Columbia, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Columbia, Missouri
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Missouri United Methodist Church
Memorial Union
Boone County Courthouse
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| Nicknames:
"The Athens of Missouri", or CoMo
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 Columbia, Missouri
Location in Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | Missouri | ||
| County | Boone | ||
| Founded | 1821 | ||
| Incorporated | 1826 | ||
| Named for | Columbia | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Council–manager | ||
| • Body | Columbia City Council | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 67.45 sq mi (174.70 km2) | ||
| • Land | 67.17 sq mi (173.98 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.28 sq mi (0.72 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 761 ft (232 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 126,254 | ||
| • Estimate
(2023)
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129,330 | ||
| • Rank | US: 222nd MO: 4th |
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| • Density | 1,879.48/sq mi (725.67/km2) | ||
| • Metro | 210,864 (216th) | ||
| • CSA | 410,851 (102nd) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Columbian | ||
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) | ||
| ZIP Codes |
65201, 65202, 65203, 65211
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| Area code(s) | 573 | ||
| FIPS code | 29-15670 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 2393605 | ||
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Columbia is a city in Missouri, United States. It was founded in 1821 and is the main city of Boone County. In 2020, about 126,254 people lived here. This makes it the fourth-largest city in Missouri.
Columbia is known as a "college town" because it has three colleges. These include the University of Missouri, also called MU or Mizzou. The city is growing fast, with its population increasing by almost 40% since 2000. Many people in Columbia have college degrees. This is why it's sometimes called "The Athens of Missouri." People also call it "CoMo" for short.
The city is built on rolling hills and prairies with many oak trees. It is close to the Missouri River. You can find cool natural spots nearby, like Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and Katy Trail State Park. Columbia also has many city parks and trails, like the MKT Trail, which are great for walking and biking.
Columbia's economy mainly focuses on education and healthcare. It also has businesses in insurance, finance, and technology. Many companies started here, like Carfax and Shelter Insurance. The University of Missouri Health Care system runs several hospitals and clinics. The city also has a powerful nuclear reactor used for medical research.
Columbia offers many cultural activities. You can visit museums, enjoy music, and watch plays. The Missouri Tigers sports teams, part of the University of Missouri, are very popular. They play football at Faurot Field and basketball at Mizzou Arena.
Contents
History of Columbia
The land where Columbia now stands was once home to Native American groups. These included the Osage and Missouri tribes. European explorers claimed the area for France in the late 1600s. Later, in 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed by on the Missouri River.
In 1806, Daniel Boone's sons set up a salt lick nearby. This area was first known as Boonslick. In 1818, a group of settlers bought land and started a village called Smithton. They moved in 1821 to a better spot with more water. They renamed their new settlement Columbia, which is a poetic name for the United States.
Early Growth and Education
From the start, Columbia focused on education, medicine, and insurance. Land was set aside for a state university. In 1833, Stephens College opened as a college for women. The University of Missouri was founded in 1839. Columbia raised a lot of money to bring the state university here.
Other schools, like Columbia College, also opened. The city became a stop on important trails like the Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail. The first hospital opened in 1822. Columbia also saw its first newspaper, theater, and agricultural fair in the 1830s. By 1839, Boone County was very wealthy.
Columbia During the Civil War
During the Civil War, Missouri was a slave state but stayed with the Union. Most people in Columbia supported the Union. However, the areas around the city had more support for the Confederacy. The University of Missouri became a base for Union troops. No major battles happened in Columbia itself.
Modern Development and Growth
In 1963, Columbia became the main office for the University of Missouri System. This system now serves over 77,000 students. The insurance industry also grew, with companies like Shelter Insurance setting up headquarters. Columbia became a major transportation hub. This happened when U.S. Route 63 and Interstate 70 were built through the city. The Columbia Regional Airport also opened.
The city grew a lot in the late 1900s. By 2000, nearly 85,000 people lived there. Columbia continues to grow, especially in its downtown area. The University of Missouri also keeps expanding.
Geography of Columbia
Columbia is in the middle of northern Missouri. It is about 120 miles (193 km) from both St. Louis and Kansas City. The city is close to the Missouri River. It sits where the Ozark Plateau meets the northern plains.
