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City Report · MN

Columbia Heights

Pop. 22,155·44th most expensive in Minnesota·Rental market data updated monthly for Columbia Heights, MN
Median rent (all units)
$1,566/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.5%
Month-over-Month
-3.0%
vs US Median
-$399
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Columbia Heights · $1,566
More affordable than 71% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
26% of income
AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,566/mo, rent takes about 26% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$63,000/yr
Local median income
$73,691/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Columbia Heights's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,090
1 BR
$1,230
2 BR
$1,500
3 BR
$2,000
4 BR+
$2,240
Research median
$1,500/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$18,792/yr
At $1,566/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.5% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.5% YoY, -3.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Columbia Heights, MN is majority owner-occupied, 32.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,155
Median income
$73,691
Median age
36.8
Renters
34.1%
Age distribution
20.9%
26.6%
25.9%
12.2%
14.4%
Under 1820.9%
18–3426.6%
35–5425.9%
55–6412.2%
65+14.4%
Gender
50.2%
49.8%
Male50.2%
Female49.8%
Race & ethnicity
49.6%
26.8%
15.3%
White49.6%
Black26.8%
Hispanic15.3%
Asian4.3%
Other4%
Education (25+)
29.7%
28.4%
32.5%
No HS diploma9.4%
HS diploma29.7%
Some college28.4%
Bachelor's+32.5%
Housing tenure
65.9%
34.1%
Owner65.9%
Renter34.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Columbia Heights, MN has changed in 5 years

Income
$69,460 → $73,691
up 6.1%
Population
21,612 → 22,155
up 2.5%
Renter share
35.1% → 34.1%
-1.0 pts
Bachelor's+
29.3% → 32.5%
+3.2 pts
Median age
37.3 → 36.8
-0.5 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in Columbia Heights, MN now reports about $73,691, up from $69,460 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 21,612 to 22,155 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.5% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 29.3% to 32.5%.

Community

Discussions about Columbia Heights

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View Columbia Heights rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Columbia Heights on your salary?

At $1,566/mo, how Columbia Heights rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Columbia Heights rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Columbia Heights. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Columbia Heights

About renting in Columbia Heights, MN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Columbia Heights is $1,566/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,090/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,500/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,230/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,000/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($73,691/yr), Columbia Heights ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbia Heights an affordable city for renters?

Columbia Heights is considered affordable for renters. At $1,566/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($73,691/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Columbia Heights falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Columbia Heights?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $63,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,566/mo in Columbia Heights. The local median household income is $73,691/yr, meaning the typical Columbia Heights household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Columbia Heights?

Rent in Columbia Heights has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.5% change year over year as of July 2026.

How does Columbia Heights rent compare to other cities in Minnesota?

Columbia Heights is middle-of-the-pack for Minnesota for rent, ranking #44 out of 67 tracked cities at $1,566/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Columbia Heights?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Columbia Heights ($1,566/mo): Brooklyn Center ($1,408/mo), Fridley ($1,410/mo), New Brighton ($1,416/mo).

What percentage of Columbia Heights residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 34.1% of Columbia Heights households are renters, while 65.9% are owner-occupied. Columbia Heights leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Columbia Heights rent compare to the national average?

Columbia Heights's median rent of $1,566/mo is $399 (20%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Minnesota, it ranks #44 out of 67 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,566/mo, rent takes ~26% of Columbia Heights's median household income ($73,691/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Columbia Heights 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax5.35–9.85%
Run the Columbia Heights affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Columbia Heights, MN

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