RANK #328 / 996 · POP 156,921 · GA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Columbia County, Georgia, distinguishes itself with Wildwood Park, a 975-acre outdoor recreation area on Clarks Hill Lake, one of the largest lakes east of the Mississippi. Located just west of Augusta, the county offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the city, typically a short commute. The community feel is often described as family-oriented, with numerous parks and green spaces like Savannah Rapids Park and the Euchee Creek Greenway providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.
Life in Columbia County often appeals to families and professionals seeking a balance of community and amenities. The public school system is frequently cited as a primary draw, with schools consistently earning high ratings. The local economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in sectors such as defense and cybersecurity, largely due to the presence of Fort Gordon. Manufacturing is also expanding, with existing businesses growing and new companies establishing operations.
Overvalued relative to economy
Above national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.5x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Plant Vogtle Expansion (Units 3 & 4)
Georgia Power
|
$14,000M | Completed |
|
White Oak Technology Park Data Center
Undisclosed (associated with Amazon warehouses)
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Pumpkin Center Data Center
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Planned |
|
I-20 Interchange Conversion to Diverging Diamond
Columbia County
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Road Widening Projects (Multiple)
Columbia County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
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 67/100, ranking #328 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.8% and a median household income of $92,571, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Columbia County is $259,000 with median rent at $1,295/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3574, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.8%. Home values changed +1.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.25% of Columbia County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.