The area has many trees like oak, maple, and hickory. In the fall, the changing colors of the leaves are beautiful. The city has a total area of about 63.5 square miles (164.5 square kilometers). Most of this is land, with a small amount of water.
Land and Water Features
The city's land generally slopes down towards the Missouri River. There are many creeks, like Hinkson Creek and Flat Branch Creek. These creeks have created large valleys, cliffs, and cave systems. One famous cave system is in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park south of the city. Columbia has hilly areas like the Ozarks. It also has flat prairie land like northern Missouri. The city has many green spaces, trails, and parks.
Animals in Columbia
You can see many animals in Columbia. Large mammals include coyotes and many whitetail deer. Smaller animals like Eastern gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, opossums, and raccoons are common. Many bird species live here, including Canada geese, mallard ducks, and great egrets. Bald eagles can be found near the Missouri River. Columbia is on the Mississippi Flyway, a path for migrating birds.
Frogs are often seen in spring, especially after rain. Common frogs include the American toad. Sometimes, there are many cicadas or ladybugs. Mosquitos and houseflies are common insects. Many homes have window screens to keep them out.
Columbia's Climate
Columbia has a climate with clear changes between seasons. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold. Temperatures can reach over 90°F (32°C) about 32 days a year. It can get below 0°F (-18°C) about 4 nights a year.
Spring has the most rain and severe weather. Snowfall averages about 18 inches (46 cm) per winter. This usually happens from December to March. The coldest temperature ever recorded was -26°F (-32°C) in 1899. The hottest was 113°F (45°C) in 1954.
Cityscape and Architecture
Columbia's most famous buildings are downtown and on the college campuses. Jesse Hall and the Memorial Union at the University of Missouri are city landmarks. The David R. Francis Quadrangle shows a special design style.
Nine historic areas in the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include Downtown Columbia and the Francis Quadrangle. The downtown area has a low skyline. The tallest buildings are the 10-story Tiger Hotel and the 15-story Paquin Tower.
Downtown Columbia is about one square mile. It is surrounded by the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College. This area is the city's financial and business center.
Since the early 2000s, many tall apartment buildings have been built downtown. These buildings often have shops and businesses on the ground floor. Some people worry these new buildings might change the historic feel of the area.
The older homes are mostly in a ring around downtown. The city has 63 neighborhood groups. The busiest shopping areas are along Interstate 70, U.S. Route 63, and Stadium Boulevard.
Population and People
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1823 | 130 | — |
| 1830 | 600 | +361.5% |
| 1840 | 750 | +25.0% |
| 1850 | 651 | −13.2% |
| 1860 | 1,414 | +117.2% |
| 1870 | 2,236 | +58.1% |
| 1880 | 3,326 | +48.7% |
| 1890 | 4,000 | +20.3% |
| 1900 | 5,651 | +41.3% |
| 1910 | 9,662 | +71.0% |
| 1920 | 10,392 | +7.6% |
| 1930 | 14,967 | +44.0% |
| 1940 | 18,399 | +22.9% |
| 1950 | 31,974 | +73.8% |
| 1960 | 36,650 | +14.6% |
| 1970 | 58,521 | +59.7% |
| 1980 | 62,061 | +6.0% |
| 1990 | 69,101 | +11.3% |
| 2000 | 84,531 | +22.3% |
| 2010 | 108,500 | +28.4% |
| 2020 | 126,254 | +16.4% |
| 2023 | 129,330 | +2.4% |
| For the year 1850, slaves and free minorities were not counted. U.S. Decennial Census Source: |
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The 2020 United States census counted 126,254 people in Columbia. There were about 49,371 households. The city's population density was about 1,879 people per square mile.
Most people in Columbia are white (72.49%). About 11.91% are black or African-American. About 5.61% are Asian. People of Hispanic or Latino background make up 4.9% of the population.
The average age in Columbia is 28.8 years. About 18.2% of the population is under 18. Many people are college students, with 23.8% between 18 and 24 years old.
