Columbia Compass
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  • Home
  • The Plan
    • Population
    • Natural Resources
    • Economic Development
    • Housing
    • Transportation >
      • Walk Bike Columbia
    • Land Use
    • Community Facilities
    • Cultural Resources
    • Priority Investment
  • Documents
  • Meetings & Events
  • FAQs
  • Contact

THE PLAN
Population

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​A study of historic trends and population projections helps us better understand our community and plan for the provision of services for all.

Guiding Principles

We believe in...
  • Celebrating and continuing to foster Columbia's unique diversity regardless of our residents' race, gender, sexual orientation, background, or beliefs.
  • Supporting those in need or marginalized so all members of our community feel safe, secure, and valued.
  • Coming together as a City and region to reduce barriers and work together to become a more tight-knit community.
  • Providing equitable access and services to all residents, regardless of their location.
  • Setting the standard for innovation and inclusion.
POPULATION ELEMENT DOCUMENTS
The population element is one of the nine elements of Columbia Compass: Envision 2036.
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POPULATION CHAPTER (PDF)
The population chapter includes a discussion of the above guiding principles, as well as a detailed existing conditions report.
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APPENDIX A: POPULATION MAPS (PDF)
The map appendix includes all of the maps shown within the population chapter at an enlarged scale.

DIGGING DEEPER
Highlighted below are a selection of maps, graphs, and other figures from the Population Chapter that provide insight into Columbia’s population.  
  • Understanding Our Past
  • Who We Are
  • Where We’re Going
 

UNDERSTANDING OUR PAST

POPULATION GROWTH
The below graphs examine shifts in the total population of Columbia since 1950, compared to the total population of adjacent counties and the six most populous municipalities in South Carolina.  
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​Source: IPUMS NHGIS, University of Minnesota, 1950 Decennial Census, 1960 Decennial Census, 1970 Decennial Census, 1980 Decennial Census, 1990 Decennial Census, 2000 Decennial Census, 2010 Decennial Census, 2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2011-2015), and 2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2013-2017), www.nhgis.org.
TIMELINE
​Key events have throughout the City’s history have helped to shape our community physically, culturally, and socially.  The timeline below (in slideshow format) highlights events at the local, state, and national level which have helped to shape the Columbia we know today.  The total City population is also provided for each decade, starting with 1830, which is the first year that U.S. Census data is available for the City.  
 

WHO WE ARE
Demographic analyses help us better understand our community.  By examining the age, racial makeup, and income distribution across Columbia and the Midlands, we can better anticipate future needs and desires.  The following slides provide a snapshot of graphs and maps key to this analysis; they, as well as additional charts, maps, and graphs, can be found in the Population chapter.
 

WHERE WE'RE GOING
The Central Midlands region (Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Fairfield counties) is expected to nearly double in population between 2010 and 2050.  The vast majority of these new residents are anticipated to move to Richland County and Lexington County, and many of these residents will likely move to the City of Columbia.
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Source: Central Midlands Council of Governments, “Central Midlands Region Population Projection Report 2020-2050”, March 2018, https://centralmidlands.org/wp content/uploads/CMCOG-2050-Population-Projections-Report_final.pdf.

Questions for the Future

  • What will this influx of new citizens for the City’s current neighborhoods, communities, and culture?
  • Will these new citizens be welcomed into Columbia or will there be conflicts with the existing Columbians?
  • What will changing demands mean for basic amenities like housing, transportation, and businesses?
  • Is the City ready and flexible enough to meet the increased demands on City services and infrastructure?​

Stay Engaged!

Meetings & Events have occurred throughout the planning process, and opportunities for engagement will continue with implementation.  Planning Division staff is also happy to come speak to your neighborhood or organization about the planning process or recommendations of the plan.  If you're interested in having staff speak to your neighborhood or organization about Columbia Compass, please send us an email.  


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Envision Columbia seal and City of Columbia seal.  The City's Envision Columbia seal, which reads
​Columbia Compass is the update to the City of Columbia, South Carolina’s Comprehensive Plan.  To learn more about the City’s other planning efforts, please visit the City's website.
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