RANK #916 / 996 · POP 69,832 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.9%
Columbia County, Florida, is often recognized for its abundance of natural springs, with Ichetucknee Springs State Park being a notable highlight where visitors can tube, kayak, or snorkel in clear waters. Located in North Florida, the county seat, Lake City, was once known as "Alligator Town" and later "Gateway to Florida." The area maintains a rural and small-town feel, even with its position at the intersection of I-10 and I-75, which provides connections to larger cities. Beyond the springs, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Osceola National Forest, offering miles of trails for hiking and equestrian activities, or visit O'Leno State Park, one of Florida's first state parks.
Life in Columbia County offers a blend of natural amenities and a community-focused atmosphere. The public school district, based in Lake City, serves nearly 10,000 students and is rated above average. While public transit options are limited, demand-response services are available. The local economy is experiencing growth, with recent recognition for rural economic development. This growth is supported by investments in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and data centers, attracting new businesses and residents to the area.
Below national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Columbia County Data Center (Appling)
Undisclosed (developers responsible for $80M cooling infrastructure)
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Pumpkin Center Data Center
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Approved |
|
White Oak Data Center
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Approved |
|
Columbia Solar Power Plant
Duke Energy Florida
|
$75M | Operating |
|
Santa Fe Solar Power Plant
Duke Energy Florida
|
$75M | Operating |
|
Sunshine Gateway Solar Energy Center
Florida Power & Light Co.
|
$74M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Columbia County has a Boom Town Index score of 8/100, ranking #916 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $53,501, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Columbia County is $165,300 with median rent at $905/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3237, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed -0.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.15% of Columbia County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.