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
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| White alone (NH) | 67,984 | 83,542 | 89,814 | 80.42% | 77.00% | 71.14% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 9,106 | 12,083 | 14,858 | 10.77% | 11.14% | 11.77% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 303 | 296 | 273 | 0.36% | 0.27% | 0.22% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 3,624 | 5,604 | 7,056 | 4.29% | 5.16% | 5.59% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 29 | 59 | 87 | 0.03% | 0.05% | 0.07% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 174 | 227 | 724 | 0.21% | 0.21% | 0.57% |
| Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 1,578 | 2,960 | 7,247 | 1.87% | 2.73% | 5.74% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,733 | 3,729 | 6,195 | 2.05% | 3.44% | 4.91% |
| Total | 84,531 | 108,500 | 126,254 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Economy and Jobs
Columbia's economy is mostly driven by education, healthcare, and insurance. Many people also work for the government. The Columbia Regional Airport helps connect the city for trade.
In 2018, Columbia's economy was worth about $9.6 billion. This is a big part of Missouri's total economy. Companies like Shelter Insurance and Columbia Insurance Group have their main offices here. Other important companies include StorageMart and Veterans United Home Loans.
Major Employers in Columbia
Here are the top employers in Columbia, based on a 2022 report:
| # | Employer | # of Employees | % of Total City Employment |
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| 1 | University of Missouri | 8,709 | 9.07% |
| 2 | University of Missouri Health Care | 5,092 | 5.30% |
| 3 | Veterans United Home Loans | 3,474 | 3.62% |
| 4 | Columbia Public Schools | 2,650 | 2.76% |
| 5 | Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital | 1,779 | 1.85% |
| 6 | Boone Hospital Center | 1,581 | 1.65% |
| 7 | City of Columbia | 1,515 | 1.58% |
| 8 | Shelter Insurance | 1,375 | 1.43% |
| 9 | Hubbell Power Systems | 751 | 0.78% |
| 10 | Joe Machens Dealerships | 611 | 0.64% |
Culture and Entertainment
Columbia has many places for arts and entertainment. The Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts and Jesse Auditorium are big venues for performances. Ragtag Cinema hosts the yearly True/False Film Festival, which shows documentaries.
The North Village Arts District downtown has art galleries, restaurants, and music spots. The University of Missouri's Museum of Art and Archaeology has 14,000 art pieces. You can visit it for free. The Columbia Public Library is also a great resource.
Music Scene
Columbia has a lively music scene. The "We Always Swing" Jazz Series and the Roots N Blues Festival are popular events. "9th Street Summerfest" has featured famous musicians like Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg. The University of Missouri School of Music brings many talented musicians to the city.
Other music groups include the "Odyssey Chamber Music Series" and the "Missouri Symphony". The "Plowman Chamber Music Competition" is a big event for classical music.
Theater Performances
There are many chances to see plays and musicals in Columbia. Ragtag Cinema is a well-known theater. Stephens College is famous for its performing arts programs. The University of Missouri and Columbia College also put on many shows each year.
The city's public high schools also have great theater programs. They perform musicals and plays throughout the year. You can also find community theater groups like Maplewood Barn Theatre.
Sports in Columbia
Sports are a big part of life in Columbia. The Missouri Tigers are the sports teams of the University of Missouri. They play football at Faurot Field, which holds over 62,000 fans. Basketball games are held at Mizzou Arena.
Columbia College also has many sports teams. Columbia hosts the Show-Me State Games. This is a large sports event for people across Missouri. Many Columbians also support professional teams from St. Louis and Kansas City. These include the St. Louis Cardinals (baseball) and Kansas City Chiefs (football).
Local Food
Columbia has many restaurants and bars. This is because of the three colleges in the city. Booches is a historic bar and restaurant from 1884. Shakespeare's Pizza is another famous spot, known for its college town pizza.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Columbia has many parks and trails for everyone to enjoy. The MKT Trail is very popular. It connects to the Katy Trail State Park, which goes across the state. The MKT Trail is great for walking, jogging, and biking. It was even named one of the "Best Urban Trails" in the U.S. by USA Today.
