Home Insurance in Columbia, South Carolina
Homes in Columbia carry a median value of $264,300 - 9% higher than the Richland County median.
Because older housing stock often has aging wiring, roofing or plumbing, it can cost more to insure or rebuild. The typical home in Columbia was built around 1980. About 30% of homes were built before 1960, about 15 points above Richland County's 16%.
Housing in Columbia breaks down to 55% single-family homes, 33% apartments in buildings with 5+ units and 1% mobile or manufactured homes. The rest are 2-4 unit or other housing types.
66% of owner-occupied homes in Columbia carry a mortgage, and mortgage lenders require hazard insurance for as long as the loan is active.
About 46% of occupied homes in Columbia are owner-occupied. The vacancy rate is 14%; vacant or unoccupied homes typically need a different coverage form than an owner-occupied policy.
72% of homes in Columbia are primarily heated with electricity.
Richland County had 2,124 active NFIP flood policies as of September 2026. Its top FEMA-rated hazard is strong wind (Relatively High). See the full Richland County home insurance overview for all FEMA hazard ratings and flood coverage details.
In South Carolina, the statewide average premium for a standard HO-3 homeowners policy is $1,753 per year (NAIC, 2023 data).
Key figures
| Median home value | $264,300 |
|---|---|
| Median year built | 1980 |
| Owner-occupied share | 46% |
| Share of owner-occupied homes with a mortgage | 66% |
| Top county hazard | Strong Wind (Relatively High) |
| Active NFIP policies in Richland County | 2,124 |
| Home insurance premium | $1,753 - statewide average (NAIC, 2023 data) |
Nearby towns
Sources
Data last updated: 2026-09-29
- U.S. Census Bureau Gazetteer Files (2024)
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates (2024)
- FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025)
- FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Policies v3 (2026)
- NAIC Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owner-Occupied, and Homeowners Tenant and Condominium/Cooperative Unit Owners Insurance: Data for 2023 (published 2026) (2023)