Columbia County

As of the latest data, Columbia County, FL has a population of approximately 71,000 people. The racial demographics are around 76% White, 19% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% two or more races, and less than 1% Asian, Native American, or other races. The median age is about 41 years. The county has roughly 27,000 households with an average household size of about 2.58 individuals. The median household income is around $45,000, and the poverty rate is approximately 17%.

As of recent data, Columbia County, FL, boasts a median home value around $170,000. Home values have increased by approximately 8.5% over the past year. The median rent is roughly $1,100 per month. The area has a homeowner rate of about 70%, with a rental vacancy rate near 10%. The average household size is around 2.6 individuals. Columbia County's housing market trends indicate a mix of affordability and growth, appealing to both buyers and renters.

As of the latest election cycle, Columbia County, FL, hosts several key elections, including county commissioners, school board members, and constitutional officers. In 2020, the county reported a voter turnout of approximately 75%. Key positions up for election in 2024 include:

1. County Commissioners (Districts 1-5):

   • Incumbents: Ronald Williams (District 1), Rocky Ford (District 2), Bucky Nash (District 3), Toby Witt (District 4), and Tim Murphy (District 5)

2. School Board Elections:

   • Non-partisan races across multiple districts.

3. Sheriff, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections:

   • High-profile race: Sheriff Mark Hunter (R) likely seeking re-election.

Local voter registration figures indicate around 47,000 registered voters. For further specifics, including candidate lists and detailed timelines, refer to the Columbia County Supervisor of Elections official website.

As of the latest data, approximately 16.7% of Columbia County, FL residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is significantly lower than the national average, which stands at around 33.1%, and the Florida state average of approximately 29.2%. High school graduation rates in Columbia County are about 84.5%, which is slightly below the national average of 88% and the Florida average of 86.9%. This data suggests that Columbia County lags behind both state and national averages in terms of higher education attainment and high school graduation rates.

As of the most recent data, Columbia County, FL has an employment rate of approximately 4.3%, slightly higher than the national average of around 3.8% and the state average of 3.2%. The labor force amounts to roughly 31,000 individuals.

Top industries in Columbia County include:

1. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Employing around 20% of the workforce, higher than the national average of 15%.
2. Retail Trade: Accounts for 18%, compared to the national average of 11%.
3. Educational Services: Covering about 12%, aligning closely with the national average of 13%.
4. Manufacturing: Makes up 10% of employment, below the national average of 8.5%.

These figures highlight the county's strong emphasis on healthcare and retail sectors, reflecting a different economic composition compared to broader U.S. trends.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Columbia County, FL, is approximately $48,000 per year. Comparatively, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, while Florida's median household income is approximately $59,200.

Columbia County's income levels are notably lower than both the state and national averages. This difference underscores the economic challenges specific to the area, such as lower employment opportunities or wage scales.

These figures provide a snapshot of income disparities, underlining the need for targeted economic development initiatives in Columbia County to help bridge the gap.

As of the most recent data available, Columbia County, FL, has a crime rate of approximately 2,524 incidents per 100,000 people annually. This represents a higher crime rate compared to the national average of 2,477 per 100,000. Detailed statistics for Columbia County are provided in the table below:

These numbers indicate a notable concern in property crimes, particularly larceny-theft, which constitutes the bulk of reported incidents.