Columbia, MD Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (total): Population in 2017: 103,709 (100% urban, 0% rural).

Population (male): 47,681

Population (female): 56,028

Median Age: 37.6 years

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $1,620.

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Columbia: 132.9 (high, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 9.2%

Elevation: 400 feet

Population Density:

In the early 1960s, Rouse decided to develop a new model city. Rouse's ideas about what a new model city should be like were informed by a number of factors, including his personal Christian faith as well as the goal for his company to earn a profit, influences that he did not consider to be incompatible with one another.[citation needed] After exploring possible new city locations near Atlanta, Georgia, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Rouse focused his attention between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., in Howard County, Maryland.[citation needed]

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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)

Drug Testing1

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

Scheduling a 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.

Drug Testing Columbia, MD

9055 Chevrolet Dr Ste 101, 2.5 miles

9055 Chevrolet Dr Ste 101,
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Categories: Ellicott City MD

11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202 3.0 miles

11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202
Columbia, MD 21044
Categories: Columbia MD

9396D BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE 3.4 miles

9396D BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE
ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042
Categories: ELLICOTT CITY MD

6656 DOBBIN RD 3.8 miles

6656 DOBBIN RD
COLUMBIA, MD 21045
Categories: COLUMBIA MD

6785 Business Pkwy 5.5 miles

6785 Business Pkwy
Elkridge, MD 21075
Categories: Elkridge MD

7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102 5.6 miles

7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102
ELKRIDGE, MD 21075
Categories: ELKRIDGE MD

