Columbia, PA Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (total): Population in 2017: 10,432 (100% urban, 0% rural). >Population change since 2000: +1.2%

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $765.

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Columbia: 94.7 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 20.4%

Poverty (breakdown): (15.4% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 37.9% for Black residents, 46.1% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 68.8% for other race residents, 37.5% for two or more races residents)

Ancestries: Ancestries: German (34.3%), American (13.3%), Irish (6.5%), African (4.0%), Italian (3.3%), English (2.3%).

Elevation: 300 feet

Population Density:

Zip Codes: 17512

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $45,124 (it was $32,385 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $24,278 (it was $16,626 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $128,596 (it was $74,500 in 2000) Columbia:$128,596PA:$181,200

Races:
      White alone - 8,662 - 83.3%
      Hispanic - 938 - 9.0%
      Black alone - 471 - 4.5%
      Two or more races - 245 - 2.4%
      Asian alone - 60 - 0.6%
      American Indian alone - 19 - 0.2%
      Other race alone - 5 - 0.05%

Robert Barber constructed a sawmill in 1727 and later built a home near the river on the Washington Boro Pike, along what is now Route 441. The home still stands, across from the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant, and is the second oldest in the borough (after Wright's Ferry Mansion).

Goldribbon

Recognitions and Certifications

Accredited Drug Testing has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 drug testing companies" for excellent customer service and we have received TPA Accreditation from the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. We are active in all drug testing industry associations and our staff are trained and certified as drug and alcohol testing specialists.

Important Links

National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (https://ndasa.com/)

National Drug Free Workplace Alliance (https://www.ndwa.org/)

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (https://www.sapaa.com/)

Substance Abuse Mental Health Safety Administration (https://www.samhsa.gov/)

US Drug Enforcement Administration (https://www.dea.gov/)

Office of Drug alcohol Policy Control (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

980x250 DOT Drug Testing

DOT Drug Testing Locations Columbia, PA

Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Columbia, PA and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes that are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Columbia, PA including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same-day service is available in most cases.

Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7

* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.

