On Monday, April 21st, the City of Columbia unveiled the results of a special census conducted within its boundaries. As of September 16th, 2024, the population of Columbia stands at 48,885, accompanied by 21,492 housing units. This figure marks a significant 17.26% rise in population compared to the decennial census conducted in 2020.
The implications of this census are substantial, as various state and federal funding initiatives allocate resources to communities based on their population figures. These funds are essential for a range of services, including public safety, community development, housing assistance, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges. An accurate census count is crucial for ensuring that Columbia receives its fair share of these vital resources.
Mayor Chaz Molder expressed that the newly released data is incredibly valuable and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the city. Additionally, City Manager Tony Massey noted that the updated population figure is expected to result in an increase of approximately $6.4 million in state shared revenue for Columbia over the next five years. For those interested in exploring the data further, additional details can be found on the city’s official website at www.ColumbiaTn.gov, with updates available until May 1st, 2025.