FL are Florida Gateway College (959 degrees awarded in 2024).

In 2024, the median property value in Columbia County, FL was $194,900, and the homeownership rate was 72.5%.

Most people in Columbia County, FL drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 25.8 minutes. The average car ownership in Columbia County, FL was 2 cars per household.

Columbia County, FL borders Alachua County, FL, Baker County, FL, Gilchrist County, FL, Hamilton County, FL, Suwannee County, FL, Union County, FL, Clinch County, GA, and Echols County, GA.

United States Florida Lake City, FL

Population & Diversity

Columbia County, FL is home to a population of 71.8k people, from which 97.7% are citizens. As of 2024, 4.73% of Columbia County, FL residents were born outside of the country (3.4k people).

In 2024, there were 4.37 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (50.4k people) in Columbia County, FL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 11.6k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 2.39k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

97.7%

2024 Citizenship

97.9%

2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 97.7% of Columbia County, FL residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Columbia County, FL was 97.9%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Columbia County, FL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Columbia County, FL

White (Non-Hispanic)
50.4k ± 395
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
11.6k ± 637
Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)
2.39k ± 571

7.89%

Hispanic Population

5.66k people

7.89% of the people in Columbia County, FL are hispanic (5.66k people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Columbia County, FL as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Florida.

Most Common Origin

Cuba
1,051,839 ± 24,582 people
Haiti
364,479 ± 14,701 people
Colombia
327,463 ± 13,946 people

In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Florida was Cuba, the natal country of 1,051,839 Florida residents, followed by Haiti with 364,479 and Colombia with 327,463.

Foreign-Born Population

4.73%

2024 Foreign-Born Population

3.4k people

3.99%

2023 Foreign-Born Population

2.82k people

As of 2024, 4.73% of Columbia County, FL residents (3.4k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Columbia County, FL was 3.99%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Columbia County, FL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Vietnam
2,351 ± 342
Gulf War (2001-)
1,162 ± 298
Gulf War (1990s)
1,044 ± 270

Columbia County, FL has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 2.02 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Columbia County, FL.

Health

87.4% of the population of Columbia County, FL has health coverage, with 33.8% on employee plans, 21.2% on Medicaid, 12.2% on Medicare, 16.5% on non-group plans, and 3.81% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Columbia County, FL see 1,955 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,955 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1598 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 358 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.1% were men and 50.9% were women.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

1,955 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Columbia County, FL

Primary care physicians in Columbia County, FL see an average of 1,955 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,955 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Columbia County, FL in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 24.3% under 18 years, 17.3% between 18 and 34 years, 38% between 35 and 64 years, and 20.4% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 49.1% were men and 50.9% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

12.6%

Uninsured

33.8%

Employer Coverage

21.2%

Medicaid

12.2%

Medicare

16.5%

Non-Group

3.81%

Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Columbia County, FL declined by 9.11% from 13.8% to 12.6%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Columbia County, FL changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

Health Indicators

Health Outcomes

Indicator

In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 6.11 in Columbia County, FL.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Columbia County, FL.

Health Behaviors

Indicator

In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 38.3% in Columbia County, FL.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Columbia County, FL.

Clinical Care

Indicator

In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 13.6% in Columbia County, FL.

The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Columbia County, FL.

Economy

The economy of Columbia County, FL employs 29.6k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Columbia County, FL were Health Care & Social Assistance (4,743 people), Retail Trade (3,892 people), and Public Administration (3,215 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($73,544), Finance & Insurance ($60,853), and Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($60,652).

Employment

Occupations

29.6k

2024 Value

± 1,659

5.03%

1 Year growth

± 7.39%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Columbia County, FL grew at a rate of 5.03%, from 28.1k employees to 29.6k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Columbia County, FL, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (3,652 people), Sales & Related Occupations (2,861 people), and Management Occupations (2,314 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Columbia County, FL.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Florida.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Florida (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

Industries

Employment by Industries

29.6k

2024 Value

± 1,659

5.03%

1 Year growth

± 7.39%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Columbia County, FL grew at a rate of 5.03%, from 28.1k employees to 29.6k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Columbia County, FL, are Health Care & Social Assistance (4,743 people), Retail Trade (3,892 people), and Public Administration (3,215 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Columbia County, FL, though some of these residents may live in Columbia County, FL and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$44,219

Median earning men ± $2,611

$34,442

Median earning women ± $3,055

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Wholesale Trade ($67,778), Manufacturing ($60,544), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($58,050).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($55,536), Public Administration ($54,744), and Construction ($49,019).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Florida.

Y-Axis

4.23%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 9.69M people employed in Florida. This represents a 4.23% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 12.6%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Florida.

Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments

107
Construction
94
Retail Trade
93
Other Services (except Public Administration)

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll

$310k
Health Care and Social Assistance
$108k
Retail Trade
$98k
Construction

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Florida went to Donald J. Trump with 56.1% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (43%), followed by Jill Stein (0.396%).