2 East Rolling Crossroads, Suite 51 6.5 miles

2 East Rolling Crossroads, Suite 51
Catonsville, MD 21228
Categories: Catonsville MD

5411 Old Frederick Rd Ste 9, 7.3 miles

5411 Old Frederick Rd Ste 9,
Baltimore, MD 21229
Categories: Baltimore MD

5822 OAKLAND RD 7.8 miles

5822 OAKLAND RD
HALETHORPE, MD 21227
Categories: HALETHORPE MD

8768 SUSINI DR 7.9 miles

8768 SUSINI DR
LAUREL, MD 20723
Categories: LAUREL MD

4807 BENSON AVE 8.2 miles

4807 BENSON AVE
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

1419 KNECHT AVE 8.4 miles

1419 KNECHT AVE
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

5400 Old Court Rd Ste 102, 8.8 miles

5400 Old Court Rd Ste 102,
Randallstown, MD 21133
Categories: Randallstown MD

701 DIGITAL DRIVE STE L 9.0 miles

701 DIGITAL DRIVE STE L
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD 21090
Categories: LINTHICUM HEIGHTS MD

On-site ONLY 9.8 miles

On-site ONLY
LAUREL, MD 20724
Categories: LAUREL MD

2701 W PATAPSCO AVE STE 225 9.9 miles

2701 W PATAPSCO AVE STE 225
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

2300 Garrison Blvd Ste 206, 10.1 miles

2300 Garrison Blvd Ste 206,
Baltimore, MD 21216
Categories: Baltimore MD

3676 Alpen Greenway 10.4 miles

3676 Alpen Greenway
Burtonsville, MD 20866
Categories: Burtonsville MD

P. O. BOX 376 10.4 miles

P. O. BOX 376
LAUREL, MD 20725
Categories: LAUREL MD

2401 W BELVEDERE AVE HOFFBERGER STE 54 11.0 miles

2401 W BELVEDERE AVE HOFFBERGER STE 54
BALTIMORE, MD 21215
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

1860 REISTERSTOWN RD STE A 11.5 miles

1860 REISTERSTOWN RD STE A
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
Categories: PIKESVILLE MD

811 CROMWELL PARK DR STE 104 11.6 miles

811 CROMWELL PARK DR STE 104
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
Categories: GLEN BURNIE MD

1838 GREENE TREE RD STE 115 11.8 miles

1838 GREENE TREE RD STE 115
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
Categories: PIKESVILLE MD

23 Crossroads Dr, Suite 120 11.9 miles

23 Crossroads Dr, Suite 120
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Categories: Owings Mills MD

1812 BOLTON ST APT 3 12.2 miles

1812 BOLTON ST APT 3
BALTIMORE, MD 21217
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

13823 OUTLET DR 12.3 miles

13823 OUTLET DR
SILVER SPRING, MD 20904
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

1650 UNION AVE 12.3 miles

1650 UNION AVE
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

808 LANDMARK DR STE 116 12.3 miles

808 LANDMARK DR STE 116
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
Categories: GLEN BURNIE MD

1532 Liberty Road, Suite 101 12.4 miles

1532 Liberty Road, Suite 101
Eldersburg, MD 21784
Categories: Eldersburg MD

726 LIGHT ST 12.4 miles

726 LIGHT ST
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

100 S CHARLES ST STE 150 12.5 miles

100 S CHARLES ST STE 150
BALTIMORE, MD 21201
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

802 Cromwell Park Dr STE H-Cromwell Business Park 12.5 miles

802 Cromwell Park Dr STE H-Cromwell Business Park
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Categories: Glen Burnie MD

4419 FALLS RD STE D 12.8 miles

4419 FALLS RD STE D
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12 13.0 miles

18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12
OLNEY, MD 20832
Categories: OLNEY MD

1000 LIBERTY RD STE 102 13.1 miles

1000 LIBERTY RD STE 102
ELDERSBURG, MD 21784
Categories: ELDERSBURG MD

2901 SAINT PAUL ST 13.3 miles

2901 SAINT PAUL ST
BALTIMORE, MD 21218
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

200 Hospital Dr Ste 103, 13.7 miles

200 Hospital Dr Ste 103,
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Categories: Glen Burnie MD

11722 REISTERSTOWN RD 14.2 miles

11722 REISTERSTOWN RD
REISTERSTOWN, MD 21136
Categories: REISTERSTOWN MD

1501 S CLINTON ST 11 FL 14.7 miles

1501 S CLINTON ST 11 FL
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

4729 SELLMAN RD 14.7 miles

4729 SELLMAN RD
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
Categories: BELTSVILLE MD

3600 ODONNELL ST STE 170 14.8 miles

3600 ODONNELL ST STE 170
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

408 HEADQUARTERS DR STE 3-B 14.9 miles

408 HEADQUARTERS DR STE 3-B
MILLERSVILLE, MD 21108
Categories: MILLERSVILLE MD

10452 BALTIMORE AVE 15.4 miles

10452 BALTIMORE AVE
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
Categories: BELTSVILLE MD

7801 YORK RD STE 360 16.3 miles

7801 YORK RD STE 360
TOWSON, MD 21204
Categories: TOWSON MD

1833 PORTAL ST 16.4 miles

1833 PORTAL ST
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

301 WATERSVILLE RD 16.5 miles

301 WATERSVILLE RD
MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771
Categories: MOUNT AIRY MD

1220A E JOPPA RD STE 109 17.0 miles

1220A E JOPPA RD STE 109
TOWSON, MD 21286
Categories: TOWSON MD

7933 BELLE POINT DR 17.0 miles

7933 BELLE POINT DR
GREENBELT, MD 20770
Categories: GREENBELT MD

1205 York Rd Ste 15a, 17.1 miles

1205 York Rd Ste 15a,
Lutherville, MD 21093
Categories: Lutherville MD

1407 YORK RD STE 311 17.2 miles

1407 YORK RD STE 311
LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093
Categories: LUTHERVILLE MD

6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3 17.2 miles

6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3
College Park, MD 20740
Categories: College Park MD

1830 YORK RD STE F 17.6 miles

1830 YORK RD STE F
TIMONIUM, MD 21093
Categories: TIMONIUM MD

10117 PALAMAR DR 17.6 miles

10117 PALAMAR DR
LANHAM, MD 20706
Categories: LANHAM MD

11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700 18.1 miles

11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700
WHEATON, MD 20902
Categories: WHEATON MD

1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 3 18.1 miles

1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 3
DUNDALK, MD 21222
Categories: DUNDALK MD

1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 2 18.1 miles

1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 2
BALTIMORE, MD 21222
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

8600 LASALLE RD YORK BUILDING, STE 515 18.5 miles

8600 LASALLE RD YORK BUILDING, STE 515
TOWSON, MD 21286
Categories: TOWSON MD

8101 PULASKI HWY STE H 18.5 miles

8101 PULASKI HWY STE H
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

3708 MOUNTAIN RD 18.6 miles

3708 MOUNTAIN RD
PASADENA, MD 21122
Categories: PASADENA MD

1730 Merritt Blvd Choice One UC Baltimore 18.6 miles

1730 Merritt Blvd Choice One UC Baltimore
Baltimore, MD 21222
Categories: Baltimore MD

9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222 18.9 miles

9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222
SILVER SPRING, MD 20902
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

