2023 Columbia County, Pennsylvania Demographics | Data & Analysis

Ready-to-use reports, analytics, and visualizations covering Columbia County, Pennsylvania, including population, race, income, and more. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.

Columbia County, Pennsylvania Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)

Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).

Total Population
65,055
Median Age
41.4 years
Median Household Income
$61,992
Bachelor's Degree+
24.88%
Uninsured Rate
4.3%
Total Households
25,874
Total Workers
30,169
Citizenship Rate
99.2%
Total Veterans
3,511
Top Veteran Era
Vietnam Era Only
Poverty Rate
9.6%
Families in Poverty
1,520
SNAP Recipients
10.19%
Households w/ SNAP
2,637

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates

Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution

Bar chart showing the population distribution of Columbia County, Pennsylvania by age group and gender, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the total population of Columbia County, Pennsylvania is 65,055. The median age of the population in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is 41.4 years. The median age for males is 40.6 years, and for females it is 42.2 years.

The age distribution of the population in Columbia County, Pennsylvania by age group is as follows:

Population Percentage by Age Group in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years 4.21%
5–17 years (children) 13.46%
18–24 years (young adults) 14.95%
25–34 years 10.89%
35–54 years 22.60%
55–64 years 13.67%
65 years and over (seniors) 20.23%

Understanding the Demographic Dependency Ratio in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

The total dependency ratio in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is 61.01. The youth dependency ratio is 28.45, and the old-age dependency ratio is 32.57. In demographic terms, the dependency ratio measures the size of the population typically not in the labor force (children under 18 and older adults 65+) relative to the working age (18-64) population. A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support the non-working age groups.

For more detailed reports, explore the demographics for each of the most populated ZIP Codes in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, including Bloomsburg (17815) (29,324), Berwick (18603) (18,985), and Danville (17821) (18,787).


What is the Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Columbia County, Pennsylvania?

Race and Ethnicity Distribution Chart for Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

The racial makeup and ethnic composition (racial demographics) of Columbia County, Pennsylvania is detailed below, based on the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates.

The Diversity Index for Columbia County, Pennsylvania is calculated at 16.92, suggesting a very low level of racial and ethnic diversity. This index measures the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.

The following table provides the breakdown of the population of Columbia County, Pennsylvania by race and ethnicity:

Population Percentage by Racial and Ethnic Group in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Racial/Ethnic Group Percentage
White Alone (Non-Hispanic) 91.04%
Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) 3.68%
Black/African American Alone 1.76%
Two or More Races 1.75%
Asian Alone 1.01%
Some Other Race Alone 0.38%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone 0.33%
American Indian and Alaska Native Alone 0.05%

Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: Household Income Distribution

Horizontal bar chart showing household income distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the median household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania over the past 12 months, adjusted for 2023 inflation, was $61,992. This figure is based on a total of 25,874 households.

The distribution of household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania across various income brackets is as follows:

Household Income Distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Income Range Percentage of Households
Less than $20,000 15.14%
$20,000 to $34,999 13.31%
$35,000 to $49,999 13.66%
$50,000 to $74,999 16.77%
$75,000 to $149,999 29.35%
$150,000 or more 11.76%

For detailed household income distribution reports on the ZIP Codes with the highest median household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, explore the data for: Muncy (17756) ($78,906), Danville (17821) ($73,137), and Bloomsburg (17815) ($66,145).


Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: Property Value Distribution

Line chart showing the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the distribution of property values for owner-occupied housing units in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is based on a total of 18,222 properties.

The property value distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania across various value brackets is as follows:

Property Value Distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Property Value Range Percentage of Properties
Less than $25,000 4.31%
$25,000 to $49,999 2.18%
$50,000 to $99,999 9.36%
$100,000 to $199,999 34.43%
$200,000 to $499,999 44.60%
$500,000 to $999,999 4.94%
$1,000,000 or more 0.19%

Educational Attainment in Columbia County, Pennsylvania (2023 Data)

Treemap chart illustrating the educational attainment breakdown for population 25 years and over in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the educational attainment data covers the population 25 years and older in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, totaling 43,838 individuals.

