View source for Columbia, Missouri

{{Short description|City in the United States}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Columbia, Missouri
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| named_for          = [[Columbia (personification)|Columbia]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
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| image1                   = Mizzou Jesse Thumb.jpg
| alt1                     = Photograph of Jesse Hall and the Columns at the University of Missouri
| caption1                 = [[Jesse Hall]] and [[The Columns (Columbia, Missouri)|The Columns]] at the [[University of Missouri]]
| image2                   = Columbia MO downtown area 2017.jpg
| alt2                     = Photograph of downtown Columbia, Missouri and Missouri United Methodist Church
| caption2                 = [[Missouri United Methodist Church]]
| image3                   = Center for Missouri Studies from Peace Park (June 2020).jpg
| alt3                     = Photograph of the State Historical Society of Missouri
| caption3                 = [[State Historical Society of Missouri]]
| image4                   = Big Tree with spring picnic.jpg
| alt4                     =Photograph of the Bug Bur Oak Tree in the Missouri River bottoms
| caption4                 = [[The Big Tree]]
| image5                   = University of Missouri - Memorial Union.jpg
| alt5                     =Photograph of the Memorial Student Union at the University of Missouri
| caption5                 = [[Memorial Union (University of Missouri)|Memorial Union]]
| image6                   = Ragtag cinema.jpg
| alt6                     = Photograph of Ragtag Cinema home of the True/False film festival 
| caption6                 = [[Ragtag Cinema]]
| image7                   = Boone County Courthouse, Columbia, Missouri (36683086433).jpg
| alt7                     = Photograph of the Boone County Courthouse 
| caption7                 = [[Boone County Courthouse (Missouri)|Boone County Courthouse]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Columbia, Missouri.svg
| flag_alt           = City flag
| image_seal         = The seal of columbia, missouri.png
| seal_alt           = City seal
| image_shield       = 
| shield_alt         = 
| nicknames          = "The Athens of Missouri",<ref>{{cite book|last=Switzler|first=William|title=History of Boone County, Missouri|publisher=St. Louis Western Historical Company|year=1882|pages=220–221|author-link=William Franklin Switzler}}</ref> or CoMo<ref name="Como">{{cite web|url=http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2007/10/30/how-como-does-halloween/|title=How CoMO does Halloween|work=[[The Maneater]]|access-date=July 18, 2008|last=Alban|first=Sarah|date=30 October 2007|archive-date=October 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016132845/http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2007/10/30/how-como-does-halloween/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| motto              = 
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| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = Interactive map of Columbia
| pushpin_map        = Missouri#USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Missouri##Location within the contiguous U.S.
| pushpin_label      = Columbia
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| coordinates        = {{coord|38|56|51|N|92|19|36|W|type:city_region:US-MO|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint      = 
| coordinates_footnotes = 
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = United States
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Missouri|County]]
| subdivision_type3  = 
| subdivision_name1  = [[Missouri]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Boone County, Missouri|Boone]]
| subdivision_name3  = 
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = 
| established_title1 = Founded
| established_date1  = {{start date and age|1821}}
| established_title2 = Incorporated
| established_date2  = 1826
| founder            = 
| seat_type          = 
| seat               = 
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type    = [[Council–manager]]
| governing_body     = [[Columbia City Council]]
| leader_party       = 
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Columbia, Missouri|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Barbara Buffaloe]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.como.gov/boards/city-council/|title=City Council}}</ref>
| leader_title1      = City manager
| leader_name1       = De'Carlon Seewood
| unit_pref          = Imperial
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
<!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->| area_footnotes     = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 28, 2022}}</ref>
| area_magnitude     = <!-- use only to set a special wikilink -->
| area_total_sq_mi   = 67.45
| area_land_sq_mi    = 67.17
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.28
| area_total_km2     = 174.70
| area_land_km2      = 173.98
| area_water_km2     = 0.72
| area_water_percent = 
| area_urban_sq_mi   = 
| area_rural_sq_mi   = 
| area_metro_sq_mi   = 
| area_rank          = 
| area_blank1_title  = 
| area_blank1_sq_mi  = 
| area_blank2_title  = <!-- square miles -->
| area_blank2_sq_mi  = <!-- acres -->
| area_note          = 
| dimensions_footnotes = 
| length_mi          = 
| width_mi           = 
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 761
<!-- Population -->| population_total   = 126,254
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = 
| population_density_km2 = 725.67
| population_density_sq_mi = 1879.48
| pop_est_as_of      = 2024
| population_est     = 130,900
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_blank1_title = [[Metropolitan statistical area|Metro]]
| population_blank1  = 210,864 ([[List of Metropolitan Statistical Areas|216th]])
| population_blank2_title = [[Combined statistical area|CSA]]
| population_blank2  = 410,851 ([[List of Combined Statistical Areas|102nd]])
| population_rank    = US: [[List of United States cities by population|222nd]]<br />MO: [[List of cities in Missouri|4th]]
| population_demonym = Columbian
| timezone1          = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
| utc_offset         = &minus;6
| timezone1_DST      = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
| utc_offset_DST     = &minus;5
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = 65201, 65202, 65203, 65211
| area_code          = [[Area code 573|573]]
| area_code_type     = 
| iso_code           = 
| website            = {{URL|www.como.gov}}
| footnotes          = <ref name="syeszw">{{cite web|url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/About_Columbia/#facts|title=About Columbia|work=City of Columbia, Missouri|access-date=January 1, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225210544/http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/About_Columbia/#facts|archive-date=December 25, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="dpmpnc">{{cite web|url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Documents/demographics.pdf |title=City of Columbia, Missouri Demographic Statistics |work=City of Columbia, Missouri |access-date=January 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201191629/http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Documents/demographics.pdf |archive-date=December 1, 2007 }}</ref>
| area_urban_footnotes = <!-- -->
| area_rural_footnotes = <!-- -->
| area_metro_footnotes = <!-- -->
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 29-15670
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2393605<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2393605}}</ref>
}}