Stephens Lake Park is a highlight of the park system. It has an 11-acre lake for fishing and swimming. The park hosts festivals and concerts. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is open all year. It offers hiking and biking through beautiful scenery. Columbia is also home to Harmony Bends Disc Golf Course. It is ranked as one of the best public disc golf courses in the United States.
Media and News
Columbia has two daily newspapers: the Columbia Missourian and the Columbia Daily Tribune. The Missourian is run by students from the Missouri School of Journalism. The University of Missouri also has a student newspaper called The Maneater.
The city has four television channels. Columbia Access Television (CAT-TV) is a public channel. CPSTV is for educational programs. The Government Access channel shows city meetings.
Television Channels
| Station | Channel | Network | Subchannels |
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| KMOS-TV | 6 | PBS | 6.2 Create
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| KOMU-TV | 8 | NBC | 8.3 The CW+ |
| KRCG | 13 | CBS | 13.2 Comet
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| KMIZ | 17 | ABC | 17.2 MeTV
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| KQFX-LD | 22 | Fox | 22.2 Laff
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| KFDR | 25 | CTN | 25.2 CTNi
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| K35OY-D | 35 | Azteca America | 35.2 Infomercials
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| KGKM-LD | 36 | Telemundo | 36.2 Ion Television
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Radio Stations
Columbia has 19 radio stations. Some are also licensed from nearby cities.
- AM Stations
- KFAL 900 kHz • Country music
- KWOS 950 kHz • News and Talk shows
- KFRU 1400 kHz • News and Talk shows
- KTGR 1580 kHz • Sports (ESPN Radio)
- FM Stations
- KCOU 88.1 MHz • College radio
- KOPN 89.5 MHz • Public radio
- KMUC 90.5 MHz • Classical music
- KBIA 91.3 MHz • News (NPR)
- KMFC 92.1 MHz • Christian music (K-Love)
- KWJK 93.1 MHz • Variety (JACK FM)
- KSSZ 93.9 MHz • News and Talk shows
- KWWR 95.7 MHz • Country music
- KCMQ 96.7 MHz • Classic Rock
- KDVC 98.3 MHz • Classic Hits
- KCLR 99.3 MHz • Country music
- KPLA 101.5 MHz • Variety
- KBXR 102.3 MHz • Alternative music
- KZZT 105.5 MHz • Classic Rock
- KOQL 106.1 MHz • Top 40 music
- KTXY 106.9 MHz Top 40 music
Education in Columbia
Most of Columbia is part of the Columbia Public School District. This district serves over 18,000 students. In 2022, the graduation rate was 90%.
The district has four public high schools for grades 9-12:
- David H. Hickman High School
- Rock Bridge High School
- Muriel Battle High School
- Frederick Douglass High School
Rock Bridge High School is ranked among the top high schools in the nation. Hickman High School has also been recognized for its academic success. There are also several private high schools in the city.
Columbia Public Schools also manages seven middle schools. These include Jefferson, West, and John Warner.
Higher Education
Columbia is home to three main colleges:
- The University of Missouri
- Stephens College
- Columbia College
These colleges are all located around Downtown Columbia. The city is also the headquarters for the University of Missouri System. This system has campuses in other Missouri cities. Other colleges like Moberly Area Community College also have locations in Columbia.
About 55.3% of adults in Columbia have a bachelor's degree or higher. This is much higher than the average for all of Missouri.
Transportation in Columbia
Columbia Transit provides public bus service in the city. It is owned and run by the city government. The Wabash Station, a former train depot, is now the city's main transit center.
The Columbia Regional Airport serves the city. It is the only commercial airport in mid-Missouri. You can fly with American Airlines from this airport. The closest train station is in Jefferson City.
Columbia is well-known for its MKT Trail. This trail is for walking and biking across the city. It connects to the Katy Trail State Park. The city is also building new bike paths and lanes.
The main highways for traveling to and from Columbia are I-70 and US 63. Inside the city, there are also state highways like Routes 763 and 740.
Rail service is provided by the city-owned Columbia Terminal Railroad (COLT). It connects Columbia to other rail lines.
Sister Cities
Columbia has "sister cities" around the world. This program helps people from different countries learn about each other. Columbia is paired with six international cities:
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See also
In Spanish: Columbia (Misuri) para niños