91.81% of Columbia County, Pennsylvania population has a high school diploma or higher. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who hold a Bachelor's Degree or a higher professional/graduate degree is 24.88%.

The detailed breakdown by educational level is presented below:

Educational Attainment Distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Educational Attainment Level Percentage of Population 25+
Less than high school graduate 8.19%
High school graduate (incl. equivalency) 44.84%
Some college or associate's degree 22.09%
Bachelor's Degree 15.05%
Graduate or professional degree 9.82%

What is the Health Insurance Coverage Rate in Columbia County, Pennsylvania?

Pyramid chart showing health insurance coverage by age and sex in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the health insurance coverage data for Columbia County, Pennsylvania shows that 4.3% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 2,738 individuals out of a total population of 64,316 people.

The uninsured rates vary significantly by age group. Young adults (18-34 years) have uninsured rates of 6.8% for males and 5.0% for females. In the 35-64 age bracket, 6.3% of males and 3.3% of females are uninsured.

Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare. In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, uninsured rates for children are 5.9% for males and 4.3% for females, while seniors have rates of 0.5% for males and 0.3% for females.

Uninsured Rates by Age Group and Sex in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Age Group Male Uninsured % Female Uninsured %
Under 18 5.9% 4.3%
18-34 years 6.8% 5.0%
35-64 years 6.3% 3.3%
65+ years 0.5% 0.3%

Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Population by Nativity and Citizenship Status

Treemap showing the population distribution by nativity and citizenship status in Columbia County, Pennsylvania based on U.S. Census data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the nativity and citizenship data for Columbia County, Pennsylvania shows that 99.2% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes both native-born and naturalized citizens, representing 64,563 individuals out of a total population of 65,055 people.

The nativity breakdown reveals diverse origins: 96.8% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, and 0.4% were born abroad of American parent(s).

Among the foreign-born population, 2.0% of the total population have become naturalized U.S. citizens (1,302 individuals), while 0.8% are non-citizens (492 individuals).

Nativity and Citizenship Distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Nativity/Citizenship Status Percentage
Born in the United States 96.8%
Born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas 0.1%
Born abroad of American parent(s) 0.4%
U.S. citizen by naturalization 2.0%
Not a U.S. citizen 0.8%
Total U.S. Citizens 99.2%

Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: Means of Transportation to Work

Treemap showing means of transportation to work distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the commuting patterns for Columbia County, Pennsylvania show that 85.6% of workers commute by car, truck, or van. This represents 25,533 workers out of a total workforce of 29,819 people.

Public transportation usage stands at 0.3% (93 workers), which includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries, but excludes taxicabs. Active transportation methods include walking (3.1%) and bicycling (0.0%).

10.3% of workers in Columbia County, Pennsylvania report working from home. An additional 0.6% use other means such as taxicabs, motorcycles, or other forms of transportation. These alternative commuting patterns reflect changing work arrangements and transportation preferences in the modern workforce.

Commuting Methods Distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Transportation Method Percentage Number of Workers
Car, truck, or van 85.6% 25,533
Public transportation 0.3% 93
Bicycle 0.0% 9
Walked 3.1% 914
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 0.6% 186
Worked from home 10.3% 3,084
Total Workers - 29,819

Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: Employment by Class of Worker

Horizontal bar chart showing employment distribution by class of worker and gender in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Columbia County, Pennsylvania totals 30,169 workers. Of these, 14,844 (49.2%) are male and 15,325 (50.8%) are female.

The employment distribution by class of worker in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is as follows:

Employment Distribution by Class of Worker and Sex in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Employment Class Male Workers Female Workers
Private For-Profit 10,900 (36.1%) 10,011 (33.2%)
Private Non-Profit 1,096 (3.6%) 2,496 (8.3%)
Government (All Levels) 1,796 (6.0%) 2,276 (7.5%)
  • Local Government 745 1,340
  • State Government 827 703
  • Federal Government 224 233
Self-Employed 1,008 (3.3%) 528 (1.8%)

Class of worker categorizes employed civilians by their employment arrangement. Private sector workers are employed by for-profit or non-profit companies. Government workers include those employed at local, state, or federal levels. Self-employed workers operate their own unincorporated businesses. Understanding the class of worker distribution provides insights into the economic structure and employment diversity of Columbia County, Pennsylvania.


Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: Veterans by Period of Service

Horizontal bar chart showing veteran distribution by period of military service in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 3,511 civilian veterans aged 18 and over in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.

The largest group of veterans served during Vietnam Era Only, accounting for 1,074 veterans (30.6% of all veterans). The second-largest group served during Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 620 veterans (17.7%).

The complete distribution of veterans by period of military service in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is as follows:

Veteran Distribution by Period of Military Service in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Period of Service Number of Veterans Percentage
Vietnam Era Only (August 1964 to April 1975) 1,074 30.6%
Between Gulf War and Vietnam Era 620 17.7%
Post-9/11 Only (September 2001 or later) 473 13.5%
Gulf War Only (August 1990 to August 2001) 466 13.3%
Between Vietnam Era and Korean War 390 11.1%
Post-9/11 and Gulf War (August 1990 to August 2001) 192 5.5%
Korean War Only (July 1950 to January 1955) 178 5.1%
Between Korean War and World War II 43 1.2%
World War II Only (December 1941 to December 1946) 42 1.2%
Gulf War and Vietnam Era 17 0.5%
Vietnam Era and Korean War 16 0.5%
Total Veterans 3,511 100.0%

Period of military service categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans may have served during multiple periods, including World War II (December 1941–December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950–January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964–April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990–August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Understanding veteran demographics helps communities provide appropriate services, benefits, and support to those who have served.


Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: Families by Income-to-Poverty Ratio

Horizontal bar chart showing family distribution by income-to-poverty ratio in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 15,822 families in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.

Of these families, 1,520 (9.6%) live below the poverty line (income less than 100% of the federal poverty level). An additional 5,737 families (36.3%) are at or near poverty (100-199% of poverty). Meanwhile, 8,565 families (54.1%) have incomes at least twice the poverty level.

The complete distribution of families by income-to-poverty ratio in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is as follows:

Family Distribution by Income-to-Poverty Ratio in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Income-to-Poverty Ratio Number of Families Percentage
Below 50% of Poverty 467 3.0%
50-74% of Poverty 504 3.2%
75-99% of Poverty 549 3.5%
100-124% of Poverty 587 3.7%
125-149% of Poverty 771 4.9%
150-174% of Poverty 723 4.6%
175-184% of Poverty 263 1.7%
185-199% of Poverty 478 3.0%
200-299% of Poverty 2,915 18.4%
300-399% of Poverty 2,259 14.3%
400-499% of Poverty 1,894 12.0%
500%+ of Poverty 4,412 27.9%
Total Families 15,822 100.0%

Income-to-poverty ratio measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold, which varies by family size and composition. A ratio below 1.00 (100%) indicates the family lives in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 represent families with low incomes who may still struggle financially despite being technically above the poverty line. Families with ratios of 2.00 (200%) or higher generally have more economic security. Understanding poverty distribution helps communities allocate resources and develop programs to support families in need.


Columbia County, Pennsylvania 2023 Demographics: SNAP/Food Stamps Recipients

Stacked bar chart showing SNAP/Food Stamps recipient household composition by presence of children under 18 in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, based on 2023 ACS data.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS Estimates

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates, there are 25,874 total households in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Of these, 2,637 households (10.19%) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months.

Among SNAP-recipient households, 1,024 (38.83%) have children under 18 years, while 1,613 (61.17%) do not have children under 18 years.

Household Composition of SNAP Recipients

SNAP Recipient Household Composition in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2023
Household Type With Children Under 18 No Children Under 18
Married-Couple Family 308 (11.68%) 259 (9.82%)
Male Householder, No Spouse 184 (6.98%) 83 (3.15%)
Female Householder, No Spouse 523 (19.83%) 130 (4.93%)
Nonfamily Households 9 (0.34%) 1,141 (43.27%)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program aims to help eligible households purchase nutritious food. SNAP participation rates and household composition patterns provide important insights into economic hardship and food security challenges in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Households with children under 18 often face greater nutritional needs, while households without children may include seniors, disabled individuals, or working adults facing economic challenges.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The age breakdown for the population of Columbia County, Pennsylvania is detailed below, showing the percentage of the total population for each group:

Age Group Percentage
Under 5 years4.21%
5–17 years (children)13.46%
18–24 years (young adults)14.95%
25–34 years10.89%
35–54 years22.60%
55–64 years13.67%
65 years and over (seniors)20.23%

The racial and ethnic composition of Columbia County, Pennsylvania is dominated by: White Alone (Non-Hispanic): 91.04%, Hispanic or Latino (Any Race): 3.68%, Black/African American Alone: 1.76%. The complete breakdown includes 8 distinct racial and ethnic categories.