'''Columbia''' is a city in [[Boone County, Missouri]], United States, and its [[county seat]]. It was founded in 1821 and had a population of 126,254 as recorded in the [[2020 United States census]], making it the [[List of cities in Missouri|fourth-most populous city]] in Missouri. Columbia is a [[Midwestern United States|Midwestern]] [[college town]], home to the [[University of Missouri]], a major research institution also known as MU or Mizzou. In addition to the university and surrounding [[Downtown Columbia, Missouri|Downtown Columbia]] are [[Stephens College]] and [[Columbia College (Missouri)|Columbia College]], giving the city its educational focus and nearly 40,000 college students. It is the principal city of the [[Columbia metropolitan area (Missouri)|Columbia metropolitan area]], population 215,811, and the central city of the nine-county Columbia–[[Jefferson City, Missouri|Jefferson City]]–[[Moberly, Missouri|Moberly]] [[combined statistical area]] with 415,747 residents. The city is the fastest-growing municipality in Missouri, with a growth of almost 40% since 2000, and a population estimated at 130,900 in 2024.<ref>{{cite news|last=Buffaloe|first=Barbara|title=Reflecting on growth in Columbia|date=December 11, 2024|url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/opinion/guest_commentaries/reflecting-on-growth-in-columbia/article_90111c96-b7d0-11ef-b068-eba3f18d776d.html|work=[[Columbia Missourian]]|accessdate=December 26, 2024}}</ref> Columbia is among the most-educated cities in the United States with about half of citizens being college graduates and about a quarter holding advance degrees.<ref name="Smart Asset">{{cite web |last=Silady |first=Alex |date=August 30, 2023 |title=The Top Ten Most Educated Cities in America |url=https://smartasset.com/student-loans/the-top-ten-most-educated-cities-in-america |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201070343/https://smartasset.com/student-loans/the-top-ten-most-educated-cities-in-america |archive-date=February 1, 2025 |accessdate=December 22, 2024 |work=Smart Asset Advisors}}</ref>

The city is built on the oak-forested hills and rolling prairies of [[Mid-Missouri]], near the [[Missouri River]], where the [[Ozarks|Ozark Mountains]] transition into plains and savanna. At the city's center is the [[Avenue of the Columns]] (8th Street), connecting [[Francis Quadrangle]] and [[Jesse Hall]] to the [[Boone County Courthouse (Missouri)|Boone County Courthouse]] and [[City Hall (Columbia, Missouri)|City Hall]]. Surrounding Columbia is a greenbelt including [[Rock Bridge Memorial State Park]], [[Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area]], the [[Mark Twain National Forest]], [[Katy Trail State Park]], [[Finger Lakes State Park]], and the [[Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge]]. Limestone bedrock forms bluffs and glades while rain dissolves the bedrock, creating [[karst]] (caves and springs) which water the [[Hinkson Creek|Hinkson]], [[Perche Creek|Roche Perche]], [[Flat Branch (Hinkson Creek tributary)|Flat Branch]], and [[Bonne Femme Creek (Boone County, Missouri)|Bonne Femme]] creeks.  Within city limits, there is an extensive city parks and trails system with a focus on non-motorized transportation, including the [[MKT Trail]]. The [[Columbia Agriculture Park]] is home to the nationally-regarded Columbia Farmers Market. 