Rick Scott and Ashley Moody are the senators currently representing the state of Florida. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Florida is currently represented by 28 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Columbia County, FL. Showing the available data for Florida.

2024 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (56.1%)
Republican Party
Kamala Harris (43%)
Democratic Party
Jill Stein (0.396%)
Green Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Florida went to Donald J. Trump with 56.1% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (43%), followed by Jill Stein (0.396%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Florida for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Florida

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Florida.

Rick Scott

Senator from Florida

Assumed office on January 8, 2019
Inauguration delayed in order to finish his term as Governor of Florida.

Ashley Moody

Senator from Florida

Assumed office on January 21, 2025
While elections for full class 3 terms will take place in 2028, Florida will hold a special election in 2026 to elect a senator to complete the remainder of Marco Rubio's term.

Rick Scott and Ashley Moody are the senators currently representing Florida.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Florida over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

Education

In 2024, universities in Columbia County, FL awarded 959 degrees. The student population of Columbia County, FL in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 966 male students and 1,955 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Columbia County, FL are White (708 and 73.8%), Black or African American (145 and 15.1%), Hispanic or Latino (69 and 7.19%), and Two or More Races (20 and 2.09%).

The largest universities in Columbia County, FL by number of degrees awarded are Florida Gateway College (959 and 100%).

The most popular majors in Columbia County, FL are Liberal Arts & Sciences (261 and 27.2%), Registered Nursing (119 and 12.4%), and Corrections (71 and 7.4%).

The median tuition cost for a public four year colleges is $2,369 for in-state students and $9,473 for out-of-state students.

Admissions & Enrollments

Enrollments by Gender and Races

In 2024 there were 2,921 students enrolled in Columbia County, FL, 33.1% men and 66.9% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 2,006 records, of which 66.8% were women and 33.2% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Liberal Arts & Sciences
261 degrees awarded
Registered Nursing
79 degrees awarded
Early Childhood Education & Teaching
5 degrees awarded

In 2024, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in Columbia County, FL was Liberal Arts & Sciences with 261 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in Columbia County, FL according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Florida Gateway College

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

959 degrees awarded

In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Florida Gateway College with 959 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

In 2024, 388 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Columbia County, FL, which is 0.68 times less than the 571 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 708 degrees mean that there were 4.88 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 145 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Public, 4-year or above ($2,369) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

Public, 4-year or above ($731) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

Public, 4-year or above ($1,271) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Columbia County, FL was $194,900 in 2024, which is 0.586 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $186,400 to $194,900, a 4.56% increase. The homeownership rate in Columbia County, FL is 72.5%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Columbia County, FL have an average commute time of 25.8 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Columbia County, FL is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

In 2025, 12.8% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Columbia County, FL. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 5.37%.

Housing

Property

$194,900

Median Property Value 2024

±$13,582

$19,886

Median Property Taxes

±$1,202

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Columbia County, FL the largest share of households pay taxes in the $800 - $1,499 range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Columbia County, FL compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

72.5%

Homeownership

2024

68.6%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2024

In 2024, 72.5% of the housing units in Columbia County, FL were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 70.9%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Columbia County, FL compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$59,205

Median Household Income

± $3,290

27.4k

Number of Households

± 1,568

In 2024, the median household income of the 27.4k households in Columbia County, FL grew to $59,205 from the previous year's value of $55,070.

The following chart displays the households in Columbia County, FL distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Columbia County, FL is from Florida.

0.471

2024 Wage GINI in Florida

0.473

2023 Wage GINI in Florida

In 2024, the income inequality in Florida was 0.471 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.383% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Florida was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Florida in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Florida across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024

Drove Alone (77.1%)
Carpooled (11.7%)
Worked At Home (8.27%)

In 2024, 77.1% of workers in Columbia County, FL drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (11.7%) and those who worked at home (8.27%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

25.8 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Columbia County, FL have a shorter commute time (25.8 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.68% of the workforce in Columbia County, FL have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Columbia County, FL compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Columbia County, FL distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Columbia County, FL have 2 cars.

Poverty

Severe Housing Problems

In 2025, 12.8% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Columbia County, FL. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 5.37%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

Poverty & Diversity

16.7% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Columbia County, FL (11.2k out of 67.3k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 35 - 44, followed by Males 35 - 44 and then Males 6 - 11.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Columbia County, FL is White, followed by Black and Hispanic.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Children in Poverty

In 2025, 21.8% of the children was living in poverty in Columbia County, FL. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 11.9%.

The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798, followed by New York (5,087).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Security

Crimes & Accidents

Indicator

In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 571 in Columbia County, FL. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator grew 10.3% per 100,000 population.

The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.