1286 MOUNT BAKER RD STE B102 76.5 miles

1286 MOUNT BAKER RD STE B102
EASTSOUND, WA 98245
Categories: EASTSOUND WA

7 DEYE LN 76.9 miles

7 DEYE LN
EASTSOUND, WA 98245
Categories: EASTSOUND WA

1117 SPRING ST 80.0 miles

1117 SPRING ST
FRIDAY HARBOR, WA 98250
Categories: FRIDAY HARBOR WA

103 WASHBURN PL 84.1 miles

103 WASHBURN PL
LOPEZ ISLAND, WA 98261
Categories: LOPEZ ISLAND WA

1460 SLATER RD 86.6 miles

1460 SLATER RD
FERNDALE, WA 98248
Categories: FERNDALE WA

4280 MERIDIAN ST STE 120 90.3 miles

4280 MERIDIAN ST STE 120
BELLINGHAM, WA 98226
Categories: BELLINGHAM WA

2417 MERIDIAN ST STE 105 91.3 miles

2417 MERIDIAN ST STE 105
BELLINGHAM, WA 98225
Categories: BELLINGHAM WA

2980 Squalicum Parkway, Suite 201 91.6 miles

2980 Squalicum Parkway, Suite 201
Bellingham, WA 98225
Categories: Bellingham WA

3010 SQUALICUM PKWY 91.7 miles

3010 SQUALICUM PKWY
BELLINGHAM, WA 98225
Categories: BELLINGHAM WA

621 E FRONT ST 92.6 miles

621 E FRONT ST
PORT ANGELES, WA 98362
Categories: PORT ANGELES WA

939 CAROLINE ST 92.7 miles

939 CAROLINE ST
PORT ANGELES, WA 98362
Categories: PORT ANGELES WA

221 N RACE ST 92.8 miles

221 N RACE ST
PORT ANGELES, WA 98362
Categories: PORT ANGELES WA

1211 24TH ST 95.6 miles

1211 24TH ST
ANACORTES, WA 98221
Categories: ANACORTES WA

501 30TH ST UNIT B 96.2 miles

501 30TH ST UNIT B
ANACORTES, WA 98221
Categories: ANACORTES WA

408 W LAKE SAMISH DR 98.6 miles

408 W LAKE SAMISH DR
BELLINGHAM, WA 98229
Categories: BELLINGHAM WA

9080 S MARCH POINT RD STE A-4 99.8 miles

9080 S MARCH POINT RD STE A-4
ANACORTES, WA 98221
Categories: ANACORTES WA

(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)

Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Columbia, PA Drug testing locations, Call us Today!

"When you need a test, choose the best"

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How to schedule a DOT drug test in Columbia, PA

To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Columbia, PA call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.

The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center that performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smartphone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.

Our laboratories are SAMHSA-certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).

In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Columbia, PA , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

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DOT Changes to Part 40

On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation published its final rule in the Federal Register to include oral fluid testing in the DOT drug testing program.  This final rule became effective June 1, 2023.

Please note that DOT oral fluid testing cannot be implemented as of yet until the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies at least two laboratories. One as a primary lab and a second lab to serve as split specimen testing.

Changes to DOT-regulated employees?

DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees can now be subject to an oral fluid collection or urine drug testing collection for ANY DOT-regulated test and this choice is up to the employer.  DOT has also authorized that Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) evaluations may continue to be conducted remotely.

How do these changes affect DOT employers?

Employers must select what methodology they would like to use for their drug testing program (randoms' oral fluid, pre-employment urine, etc). Ensure you have a business relationship/agreement with any collections site for the services you wish to use for your drug testing program.  As an employer, you must also have your Designated Employer representative available 24-7 in the event any problem collections or situations arise or to discuss any standing orders that may arise for problem collections.

What are the DOT drug testing requirements?.

In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.

49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as Part 40) explains:

  • How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
  • Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
  • What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation

Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:

  • The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
  • Who is subject to comply with these regulations
  • What type of testing is required
  • When testing is required
  • Consequences of non-compliance

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regard to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take effect on January 6, 2020.

The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real-time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.

For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!

The Opioid Overdose Crisis

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

  • Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
  • Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
  • An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
  • About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
  • Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
  • The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
  • Opioid overdoses in large cities increased by 54 percent in 16 states.

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)

DOT Compliance Checklist in Columbia, PA

DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)

  • Pre-Employment Tests
  • Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
  • Substance Abuse Professional Process
  • Regulations on File
  • Random Pool Testing
  • *Supervisor Training
  • *Written Policy
  • Post-Accident Testing Situations
  • Previous Employers Checks
  • Employee Education
  • Record Keeping
  • Removal of covered Employee
  • Designated Employer Representative

* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)

If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.

The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.

To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.

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What is a DOT Drug Test in Columbia, PA ?

On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:

  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids**
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • ** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.

    In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group

    When is a DOT drug test required in Columbia, PA ?

    All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:

    • Pre-employment
    • Random
    • Reasonable suspicion
    • Return to Duty
    • Post-Accident
    • Follow Up

What is DOT pre employment testing in Columbia, PA ?

As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.

Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.

What is random DOT Drug Testing in Columbia, PA ?

All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.

Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.

The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA]
25% 10%
Federal Aviation Administration
[FAA]
25% 10%
Federal Railroad Administration
[FRA]
25% - Covered Service
50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service
25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration
[FTA]
50% 10%
United States Coast Guard
[USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50% N/A
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency
2019 Random Drug Testing Rate
2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA]
25%
10%
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA]
25%
10%
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA]
25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration [FTA]
50%
10%
United States Coast Guard [USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50%
N/A

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What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Columbia, PA ?

Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use

What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Columbia, PA ?

