Construction Value
$356.0M ▲ 4.1%
Units Permitted
2,148 ▲ 34.2%
Avg Value / Unit
$166K
2024 · Census Bureau Building Permits Survey
Construction activity in Columbia jumped in 2024, up 34.2% from the prior year with 2,148 housing units permitted. At $166K per unit, new builds are 22% below the Richland County average of $213K, indicating more affordable construction. Volume is 4,375% above the county average of 48 units, suggesting faster-than-typical growth. 61.2% of new units were multi-family (apartments, condos, duplexes).
Housing Mixi
Development Densityi
Units per building permitted
Mostly single-family with some small multi-unit buildings.
Construction Intensityi
$3K
per resident
County avg: $3K-23%
$2.6M
per square mile
Columbia vs. Richland County Averagei
Where the Money Goesi
Construction value by housing type (2024)
| Type | Units | Bldgs | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ■ Single-Family | 833 | 833 | $167.5M | 47% |
| ■ Duplex | 24 | 12 | $3.6M | 1% |
| ■ 3-4 Unit | 195 | 53 | $28.7M | 8% |
| ■ 5+ Unit | 1,096 | 39 | $156.2M | 44% |
County Ranking by Construction Volume
Among 4 permit-issuing towns in Richland County
Historical trends, year-over-year analysis, and full permit history available with a paid plan. See products & pricing →