205 CENTER STREET, SUITE 204 19.1 miles

205 CENTER STREET, SUITE 204
MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771
Categories: MOUNT AIRY MD

12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120 19.2 miles

12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120
GLENN DALE, MD 20769
Categories: GLENN DALE MD

537 RITCHIE HWY STE 2G 19.3 miles

537 RITCHIE HWY STE 2G
SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146
Categories: SEVERNA PARK MD

10 WARREN RD, STE 260 19.4 miles

10 WARREN RD, STE 260
COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030
Categories: COCKEYSVILLE MD

8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208 20.0 miles

8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

8945 N WESTLAND DR 20.1 miles

8945 N WESTLAND DR
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
Categories: GAITHERSBURG MD

431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG 20.1 miles

431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
Categories: GAITHERSBURG MD

4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G 20.1 miles

4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G
LANHAM, MD 20706
Categories: LANHAM MD

1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222 20.1 miles

1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
Categories: SILVER SPRING MD

803 RUSSELL AVE 20.7 miles

803 RUSSELL AVE
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879
Categories: GAITHERSBURG MD

6820 HOSPITAL DR, STE 201 20.9 miles

6820 HOSPITAL DR, STE 201
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207 20.9 miles

15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207
Rockville, MD 20850
Categories: Rockville MD

3510 HEIDI LN 20.9 miles

3510 HEIDI LN
SPRINGDALE, MD 20774
Categories: SPRINGDALE MD

9110 Philadelphia Rd Ste 212, 20.9 miles

9110 Philadelphia Rd Ste 212,
Baltimore, MD 21237
Categories: Baltimore MD

9114 PHILADELPHIA RD STE 108 20.9 miles

9114 PHILADELPHIA RD STE 108
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
Categories: BALTIMORE MD

15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450 21.1 miles

15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
Categories: ROCKVILLE MD

4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112, 21.3 miles

4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112,
Bowie, MD 20716
Categories: Bowie MD

9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120, 21.4 miles

9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120,
Rockville, MD 20850
Categories: Rockville MD

8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208 22.0 miles

8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208
BETHESDA, MD 20814
Categories: BETHESDA MD

3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD 22.1 miles

3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD
BOWIE, MD 20716
Categories: BOWIE MD

920 VARNUM ST NE 22.2 miles

920 VARNUM ST NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20017
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131 22.2 miles

14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
Categories: ROCKVILLE MD

20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205, 22.2 miles

20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205,
Germantown, MD 20876
Categories: Germantown MD

14237 Jarrettsville Pike Choice One UC Phoenix 22.6 miles

14237 Jarrettsville Pike Choice One UC Phoenix
Phoenix, MD 21131
Categories: Phoenix MD

844 WASHINGTON RD, STE 203 22.9 miles

844 WASHINGTON RD, STE 203
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
Categories: WESTMINSTER MD

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308 23.0 miles

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
Categories: GERMANTOWN MD

826 WASHINGTON RD 23.0 miles

826 WASHINGTON RD
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
Categories: WESTMINSTER MD

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR 23.0 miles

19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
Categories: GERMANTOWN MD

12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD 23.1 miles

12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
Categories: GERMANTOWN MD

11947 WINGED FOOT CT 23.2 miles

11947 WINGED FOOT CT
WALDORF, MD 20602
Categories: WALDORF MD

820 Bestgate Rd, 23.4 miles

820 Bestgate Rd,
Annapolis, MD 21401
Categories: Annapolis MD

3422 GEORGIA AVE NW 23.5 miles

3422 GEORGIA AVE NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20010
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

222 Washington Road, 23.6 miles

222 Washington Road,
Westminster, MD 21157
Categories: Westminster MD

12555 CENTRAL AVE. STE A&F 23.6 miles

12555 CENTRAL AVE. STE A&F
CHINO, CA 91710
Categories: CHINO CA

226 WASHINGTON HTS MED CTR A 23.6 miles

226 WASHINGTON HTS MED CTR A
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
Categories: WESTMINSTER MD

2661 RIVA RD BLDG 600 SUITE 610 23.7 miles

2661 RIVA RD BLDG 600 SUITE 610
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
Categories: ANNAPOLIS MD

1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301 24.0 miles

1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301
HYATTSVILLE, MD 20785
Categories: HYATTSVILLE MD

