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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Columbia

Columbia, MO has 29 affordable and income-based rental properties offering 1,321 units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,097 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can offer meaningful savings for renters who qualify. Of the 7 properties with inspection scores on file, 3 rated excellent and 2 rated good, suggesting most scored buildings are well maintained.

29
Properties
1,321
Total units
82/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,097/mo

Affordability

Columbia has a median monthly rent of $1,097 and a median household income of $66,498, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 51% of households renting, the city has a strong renter presence, making income-restricted housing an important resource for many residents.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
351 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to the Columbia Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer reporting, Columbia had a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in how jurisdictions define and report crimes.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 74 · Very Walkable

Getting Around Columbia

According to Walk Score, the area around Columbia's assisted properties scores 74 (Very Walkable) and a Bike Score of 71, indicating strong options for errands and cycling. No Transit Score is available for this area.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
40 schools · 5 districts

Schools

Columbia is served by 40 public schools across 5 districts, including 23 elementary, 7 middle, and 9 high schools, plus 1 other, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$66,498 median income

Cost of Renting in Columbia, MO

The median household income in Columbia is $66,498 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median monthly rent across all rentals in the city is $1,097, also per Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

Income-restricted housing in Columbia can offer significant savings for eligible renters. Rents at HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties are tied to area income limits rather than market rates, which can make them well below the citywide median.

  • Median household income: $66,498/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,097/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter-occupied households: 51% of occupied units (Census ACS 5-Year)

To see whether you may qualify for income-restricted housing in Columbia, compare your household income to the HUD income limits published for Boone County.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environmental Exposure

All 7 HUD-assisted properties in Columbia were mapped for flood risk. None fall within a high-risk flood zone, suggesting low flood exposure across this portfolio.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 82/100(7 of 29 scored)
90+ (3)70–89 (2)<60 (2)No score (22)

29 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 29 affordable apartments in Columbia→

Other cities in MO

› Affordable housing in Branson› Cape Girardeau income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Carthage› Florissant affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Fulton› Affordable housing in Independence› Jefferson City income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Joplin› Kansas City affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Kirkwood› Affordable housing in Lees Summit› Liberty income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in MO› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Columbia, MO

Columbia is a mid-sized university city in central Missouri where, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), 51 percent of residents rent their homes and the median asking rent is $1,097 per month. Lease Lantern tracks 7 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties in the city, totaling 298 units.

Of the 7 scored properties, 3 rated excellent and 2 rated good, while 2 rated poor. None of the 7 mapped properties fall within a high-risk flood zone, according to our flood data.

The Columbia Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 472 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. According to Walk Score, Columbia scores 74 (Very Walkable) and 71 for bikeability.

According to NCES Common Core of Data, Columbia is served by 5 school districts operating 40 public schools, including 23 elementary, 7 middle, and 9 high schools.

The median household income in Columbia is $66,498 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024).

Eligibility & how to apply

Missouri income limits (2026)Missouri public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Missouri

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →