Town in Brazoria County, part of the Houston metro
Living in West Columbia, TX
516th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 31 of 100
79th of 125 in the Houston area
West Columbia earns a grade of D+ on our index, 516th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and safety, and trails on getting around and education levels.
- Getting around scores low (15 of 100)
- River flooding risk is very high
- Population
- 3,636+0.1% since 2020
- Median rent
- $96431% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $140,80050% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $43,490Median
- Average commute
- 26 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 82Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in West Columbia
West Columbia sits about 47 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. 3,636 people lived here in 2025, up 0.1% from 2020. It is spread out.
Places locals use include First Capitol Park, Varner-Hogg State Park and Renfro Field.
The median age is 39.2, 26% of households have children, 61% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $43,490 a year (45% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in West Columbia
- Low violent crime. 82 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 79% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $964, 31% lower than the Texas median.
- Plenty close to home. 3 grocery stores, 27 restaurants and 6 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in West Columbia
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, coastal flooding and hurricanes as very high here.
Who West Columbia suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 79% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 45% lower than the Texas median, with 27 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 79% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $964 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 55% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $964 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 27% for people on a budget.
West Columbia report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare West Columbia with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Cost of living: grade C-
Median rent $964, homes cost 3.2x income.
38 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D+
Median household income $43,490, 3.8% unemployed.
27 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D
2 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.
22 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade B-
82 violent crimes per 100k, 931 property crimes per 100k.
60 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A-
3 grocery stores, 27 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.
81 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade D-
Average commute 26 min, 6.9% work from home.
15 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D
18% have a bachelor’s degree.
21 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D+
17% of adults uninsured.
26 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C
61% of homes owner-occupied.
46 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade C
89% of homes have broadband.
46 of 100 vs US towns
Where West Columbia stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $96431% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Home value to income: 3.2x10% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Vacant homes: 5.7%4 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
Worse than Texas
- Median household income: $43,49045% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 18%16 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 56%5 points higher than Texas (52%)
Cost of living in West Columbia
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in West Columbia is $964 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $39,000 a year. Right now 56% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,212 for a one-bedroom, $1,319 for a two-bedroom and $1,790 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.
The median home is worth $140,800, 50% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $771 before tax, or $984 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.
Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in West Columbia pays $2,561 a year, 39% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent31% lower than Texas | $964 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value50% lower than Texas | $140,800 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income10% lower than Texas | 3.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent5 points higher than Texas | 56% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year39% lower than Texas | $2,561 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them2 points lower than Texas | 61% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1975 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $771
- Property tax
- $213
- Median rent, for comparison
- $964
Based on a $140,800 home in West Columbia, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.
Is West Columbia safe?
In 2025, West Columbia Police Department reported 3 violent crimes and 34 property crimes. That works out to 82 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 79% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 931 property crimes per 100,000, 55% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 86% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.
Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.
Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, West Columbia Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in West Columbia
West Columbia has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 0% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Columbia-Brazoria ISD.
Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.
Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.
Top-rated schools
- CColumbia High SchoolHigh, Columbia-Brazoria ISD77 of 100
- CWest Columbia ElementaryElementary, Columbia-Brazoria ISD72 of 100
Daily life in West Columbia
Everyday places mapped inside West Columbia, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include First Capitol Park, Varner-Hogg State Park, Renfro Field.
The average one-way commute is 26 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Houston is about 47 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in West Columbia work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $43,490, income per person is $26,456, unemployment is 3.8% and 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income45% lower than Texas | $43,490 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person35% lower than Texas | $26,456 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas | 3.8% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty lineAbout the same as Texas | 15% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher16 points lower than Texas | 18% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher3 points lower than Texas | 83% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points lower than Texas | 17% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas | 89% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteAbout the same as Texas | 26 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas | 6.9% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in West Columbia
Median age 39.2 years. 26% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in West Columbia
West Columbia has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 91°F and January lows about 47°F. There are about 83 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 53 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Angleton 2 W, 12 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, coastal flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is high and hail risk is moderate. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.
- River floodingVery high
- Coastal floodingVery high
- HurricanesVery high
- TornadoesHigh
- HailModerate
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsLow
- Strong windLow
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.
Places near West Columbia
Nearby, Wild Peach Village gets a D+, Sweeny gets a B+ and Brazoria gets a C. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- D+Wild Peach VillageTown, 2,502 people4 mi
- B+SweenyTown, 3,591 people7 mi
- CBrazoriaTown, 2,880 people8 mi
- B+AngletonSmall city, 19,972 people13 mi
- B-Lake JacksonSmall city, 27,974 people14 mi
- B-Jones CreekTown, 2,343 people15 mi
West Columbia in the Houston area
How it ranks among 125 places in the metro.
- 1A+Taylor Lake Village3,721 people25 mito downtown
- 2A+Bunker Hill Village3,829 people9 mito downtown
- 3A+West University Place14,982 people6 mito downtown
- 76C-Clute10,715 people52 mito downtown
- 77C-Mission Bend36,586 people18 mito downtown
- 78D+Four Corners11,692 people18 mito downtown
- 79D+West Columbia3,621 people47 mito downtown
- 80D+Webster12,366 people24 mito downtown
- 81D+Pasadena149,433 people17 mito downtown
- 82D+Anahuac2,892 people43 mito downtown
Living in West Columbia: common questions
Is West Columbia, TX a good place to live?
West Columbia earns a grade of D+ on our index, 516th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and safety, and trails on getting around and education levels.
How much does it cost to live in West Columbia?
Median rent in West Columbia is $964 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $140,800, 50% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.2x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $984, including property tax.
Is West Columbia safe?
In 2025, West Columbia Police Department reported 82 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 79% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 931 per 100,000, 55% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in West Columbia?
We found 2 rated public school campuses inside West Columbia. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 22 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does West Columbia flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in West Columbia as very high, and coastal flooding as very high. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, coastal flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in West Columbia?
Summers in West Columbia peak at about 91°F in July, and January nights fall to about 47°F. Expect around 83 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 53 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in West Columbia?
The average one-way commute is 26 min, about the same as the Texas average. About 6.9% of workers work from home. It is about 47 miles from downtown Houston.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.