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ZIP Code · SC

ZIP 29203

Part of Columbia, SC
Pop. 40,653·Richland County·110th most expensive ZIP in South Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,319/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
+1.0%
vs US Median
-$646
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 29203 · $1,319
More affordable than 86% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,010
1 BR
$1,140
2 BR
$1,250
3 BR
$1,590
4 BR+
$1,870
Research median
$1,250/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
$15,828/yr
At $1,319/mo median
Location
StateSC
CountyRichland County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (0.1% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.1% YoY, +1.0% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 29203 (Columbia, SC) is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
40,653
Median income
$46,054
Median age
34.6
Renters
51.3%
Age distribution
24%
26.4%
22%
15.9%
Under 1824%
18–3426.4%
35–5422%
55–6411.6%
65+15.9%
Gender
48.8%
51.2%
Male48.8%
Female51.2%
Race & ethnicity
13.7%
80.2%
White13.7%
Black80.2%
Hispanic3.4%
Asian0.5%
Other2.2%
Education (25+)
14.4%
32.2%
31%
22.3%
No HS diploma14.4%
HS diploma32.2%
Some college31%
Bachelor's+22.3%
Housing tenure
48.7%
51.3%
Owner48.7%
Renter51.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 29203 in Columbia, SC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$894 → $1,319
up 47.5%
Income
$33,952 → $46,054
up 35.6%
Population
41,047 → 40,653
down 1.0%
Renter share
54.1% → 51.3%
-2.8 pts
Bachelor's+
20.8% → 22.3%
+1.5 pts

Five years ago, renters in ZIP 29203 in Columbia, SC paid around $894 a month. That figure now sits near $1,319, up 47.5% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 29203 in Columbia, SC now reports about $46,054, up from $33,952 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show ZIP 29203 in Columbia, SC losing about 394 residents over the five-year window, down 1.0% on net. The renter share has eased from 54.1% to 51.3%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 29203 in Columbia, SC reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 29203

About renting in ZIP 29203

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 29203 covers Columbia, SC. The median rent here is $1,319/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,140/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,250/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($46,054/yr), ZIP 29203 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 29203?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 29203 (Columbia, SC) is $1,319. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 29203 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 29203's median rent of $1,319/mo is $646 (33%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 29203 compare to other ZIPs in South Carolina?

ZIP 29203 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in South Carolina, ranking #110 out of 124 ZIPs at $1,319/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 29203?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $53,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,319/mo in ZIP 29203. The local median household income is $46,054/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 29203?

Rent in ZIP 29203 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.1% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 29203 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 29203 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,319/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($46,054/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 29203 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 29203 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 51.3% of ZIP 29203 households are renters, while 48.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 29203 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 29203 compare to the rest of Columbia?

ZIP 29203 is more affordable than Columbia overall. At $1,319/mo, it's $159 below the Columbia citywide median of $1,478/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 29203 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 29203 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $1,319/mo, rent takes ~34% of ZIP 29203's median household income ($46,054/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 29203 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3–6.2%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 29203 (Columbia, SC)

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