The median household income in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is $61,992. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the area, meaning half of households earn more than this amount and half earn less.

The household income distribution in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is: Very Low Income (under $20,000): 15.14%, Low Income ($20,000-$34,999): 13.31%, Lower Middle Income ($35,000-$49,999): 13.66%, Middle Income ($50,000-$74,999): 16.77%, Upper Middle Income ($75,000-$149,999): 29.35%, High Income ($150,000+): 11.76%.

Approximately 28.19% of households in Columbia County, Pennsylvania earn over $100,000 annually. This includes households earning between $100,000 and $124,999, $125,000 and $149,999, $150,000 and $199,999, and $200,000 or more.

The property value distribution for owner-occupied housing units in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is: Less than $25,000: 4.31%, $25,000-$49,999: 2.18%, $50,000-$99,999: 9.36%, $100,000-$199,999: 34.43%, $200,000-$499,999: 44.60%, $500,000-$999,999: 4.94%, $1,000,000 or more: 0.19%.

There are 18,222 owner-occupied housing units in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. This represents homes that are owned by the people living in them, as opposed to rental properties or vacant units.

Approximately 5.13% of owner-occupied housing units in Columbia County, Pennsylvania are valued over $500,000. This includes properties valued between $500,000 and $749,999, $750,000 and $999,999, $1,000,000 and $1,499,999, $1,500,000 and $1,999,999, and $2,000,000 or more.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 24.88% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes those with bachelor's degrees as well as those with graduate or professional degrees.

The educational attainment breakdown for Columbia County, Pennsylvania (population 25+) is: Less than high school graduate: 8.19%, High school graduate (including equivalency): 44.84%, Some college or associate's degree: 22.09%, Bachelor's degree: 15.05%, Graduate or professional degree: 9.82%.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 91.81% of the population aged 25 and older has completed at least a high school education. This includes high school graduates, those with some college, associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and graduate degrees.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 4.3% of the population lacks health insurance coverage. This represents 2,738 individuals out of a total population of 64,316 people.

The uninsured rates vary by age group in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. For young adults (18-34 years), 6.8% of males and 5.0% of females lack coverage. In the 35-64 age group, 6.3% of males and 3.3% of females are uninsured. These working-age populations typically face different coverage challenges than children or seniors.

Children under 18 in Columbia County, Pennsylvania have uninsured rates of 5.9% for males and 4.3% for females. Seniors aged 65 and older, who are typically covered by Medicare, have uninsured rates of 0.5% for males and 0.3% for females. These age groups generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 99.2% of the population are U.S. citizens. This includes native-born citizens and naturalized citizens. Out of a total population of 65,055 people, 64,563 are U.S. citizens.

Columbia County, Pennsylvania has 1,302 naturalized U.S. citizens, representing 2.0% of the total population. These are foreign-born individuals who have gone through the naturalization process to become U.S. citizens.

The nativity and citizenship breakdown for Columbia County, Pennsylvania is: 96.8% were born in the United States, 0.1% were born in Puerto Rico or U.S. Island Areas, 0.4% were born abroad of American parent(s), 2.0% are foreign-born naturalized U.S. citizens, and 0.8% are foreign-born non-citizens.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 85.6% of workers commute by car, truck, or van, making it the most common means of transportation to work. Out of 29,819 total workers, 25,533 use personal vehicles for their commute.

93 workers in Columbia County, Pennsylvania use public transportation (excluding taxicabs) to commute to work, representing 0.3% of all workers. This includes buses, subways, light rail, commuter trains, and ferries.

Alternative commute methods in Columbia County, Pennsylvania include: 10.3% work from home, 3.1% walk to work, 0.0% bicycle, and 0.6% use other means such as taxicabs or motorcycles. These alternatives to driving alone help reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact.