If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.

Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.

What is DOT post accident drug testing Columbia, PA ?

If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.

If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.

Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.

What is DOT follow up drug testing Columbia, PA ?

DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Columbia, PA simply call us at (800)221-4291

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DOT Drug Testing Services Columbia, PA

(800)221-4291

For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here

For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here

Handy Resources

Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

    Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.

  2. FDA: Drug Testing

    Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.

  3. PDR.net

    Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.

  4. BeSafeRx - FDA

    Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.

  5. SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace

    Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.

  6. Drugs.com

    Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.

  7. Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)

    Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.

  8. Merck Manuals

    Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.

  9. SAMHSA Store

    Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.

  10. National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

    Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.

  11. CDC: Workplace Health Promotion

    CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.

  12. Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing

    General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.

  13. MedlinePlus: Drug Testing

    Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.

  14. University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia

    Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.

  15. World Health Organization (WHO)

    International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.

  16. Healthline: Drug Testing

    Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.

  17. WebMD: Drug Testing

    Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.

  18. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

    Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.

AI Overview

Overview of Drug Testing Collection Locations

Drug testing collection locations are designated sites where individuals provide samples for drug testing. These facilities are crucial in supporting compliance with workplace, legal, and health standards. They serve a variety of sectors, including employment, law enforcement, sports, and healthcare. This overview explores the features, types of locations, and the role they play in drug testing processes.

Types of Drug Testing Collection Locations

  • Occupational Health Clinics: Many clinics offer drug testing services as part of broader occupational health support.
  • Hospital-Based Laboratories: Some hospitals have specific departments dedicated to drug testing, particularly for medical or legal purposes.
  • Third-Party Laboratory Facilities: Independent labs that specialize in toxicology may also conduct drug testing, often used by employers for employment screening.
  • Mobile Collection Units: These are portable facilities that can travel to workplaces or institutions, providing convenient access to drug testing services.

Role of Collection Locations in Drug Testing

Collection locations are integral to the drug testing process, ensuring that samples are collected in a controlled and secure environment. The main responsibilities include:

  1. Ensuring Sample Integrity: Implementing procedures that prevent tampering or contamination of samples.
  2. Maintaining Privacy: Providing a private space for individuals to give samples while respecting their confidentiality.
  3. Compliance with Standards: Adhering to regulatory and legal standards for drug testing, which may vary by jurisdiction and industry.

Choosing the Right Collection Location

When selecting a drug testing collection location, consider the following factors:

  • Accreditation: Ensure the facility is accredited by relevant health and safety organizations.
  • Proximity: Choose a location that is conveniently accessible, reducing the time and disruption associated with the testing process.
  • Services Offered: Some locations may offer rapid results or additional screening services, which can be beneficial depending on the testing needs.

Drug testing collection locations are essential for conducting effective and reliable drug screenings. They support the enforcement of drug-free policies in various settings by providing professional and standardized testing services. For consumers and organizations alike, understanding the role and choosing the appropriate collection location is key to achieving accurate drug testing outcomes.

Local Area Info: Columbia, Pennsylvania

Columbia, formerly Wright's Ferry, is a borough (town) in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 28 miles (45 km) southeast of Harrisburg on the east (left) bank of the Susquehanna River, across from Wrightsville and York County and just south of U.S. Route 30. The settlement was founded in 1726 by Colonial English Quakers from Chester County led by entrepreneur and evangelist John Wright. Establishment of the eponymous Wright's Ferry, the first commercial Susquehanna crossing in the region, inflamed territorial conflict with neighboring Maryland but brought growth and prosperity to the small town, which was just a few votes shy of becoming the new United States' capital. Though besieged for a short while by Civil War destruction, Columbia remained a lively center of transport and industry throughout the 19th century, once serving as a terminus of the Pennsylvania Canal. Later, however, the Great Depression and 20th-century changes in economy and technology sent the borough into decline. It is notable today as the site of one of the world's few museums devoted entirely to horology.

