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ZIP Code · SC

ZIP 29209

Part of Columbia, SC
Pop. 38,041·Richland County·81st most expensive ZIP in South Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,536/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.3%
Month-over-Month
+0.3%
vs US Median
-$429
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 29209 · $1,536
More affordable than 71% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,120
1 BR
$1,270
2 BR
$1,390
3 BR
$1,770
4 BR+
$2,080
Research median
$1,390/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
$18,432/yr
At $1,536/mo median
Location
StateSC
CountyRichland County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.3% YoY, +0.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 29209 (Columbia, SC) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
38,041
Median income
$58,772
Median age
33.9
Renters
41.3%
Age distribution
24.7%
27%
25.1%
14.4%
Under 1824.7%
18–3427%
35–5425.1%
55–648.8%
65+14.4%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
37.4%
49.6%
White37.4%
Black49.6%
Hispanic7.9%
Asian1.6%
Other3.6%
Education (25+)
21.1%
31.3%
40.2%
No HS diploma7.4%
HS diploma21.1%
Some college31.3%
Bachelor's+40.2%
Housing tenure
58.7%
41.3%
Owner58.7%
Renter41.3%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 29209 in Columbia, SC has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,091 → $1,536
up 40.8%
Income
$55,255 → $58,772
up 6.4%
Population
37,365 → 38,041
up 1.8%
Renter share
40.5% → 41.3%
+0.8 pts
Bachelor's+
37.8% → 40.2%
+2.4 pts

Compared with 2021, rent in ZIP 29209 in Columbia, SC has climbed by $445 per month, settling near $1,536 after starting the period at $1,091. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 29209 in Columbia, SC now reports about $58,772, up from $55,255 in 2021. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 34.4 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 37,365 to 38,041 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.8% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 37.8% to 40.2%. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 29209 in Columbia, SC reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 29209

About renting in ZIP 29209

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 29209 covers Columbia, SC. The median rent here is $1,536/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,270/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,390/mo.

At 31% of local median household income ($58,772/yr), ZIP 29209 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 29209?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 29209 (Columbia, SC) is $1,536. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 29209 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 29209's median rent of $1,536/mo is $429 (22%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 29209 compare to other ZIPs in South Carolina?

ZIP 29209 falls in the middle range for South Carolina, ranking #81 out of 124 ZIPs at $1,536/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 29209?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $61,000/year (~$29/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,536/mo in ZIP 29209. The local median household income is $58,772/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 29209?

Rent in ZIP 29209 has increased 7.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 29209 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 29209 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,536/mo, rent takes approximately 31% of the local median household income ($58,772/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 29209 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 29209 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.3% of ZIP 29209 households are renters, while 58.7% are owner-occupied. ZIP 29209 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 29209 compare to the rest of Columbia?

ZIP 29209 is pricier than Columbia as a whole. At $1,536/mo, it's $58 above the Columbia citywide median of $1,478/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 29209 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 29209 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
31%
MODERATE

At $1,536/mo, rent takes ~31% of ZIP 29209's median household income ($58,772/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 29209 31%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3–6.2%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 29209 (Columbia, SC)

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