Columbia, Missouri

Columbia: The most populous city in the state of Missouri.

About

Columbia is a city located in the county of Boone in the U.S. state of Missouri. Its population at the 2010 census was 108,500 and a population density of 642 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 124,769 inhabitants.

The city was created 205 years ago in 1820.

Columbia is a city located in central Missouri along the Missouri River. It is the largest city in Mid-Missouri with a population of over 125,000 residents.

History

Columbia was founded in 1821 after the Missouri legislature selected it as the site for the University of Missouri. The university opened in 1839, helping establish Columbia as an educational hub.

Early growth came from agriculture, railroads, and manufacturing. Columbia prospered as a market center for surrounding rural counties and emerged as a regional healthcare provider.

Economy

The University of Missouri remains the top employer, bolstering education, research, and healthcare. Companies like Shelter Insurance and Datacastle leverage the skilled workforce.

Major industries are education, healthcare, insurance, technology, and government services. The Columbia Regional Airport provides national air access. Cost of living is below national averages.

Attractions

Columbia offers over 1,700 acres of parklands and 50 miles of trails. Popular sites include the Mizzou Campus, Shelter Gardens, the Columbia Farmers Market, and Stephens Lake Park.

Cultural venues include the Missouri Theatre and Columbia Experimental Music Festival. Columbia offers a blend of outdoor recreation, sports, arts, and big-city amenities.

With world-class education, a stable economy, affordable Midwestern lifestyle, and diverse community, Columbia offers an outstanding balance of small-town charm and growth opportunities.

Columbia locator map
Location of Columbia on Missouri map.

Quick Facts about Columbia

Population 124,769 (2020)
Country United States of America
State Missouri (United States)
County Boone County
Postal code 65202, 65203, 65211, 65201
Phone Area Codes 573
Area 169.01 km2
Latitude & Longitude 38.9517,-92.3341
Named for Columbia
Altitude 758 feet / 231 meters
Capital city Columbia is capital of Boone County
Establishment January 01, 1821 (205 years ago)
Time Zone UTC−06:00
Local time 04:28:44 (23rd April 2026)
Density 738 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth 13.04% (2010-2020)
Weather 81℉ Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 7-days weather
Boone County Missouri Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Columbia Highlighted locator map image
Boone County Missouri Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Columbia Highlighted locator map image

Geography

Columbia is located at 38°57'6"N 92°20'3"W (38.9517100, -92.3340700).

Columbia map

Click "full screen" full screen map icon to open full mode. View satellite images

Weather

81°F
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
10 to 17 mph S Thursday

A slight chance of rain showers between 7am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipit...

7-Day Forecast

Official website of Columbia

Official Website
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Demographics

The population of Columbia increased by 13.04% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
1823 130 -
2010 108,500 99.88% census
2011 111,514 2.7% estimation process
2012 113,553 1.8% estimation process
2013 115,440 1.63% estimation process
2014 117,028 1.36% estimation process
2015 118,570 1.3% estimation process
2016 120,248 1.4% estimation process
2017 121,539 1.06% estimation process
2018 122,533 0.81% estimation process
2019 123,195 0.54% estimation process
2020 124,769 1.26% estimation process
Columbia zip code is 65201. County name: Boone, County fips: 29019
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Services and Civic Places in Columbia

1US Agricultural Research Services

403 Vandiver Dr # D, Columbia, MO 65202, United States View details

Phone: +15738755291 | Website available

2Missouri Agricultural Statistics

240 Parkade Blvd, Columbia, MO 65202, United States View details

Phone: +15738760975 | Website available

People born in Columbia (108)

People born in Columbia, including librarian Margaret Scoggin, mathematician, scientist in cybernetics and artificial intelligence Norbert Wiener, businessman and politician Scott Murphy, .

More notable people

  • Roger B. Wilson (American politician (Democrat)) he was born in 10/10/1948
  • Lisa Wilcox (American actress) she was born in 27/04/1964
  • Rebecca Blank (American economist) she was born in 15/09/1955
  • Tyler Hansbrough (American professional basketball player) he was born in 03/11/1985
  • Carl Edwards (American racing driver) he was born in 15/08/1979
  • John F. Shafroth (American politician (1854-1922)) he was born in 09/06/1854
  • William Rainey Marshall (American politician (1825-1896)) he was born in 17/10/1825
  • George Lemuel Woods (American politician) he was born in 30/07/1832
  • Clay Shirky (American technology writer) he was born in 01/01/1964
  • Stan Kroenke (American businessman) he was born in 29/07/1947
  • Howard Hickman (American actor and screenwriter (1880-1949)) he was born in 09/02/1880
  • William Smith (American actor) he was born in 24/03/1933
  • James Bud Walton (American businessman) he was born in 20/12/1921
  • Rob Benedict (American actor) he was born in 21/09/1970
  • Conrad Goode (American football player) he was born in 19/01/1962
  • Earle Edward Eubank (American sociologist) he was born in 01/01/1887
  • Andrew VanWyngarden (American musician) he was born in 01/02/1983
  • Max Schwabe (American politician (1905-1983)) he was born in 06/12/1905

Nearby Schools and Colleges

Schools and campuses linked to Columbia, MO. Select a name to open its map and contact details.

Code Name City ZIP
177065 Columbia College Columbia (MO) 65216
178396 University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia (MO) 65211-1050
179548 Stephens College Columbia (MO) 65215
177685 Paul Mitchell the School-Missouri Columbia Columbia (MO) 65202
177056 Columbia Area Career Center Columbia (MO) 65203-7199

Nearby Transit Stations (3)

Rail and bus stations connected to Columbia, MO. Select a station to open its map and address details.

Code Name Address Type
JEF Jefferson City 101 Jefferson Street RAIL
SED Sedalia 100 block of Main Street, through parking lot RAIL
HEM Hermann Wharf & Gutenberg Sts. RAIL

Closest post offices linked to Columbia.

Post Office Name City ZIP
Columbia Post Office Columbia (MO) 65201
Columbia Mall Station Post Office Columbia (MO) 65203
Commerce Station Post Office Columbia (MO) 65201
Tiger Post Office Columbia (MO) 65201
Wooldridg Post Office Wooldridge (MO) 65287

Other places with the same name (15)

Other cities in Boone County

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Boone County , MO.

City Name Population Title
Centralia 4,344 City in Missouri
Ashland 4,031 City in Boone County, Missouri, United States
Hallsville 1,652 City in Boone County, Missouri, United States
Sturgeon 965 City in Missouri
Harrisburg 298 Missouri
Rocheport 259 City in Missouri, United States
Prathersville 135 Human settlement in Boone County, Missouri, United States of America
Hartsburg 116 Village in Missouri
Pierpont 77 Village in Boone County, Missouri, USA
Huntsdale 35 Human settlement in Missouri, United States of America
McBaine 12 Village in the United States

Distance to Other Cities

Columbia distances to largest Missouri cities