"Class of worker" refers to the type of employer or work arrangement for employed civilians aged 16 and over in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. It categorizes workers into private sector (for-profit and non-profit), government (local, state, and federal), self-employed, and unpaid family workers. This classification helps understand the employment structure and economic composition of the workforce.

According to the American Community Survey, Columbia County, Pennsylvania has 30,169 employed civilians aged 16 and over. The private for-profit sector employs the largest share of workers, with 36.1% of male workers and 33.2% of female workers in this category.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, there are 1,796 male government workers and 2,276 female government workers. Government employment includes local, state, and federal positions. This represents 6.0% of male workers and 7.5% of female workers.

Self-employment in Columbia County, Pennsylvania includes 1,008 males (3.3%) and 528 females (1.8%). Self-employed workers operate their own businesses that are not legally incorporated.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 2,637 households (10.19% of all households) received SNAP/Food Stamps benefits in the past 12 months. Out of 25,874 total households, these families rely on this federal nutrition assistance program to help purchase food.

Of the SNAP-receiving households in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 1,024 (38.83%) have children under 18 years. These families face additional nutritional needs and food security challenges as they work to provide adequate nutrition for growing children.

SNAP recipients in Columbia County, Pennsylvania include diverse household types. Among households with children, 523 (19.83%) are headed by a female householder with no spouse present, while 308 (11.68%) are married-couple families. The program also serves households without children, including seniors, disabled individuals, and working adults facing economic challenges.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. Eligibility is based on household income, resources, and size. In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, SNAP helps eligible households purchase nutritious food at authorized retailers. The program aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition and health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, there are 3,511 civilian veterans aged 18 and over living in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. These individuals have served on active duty in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. This number does not include those with only National Guard or Reserves training without active duty service.

The most common period of military service for veterans in Columbia County, Pennsylvania is Vietnam Era Only, with 1,074 veterans (30.6% of all veterans) who served during this period. The second most common period is Between Gulf War & Vietnam, with 620 veterans (17.7%).

"Period of service" categorizes veterans based on when they served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major periods include World War II (December 1941-December 1946), the Korean War (July 1950-January 1955), the Vietnam Era (August 1964-April 1975), the Gulf War (August 1990-August 2001), and Post-9/11 (September 2001 or later). Veterans may have served during multiple periods. Understanding the distribution of service periods helps communities in Columbia County, Pennsylvania provide appropriate services and support to their veteran population.

Veterans who served during the Gulf War era (1990-2001) and Post-9/11 era (2001-present) represent approximately 50.4% of all veterans in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. These more recent-era veterans, totaling around 1,768 individuals, often have different service experiences and support needs compared to veterans of earlier conflicts. They may benefit from targeted programs addressing issues such as transition to civilian life, employment assistance, and access to VA healthcare services.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 1,520 families (9.6% of all families) live below the federal poverty line. This means their household income is less than 100% of the poverty threshold established by the U.S. Census Bureau, which varies by family size and composition. Out of 15,822 total families, these households face significant economic challenges meeting basic needs.

"Income-to-poverty ratio" measures how a family's income compares to the federal poverty threshold. A ratio of 1.00 (100%) means the family's income equals the poverty line. Below 1.00 indicates poverty, while ratios above 1.00 show income levels relative to poverty. For example, a ratio of 2.00 (200%) means the family earns twice the poverty threshold. In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, this data helps identify not just families in poverty, but also those who are economically vulnerable despite being above the official poverty line.

Beyond families living in poverty, Columbia County, Pennsylvania has 5,737 families (36.3%) with incomes between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. These families are often called 'near poverty' or low-income households. Specifically, 2,081 families (13.2%) have incomes between 100% and 149% of poverty. While technically above the poverty line, these families often struggle with housing costs, healthcare, childcare, and other expenses, making them economically vulnerable.

In Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 467 families (3.0%) live in extreme poverty, with incomes below 50% of the federal poverty threshold. These families face severe economic hardship and often require comprehensive assistance programs. On the other end of the spectrum, 8,565 families (54.1%) have incomes at least 200% above the poverty level, indicating greater financial stability and economic security.