Columbia

The City in Brief

Founded: 1786 (chartered 1805)

Head Official: Mayor Bob Coble (D) (since 1990)

City Population

1980: 101,229

1990: 110,734

2000: 116,278

2003 estimate: 117,357

Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.6%

U.S. rank in 1990: 203rd

U.S. rank in 2000: 198th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 410,000

1990: 454,000

2000: 536,691

Percent change, 1990–2000: 18.4%

U.S. rank in 1980: 82nd

U.S. rank in 1990: 79th

U.S. rank in 2000: 79th

Area: 125 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 200 to 350 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 65° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 50.14 inches

Major Economic Sectors: government, wholesale and retail trade, services

Unemployment rate: 4.9% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $18,853 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 10,307

Major Colleges and Universities: University of South Carolina, Benedict College, Columbia College

Daily Newspaper: The State