Originally an agricultural town, education and healthcare are now Columbia's primary economic concern, with secondary interests in the insurance, finance, and technology sectors. Companies founded in Columbia include: [[Paytient]], [[Carfax, Inc.|Carfax]], [[Shelter Insurance]], [[Veterans United Home Loans]], [[MFA Incorporated]], [[MFA Oil]], [[Slackers CDs and Games]], [[MidwayUSA]], [[EquipmentShare]], and [[Scripps News]]. The [[University of Missouri Health Care]] system operates six hospitals in Columbia, several clinics, and the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. There is also the county-owned [[Boone Hospital Center]], several smaller private hospitals, and the [[Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital]], adjacent to [[University of Missouri Hospital|University Hospital]] and [[University of Missouri School of Medicine|MU School of Medicine]]. The [[University of Missouri Research Reactor Center|University of Missouri nuclear reactor]] is the most-powerful research reactor in the United States and the sole supplier of important radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine.

Cultural institutions include the [[State Historical Society of Missouri]], the [[Museum of Art and Archaeology]], the [[Missouri Symphony]], the [[North Village Arts District]], [[The Blue Note (Columbia, Missouri)|The Blue Note]], the [[Missouri Theatre (Columbia, Missouri)|Missouri Theatre]], The Conservatory of the Performing Arts at Stephens College, the [[Boone County Historical Society]], [[Columbia Public Library]],  [[Ragtag Cinema]] and the annual [[True/False Film Festival]], an internationally-known documentary festival. The [[Missouri Tigers]], the state's only [[Power conferences|major]] college athletic program, play football at [[Faurot Field]] and basketball at [[Mizzou Arena]] as members of the [[Southeastern Conference|Southeastern Conference (SEC)]]. The city has been known as the "Athens of Missouri" for its educational emphasis and [[Classics|classic]] beauty, but is more commonly called "CoMo".<ref name="Como" />

==History==
{{Main|History of Columbia, Missouri}}
[[File:CoMoPano1869.jpg|thumb|An aerial depiction of Columbia's downtown district in 1869. The large building on the right is University of Missouri Academic Hall.|alt=An artists rendering of downtown Columbia in 1869]]

Columbia's origins begin with the settlement of [[American pioneer]]s from Kentucky and Virginia in an early 1800s region known as the [[Boonslick]]. Before 1815 settlement in the region was confined to small log forts due to the threat of [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] attack during the [[War of 1812]]. When the war ended settlers came on foot, horseback, and wagon, often moving entire households along the [[Boone's Lick Road]] and often bringing [[Slavery in the United States|enslaved African Americans]]. By 1818 it was clear that the increased population would necessitate a new county be created from territorial [[Howard County, Missouri|Howard County]]. The [[Moniteau Creek (north central Missouri)|Moniteau Creek]] on the west and [[Cedar Creek (Missouri River tributary)|Cedar Creek]] on the east were obvious natural boundaries.

Believing it was only a matter of time before a county seat was chosen, the [[Smithton Land Company]] was formed to purchase over {{convert|2000|acre|km2}} to establish the village of Smithton (near the present-day intersection of Walnut and Garth). In 1819 Smithton was a small cluster of log cabins in an ancient forest of oak and hickory; chief among them was the cabin of [[Richard Gentry (Missouri politician)|Richard Gentry]], a trustee of the Smithton Company who would become first mayor of Columbia. In 1820, Boone County was formed and named after the recently deceased explorer [[Daniel Boone]]. The Missouri Legislature appointed John Gray, Jefferson Fulcher, Absalom Hicks, Lawrence Bass, and David Jackson as commissioners to select and establish a permanent county seat. Smithton never had more than twenty people, and it was quickly realized that well digging was difficult because of the bedrock.

Springs were discovered across the [[Flat Branch (Hinkson Creek tributary)|Flat Branch Creek]], so in the spring of 1821 Columbia was laid out, and the inhabitants of Smithton moved their cabins to the new town. The first house in Columbia was built by Thomas Duly in 1820 at what became Fifth and Broadway. Columbia's permanence was ensured when it was chosen as county seat in 1821 and the Boone's Lick Road was rerouted down Broadway.

The roots of Columbia's three economic foundations—education, medicine, and insurance— can be traced to the city's incorporation in 1821.<ref name="ckbome">{{cite web | url=http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/columbia/colhis.htm | title=History of Columbia | work=[[Columbia Public Schools]] | access-date=January 1, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202045636/http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/columbia/colhis.htm | archive-date=February 2, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="bdkfqw">{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiaredi.com/pdfs/ColumbiaKudos.pdf | archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20080216012203/http://www.columbiaredi.com/pdfs/ColumbiaKudos.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 16, 2008 | title=Columbia Kudos | work=Columbia Regional Economic Development (REDI) | access-date=January 1, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Original plans for the town set aside land for a state university. In 1833, Columbia Baptist Female College opened, which later became [[Stephens College]]. Columbia College, distinct from today's and later to become the [[University of Missouri]], was founded in 1839. When the state legislature decided to establish a state university, Columbia raised three times as much money as any competing city,<ref name="skbsjf">{{cite book | last =Switzler | first=William | title=History of Boone County, Missouri | publisher=St. Louis Western Historical Company |year=1882 | pages=300–310}}</ref> and [[James S. Rollins]] donated the land that is today the Francis Quadrangle.<ref name="skbsjf" /> Soon other educational institutions were founded in Columbia, such as Christian Female College, the first college for women west of the Mississippi, which later became [[Columbia College (Columbia, Missouri)|Columbia College]].

