Columbia, Missouri is a mid-sized city located in the American Midwest within Boone County. According to Wikipedia, Columbia has a population of 123,180 as of the 2020 census making it the fourth largest city in Missouri.
Population and Demographics
In addition to its population of over 123,000 residents, Columbia contains over 52,000 households and 26,770 families according to 2020 data. The racial makeup of Columbia is predominately White (79.3%) followed by Asian (6.5%), Black or African American (6.2%), Hispanic or Latino (4.1%) and other races (3.9%). Over half of the population (52.6%) is female. The median age is 28 reflecting a large student population connected to the University of Missouri.
Economy and Major Employers
Columbia has a strong and diverse economy. As a college town and home to the University of Missouri’s flagship campus, education is a driving economic force. The university is the largest employer with over 13,000 faculty and staff. The city government and public utilities also provide many jobs for residents.
Healthcare is another major industry led by University of Missouri Health Care with over 7,000 employees. Companies like ABC Labs, Dataclypse and CoreForm Steel represent advanced manufacturing and technology sectors that are growing and diversifying the economy.
Landmarks and Attractions
Columbia has several notable landmarks and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The Jesse Hall building on the University of Missouri campus is an iconic structure built in 1895 with its 6 columns and dome roof design. Stephens Lake Park offers biking trails, a lake, garden and amphitheater in a beautiful outdoor setting.
For art and culture, tourists can visit the Museum of Art and Archaeology which houses impressive collections from ancient to modern artworks. And sports fans will love cheering on Mizzou Tigers football and athletics at Memorial Stadium and Mizzou Arena.
City Government
Columbia utilizes a council-manager form of government. The city council is made up of six members plus a mayor who pass legislation and regulations. The city manager is appointed by the council to carry out policies and oversee day-to-day operations. Residents can get involved by contacting their representatives or attending council meetings.
Sports and Recreation
As mentioned above, Columbia is proud to be home to the Missouri Tigers athletic teams representing the University of Missouri. Football, basketball and baseball games draw big crowds cheering on Mizzou against SEC rivals and beyond. Columbia also has many parks and trails for outdoor recreation. The Columbia Activity and Recreation Trail (CART) is a great way to walk, bike or rollerblade through parts of the city.
Things to Do
Columbia has a robust events calendar and lively entertainment scene. Popular annual events include the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival each fall and the Festival of the Arts each summer. Downtown bars and eateries on Broadway and Ninth Street provide local flavor. And you can catch live music performances at iconic venues like The Blue Note or Rose Music Hall.
Moving to Columbia
If you’re considering a move to Columbia, Missouri, the city offers an excellent quality of life with a vibrant local economy. Home prices are very affordable compared to national averages. Columbia boasts top-rated schools, parks and outdoor recreation, a diverse food scene and plenty of entertainment options. To learn more, visit the City of Columbia’s Facebook page or Convention and Visitors Bureau website.