8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204 24.2 miles

8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204
LANDOVER, MD 20785
Categories: LANDOVER MD

PO BOX 59815 24.2 miles

PO BOX 59815
ROCKVILLE, MD 20859
Categories: ROCKVILLE MD

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 24.2 miles

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT
UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774
Categories: UPPER MARLBORO MD

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 24.2 miles

11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT
LARGO, MD 20774
Categories: LARGO MD

4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE 24.3 miles

4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20019
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

911 U ST NW 24.5 miles

911 U ST NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
Categories: WASHINGTON DC

Don't see a location near you? Call us (800) 221-4291)

If you need a Drug, Alcohol, COVID-19 or DNA test in Columbia, MD, Accredited Drug Testing has many drug testing locations in Columbia, MD and the surrounding areas. Our drug testing centers provide urine drug testing, hair drug testing, alcohol testing, DOT physicals, DOT drug testing and DNA testing. Our drug and alcohol testing services are provided for employers in need of a pre-employment drug test, random drug test and post-accident drug test. We also provide testing for individuals needing a drug or alcohol test for court ordered reasons , probation or family purposes. Same day service is available and most drug testing Columbia, MD locations are within minutes of your home or office. Drug testing methods include urine, oral/saliva, hair follicle, blood , ETG and breath alcohol testing. Negative test results are generally available in 24-48 hours.

"When You Need A Test, Choose The Best"

Arranging a Drug Test in Columbia, MD

Convenient Scheduling Options - Online or By Phone

Step 1: Choose and purchase your test through our website or by contacting our local scheduling center at (800)-221-4291. Our representatives are equipped to assist in scheduling your test. Payments are required at registration as testing centers do not process payments on-site. Same day service is often available for most tests.

Step 2: If scheduling online, fill in the Donor Information/Registration details, ensuring that you specify where the confidential test results should be sent via email. The zip code you provide will help determine the closest drug/alcohol testing facility for you.

Step 3: Your authorization form or donor pass, featuring the testing center's address and operating hours, will be emailed to you. Present it at the center, either printed or on your smartphone. No prior appointment is needed!

Choose Between Urine and Hair Testing Methods in Columbia, MD

Accredited Drug Testing offers various testing methods tailored to customer needs. Urine testing, with a detection period of 1 to 5 days, is widely used by employers, courts, and schools. Yet, hair testing, with a detection window of about 90 days, is increasingly popular.

Common Urine and Hair Drug Tests

Both the 5-panel urine and 5-panel hair drug tests screen for the same substances but have differing detection periods. Urine tests detect drug use within 1-5 days, while hair tests extend to approximately 90 days from the collection date.

Obligatory Drug Testing for Legal Purposes

Our Columbia, MD centers provide comprehensive drug and alcohol testing services for court-ordered processes such as probation and child custody cases. Test results can be used for a variety of legal proceedings. Court orders will include specific instructions regarding the type of test and drugs to be screened. If required, specimen collection may be observed to prevent tampering.

DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing in Columbia, MD

We provide specialized testing services across all DOT Modes, including FMCSA, USCG, FAA, FTA, FRA, and PHMSA, adhering to Part 40 of the US Department of Transportation Compliance Regulations. Our additional DOT services encompass consortium enrollment, Supervisor Training, and policy manual development, along with a complete DOT Compliance Program for individual operators and small trucking companies.

Extra DOT Services:

  • Consortium Enrollment
  • DOT Physicals
  • Supervisor Training
  • Drug Policy Development
  • MVR Reports
  • Employee Training
  • Background Checks
  • FMCSA Clearinghouse Verification/Search

Drug-Free Workplace Testing in Columbia, MD

Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive and cost-effective drug-free workplace programs for businesses of varying sizes. Drug-Free Workplaces use specialized testing programs, though compliance may differ by state. Our Columbia, MD locations are ready to assist in maintaining a drug-free environment.

Interested in a No Fee employer account? Click Here to establish your account today and save!

Benefits of a Drug-Free Workplace in Columbia, MD:

  • Improved Employee Performance
  • Decrease in Job-Related Accidents
  • Less Employee Absenteeism
  • Reduced Workers Compensation Costs
  • Higher Employee Morale
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction

On-site and Mobile Drug Testing Services in Columbia, MD

If you have over 10 employees requiring testing, Accredited Drug Testing can conduct on-site drug testing at your location. This service is beneficial for construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and job fairs, available for both pre-employment and random testing. Contact us at (800) 221-4291 to organize your event.

