Columbia County Demographics

As of the latest available data, Columbia County, PA has a population of approximately 64,964. The racial composition is predominantly White (95.6%), followed by Black or African American (1.4%), Asian (1.2%), and others. The median household income is around $48,000. The proportions of the population by age are roughly: under 18 (20%), 18-64 (61%), and 65+ (19%). The gender distribution is nearly equal, with females making up about 51% and males 49%. The county's education level shows around 88% have a high school diploma or higher, and approximately 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Columbia County Housing

As of the latest data, the median home value in Columbia County, PA is approximately $162,000. The median rent is around $800 per month. Homeownership stands at about 70%, with a vacancy rate of 12%. The county has a mix of residential properties, including single-family homes and rental units. Housing costs are generally lower compared to state and national averages, making it an affordable region for residents. The market has shown modest appreciation rates over recent years, with a stable demand due to local amenities and proximity to educational institutions like Bloomsburg University.

Elections in Columbia County

Columbia County, PA, holds elections for various federal, state, and local positions. Recent elections typically feature races for county commissioners, district attorney, sheriff, and various municipal roles. Here are some specifics:

  • County Commissioners: Vying for seats, often Republicans vs. Democrats. For example, in recent elections, candidates like Rich Ridgway (R) and Chris Young (D) have competed.

  • District Attorney: Key candidates have included Tom Leipold (R) and others from the Democratic Party.

  • Voter Statistics: Voter turnout can fluctuate; for instance, the 2020 presidential election saw a significant turnout approaching 70%, with around 30,000 votes cast.

  • Registration: Columbia County has approximately 41,000 registered voters, with a fairly even split between parties.

Specific candidate details and numerical values vary each election cycle. Always refer to the Columbia County official election website or local government communications for the most precise and updated election information.

How Educated in Columbia County

Columbia County, PA, has a lower educational attainment compared to national and state averages. Approximately 89.7% of residents 25 years and older have a high school diploma, which is slightly below the national average of 90.6% and state average of 90.7%. About 19.7% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing the national rate of 35% and Pennsylvania's rate of 31.2%. Columbia County hosts Bloomsburg University, which serves over 8,000 students, providing a local hub for higher education. The county's focus on education is evident, though metrics indicate a need for improvement to match wider benchmarks.

Columbia County Employment Rate

As of the latest data, Columbia County, PA has a labor force of approximately 33,000 individuals, with an unemployment rate around 4.7%, slightly higher than the national average of 3.8% but close to Pennsylvania's state average of 4.4%. The top industries in Columbia County include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services.

The healthcare sector employs about 25% of the county's workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 14%. Manufacturing accounts for around 20% of employment in the county, compared to the national average of 8.5%. Retail trade and educational services each employ roughly 10% of the local workforce. These figures indicate a strong local reliance on healthcare and manufacturing, exceeding both state and national employment averages in these sectors.

Average Income in Columbia County

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, is approximately $55,000. In comparison, the national average household income stands at about $68,700, and the Pennsylvania state average is around $63,500.

Here's a comparison table:

Income Level Amount
Columbia County, PA $55,000
Pennsylvania State Average $63,500
National Average $68,700

Columbia County's average household income is below both the state and national averages, indicating a relatively lower income level in the region. This information is crucial for understanding the economic landscape and planning local economic development strategies.

Columbia County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data, Columbia County, PA has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. The total crime rate is approximately 1,400 incidents per 100,000 people. Below is a breakdown of major crime types:

Crime Type Rate per 100,000 People
Violent Crimes 170
Property Crimes 1,230
Murder/Homicide 2
Rape 25
Robbery 30
Aggravated Assault 113
Burglary 210
Larceny-Theft 810
Motor Vehicle Theft 60
Arson 10

These figures are indicative only and could vary with new data releases.