The area around present-day Columbia was originally populated by Native American tribes, most notably the Susquehannocks, who migrated to the area between 1575 and 1600[citation needed] after separating[citation needed] from the Iroquois Confederacy. They established villages just south of Columbia, in what is now Washington Boro[citation needed], as well as claiming at least hunting lands as far south as Maryland and Northern Virginia. Captain John Smith reported on the Susquehannock in glowing superlatives when a traveling group visited Jamestown, Virginia; he estimated their numbers to be about 2,000 in the early 1600s. The French ran across them in the area around Buffalo, apparently visiting the Wenro, and suggesting their numbers were far greater. The Province of Maryland fought a declared war for nearly a decade, signing a peace in 1632, against the Susquehannock Confederation who were allied to New Sweden and furnishing fire arms to the Susquehannocks in exchange for furs. The American Heritage Book of Indians reports the tribe occupied the entire Susquehanna Drainage Basin from the divide with the Mohawk River in lower New York State and part of the west side of the Chesapeake Bay in the Province of Virginia, while noting the confederation numbered between 10-20,000 in the mid-1660s when they came close to wiping out two Nations of the Iroquois. An virulent epidemic struck the Susquehannock towns during 1668 or 1669 and is believed to have lasted or recurred or morphed to plagues of other disease possibly killing up to 90% of the Amerindian nations people. By 1671-1672 they were beset on all sides—with attacks from colonial settlers, raids from the weakened Iroquois and the long subjugated Lenape band occupying the Poconos and Lehigh Valley. In that decade, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York all claimed the Susquehannock lands of the Wyoming Valley, where the remnants of the nation were to recoil into a few scant under populated towns. In 1678, the Governor of New York would sign a treaty with the League of the Iroquois requiring them to take in the Susquehannocks. The Iroquoian cultures universally supporting adoption, absorbed the people. Small bands moved west across the Susquehanna to new villages such as Conestoga Town and some are believed to have trekked through the gaps of the Allegheny to the virtually empty lands beyond the Alleghenies, perhaps mingling there with other Iroquoian peoples such as the Seneca, Wenro and Erie peoples forming the new clans and towns as the (new) Mingo people whose small bands known to be present in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio in the early 1800s.

In 1724, John Wright, an English Quaker, traveled to the Columbia area (then a part of Chester County) to explore the land and proselytize to a Native American tribe, the Shawnee, who had established a settlement along Shawnee Creek. Wright built a log cabin nearby on a tract of land first granted to George Beale by William Penn in 1699, and stayed for more than a year. The area was then known as Shawanatown.

Show Regional Data

Population (total): Population in 2017: 10,432 (100% urban, 0% rural). >Population change since 2000: +1.2%

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $765.

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Columbia: 94.7 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 20.4%

Poverty (breakdown): (15.4% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 37.9% for Black residents, 46.1% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 68.8% for other race residents, 37.5% for two or more races residents)

Ancestries: Ancestries: German (34.3%), American (13.3%), Irish (6.5%), African (4.0%), Italian (3.3%), English (2.3%).

Elevation: 300 feet

Population Density:

Zip Codes: 17512

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $45,124 (it was $32,385 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $24,278 (it was $16,626 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $128,596 (it was $74,500 in 2000) Columbia:$128,596PA:$181,200

Races:
      White alone - 8,662 - 83.3%
      Hispanic - 938 - 9.0%
      Black alone - 471 - 4.5%
      Two or more races - 245 - 2.4%
      Asian alone - 60 - 0.6%
      American Indian alone - 19 - 0.2%
      Other race alone - 5 - 0.05%

Robert Barber constructed a sawmill in 1727 and later built a home near the river on the Washington Boro Pike, along what is now Route 441. The home still stands, across from the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant, and is the second oldest in the borough (after Wright's Ferry Mansion).

(800) 221-4291