Drug Testing Locations in Columbia, MD

Our drug testing centers in Columbia, MD and nearby areas offer flexible hours for convenience. Staffed with certified testing specialists, these centers provide friendly, knowledgeable, and confidential service for all testing needs.

Employers conduct drug tests for pre-employment, random checks, post-incident, or if there's reasonable suspicion. Individuals may undergo testing for legal purposes or personal reasons.

Accredited Drug Testing operates nationwide with a comprehensive range of tests, including Drug, Alcohol, and DNA testing, DOT Physicals, and Background Checks. Our extensive network ensures convenience regardless of location.

Selecting the Appropriate Drug Testing Panel

Drug testing panels refer to the group of substances being tested. Commonly used options include 5, 10, and 12-panel tests, with custom screenings available to meet specific requirements.

Understanding Drug Tests

A drug test analyzes a biological specimen (urine, hair, blood, etc.) to check for drugs or their metabolites. These tests are used across sports, legal, and employment contexts to detect controlled substances or substances banned by law, like those affecting blood alcohol levels (BAC).

Does Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Cause False Positives?

"Passive" exposure in a room with marijuana smoke does not result in false positives since lab cut-off levels are above passive exposure thresholds.

Abnormal urine screen results may suggest tampering, such as diluted creatinine levels indicating excessive water intake or sample alteration. Labs monitor specific gravity and other factors to ensure validity.

Drug Retention in Your System

The detection period for drugs varies based on factors like dosage, frequency, type, metabolism, hydration, and physical activity. Each factor affects the duration drugs remain detectable.

Why Choose Accredited Drug Testing in Columbia, MD?

Our dedicated team prioritizes outstanding customer service and confidentiality, ensuring smooth processes for individuals and employers seeking drug testing services in Columbia, MD. We look forward to meeting your testing needs.

(800) 221-4291

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Local Area Info: Columbia, Maryland

Columbia is a census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland, United States, and is one of the principal cities of the Baltimore metropolitan area and the Washington metropolitan area. It is a planned community consisting of 10 self-contained villages. It began with the idea that a city could enhance its residents' quality of life. Creator and developer James W. Rouse saw the new community in terms of human values, rather than merely economics and engineering. Opened in 1967, Columbia was intended to not only eliminate the inconveniences of then-current subdivision design, but also eliminate racial, religious and class segregation.[citation needed]

Columbia proper consists only of that territory governed by the Columbia Association, but larger areas are included under its name by the U.S. Postal Service and the Census Bureau. These include several other communities which predate Columbia, including Simpsonville, Atholton, and in the case of the census, part of Clarksville. The census-designated place had a population of 99,615 at the 2010 United States Census. It is the second most populous community in Maryland after Baltimore. More recent estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey put the population at approximately 103,467 as of 2015.

Columbia was founded by James W. Rouse (1914-1996), a native of Easton, Maryland. In 1935, Rouse obtained a job in Baltimore with the Federal Housing Administration, a New Deal agency whose purpose was to promote home ownership and home construction. This position exposed Rouse to all phases of the housing industry. Later in the 1930s he co-founded a Baltimore mortgage banking business. In the 1950s his company, by then known as James W. Rouse and Company, branched out into developing shopping centers and malls. In 1957 Rouse formed Community Research and Development, Inc. (CRD) for the purpose of building, owning and operating shopping centers throughout the country. Community Research and Development, Inc., which was managed by James W. Rouse and Company, became a publicly traded company in 1961. In 1966, Community Research and Development, Inc. changed its name to The Rouse Company, after it had acquired James W. Rouse and Company in exchange for company stock.

Show Regional Data

Population (total): Population in 2017: 103,709 (100% urban, 0% rural).

Population (male): 47,681

Population (female): 56,028

Median Age: 37.6 years

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $1,620.

Cost of Living: March 2019 cost of living index in Columbia: 132.9 (high, U.S. average is 100)

Poverty (overall): Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2017: 9.2%

Elevation: 400 feet

Population Density:

In the early 1960s, Rouse decided to develop a new model city. Rouse's ideas about what a new model city should be like were informed by a number of factors, including his personal Christian faith as well as the goal for his company to earn a profit, influences that he did not consider to be incompatible with one another.[citation needed] After exploring possible new city locations near Atlanta, Georgia, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Rouse focused his attention between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., in Howard County, Maryland.[citation needed]

(800) 221-4291