Columbia, SC vs Lancaster, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Columbia
73.8
#670 nationally
Lancaster
69.9
#1155 nationally
Lancaster leads in crime level (11.2 vs 21.1). Columbia leads in average commute (17.4 min vs 29.7 min). Columbia leads in walk score (35 vs 22).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lancaster, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 69.9 (#1155) |
| Population | 142,416 | 40,215 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $273,149 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $65,323 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 29.7 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 22 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | 11.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 98 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | D+22.2 |
C
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →
D+
69.9 Score
Lancaster, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$273,149
Population
40,215
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
22
Southwest
View Lancaster, TX →
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