The city benefited from being a stagecoach stop of the [[Santa Fe Trail|Santa Fe]] and [[Oregon Trail|Oregon]] trails, and later from the [[Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad]]. In 1822, [[William Jewell (educator)|William Jewell]] set up the first hospital. In 1830, the first newspaper began; in 1832, the first theater in the state was opened; and in 1835, the state's first agricultural fair was held. By 1839, the population of 13,000 and wealth of Boone County was exceeded in Missouri only by that of [[St. Louis County, Missouri|St. Louis County]], which, at that time, included the City of [[St. Louis]].<ref>{{cite book | last =Switzler | first=William | title=History of Boone County, Missouri | publisher=St. Louis Western Historical Company |year=1882 | pages=325–327}}</ref>

The first movie shown in Columbia was screened in the [[Haden Opera House]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Dianna Borsi |date=2010-06-25 |title=Capturing Columbia's Cinema Century |url=https://comomag.com/2010/06/25/capturing-columbias-cinema-century/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423215930/https://comomag.com/web/20250423215930/https://comomag.com/2010/06/25/capturing-columbias-cinema-century/ |archive-date=April 23, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=COMO Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

Columbia's infrastructure was relatively untouched by the [[American Civil War|Civil War]]. As a slave state, Missouri had many residents with Southern sympathies, but it stayed in the Union. The majority of the city was pro-Union;<ref name="ckbome" /> however, the surrounding agricultural areas of Boone County and the rest of central Missouri were decidedly pro-Confederate. Because of this, the University of Missouri became a base from which Union troops operated. No battles were fought within the city because the presence of Union troops dissuaded Confederate guerrillas from attacking, though several major battles occurred at nearby [[Boonville, Missouri|Boonville]] and [[Centralia, Missouri|Centralia]].

After Reconstruction, race relations in Columbia followed the Southern pattern of increasing violence of whites against blacks in efforts to suppress voting and free movement: George Burke, a black man who worked at the university, was [[Lynching in the United States|lynched]] in 1889.<ref>{{cite book | last =NAACP | title=Thirty Years of Lynching in the United States, 1889–1918 | publisher=NAACP |year=1919 | page=80}}</ref> In the spring of 1923, James T. Scott, an African-American janitor at the University of Missouri, was arrested on allegations of raping a university professor's daughter. He was taken from the county jail and lynched on April 29 before a white mob of roughly two thousand people, hanged from the Old Stewart Road Bridge.

[[File:University of Missouri - Memorial Union.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Memorial Union (University of Missouri)|Memorial Union]] at the University of Missouri|alt=Photograph of the Memorial Student Union at the University of Missouri]]
In the 21st century, a number of efforts have been undertaken to recognize Scott's death. In 2010 his death certificate was changed to reflect that he was never tried or convicted of charges, and that he had been lynched. In 2011 a headstone was put at his grave at Columbia Cemetery; it includes his wife's and parents' names and dates, to provide a more full account of his life.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/community-celebrates-life-of-lynching-victim-james-t-scott/article_37682fd8-806e-5805-b89e-490b9d63f69e.html | first = Katy | last = Bergen | title = Community celebrates life of lynching victim James T. Scott | website = Columbia Missourian | date = 3 May 2011 | access-date = 25 February 2021 | url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030212/https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/community-celebrates-life-of-lynching-victim-james-t-scott/article_37682fd8-806e-5805-b89e-490b9d63f69e.html |archive-date=June 16, 2018 }}</ref> In 2016, a marker was erected at the lynching site to memorialize Scott.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marion |first=Ann |date=30 September 2016 |title=New plaque memorializes 1923 lynching victim James T. Scott |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/new-plaque-memorializes-lynching-victim-james-t-scott/article_a59c3b3a-8765-11e6-ae5c-b7b64a4a45ed.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923231935/https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/new-plaque-memorializes-lynching-victim-james-t-scott/article_a59c3b3a-8765-11e6-ae5c-b7b64a4a45ed.html |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=15 June 2018 |website=Missourian}}</ref> 5 years later, in 2021, the marker was removed in an act of vandalism.<ref>{{cite web |last1=City of Columbia |title=City of Columbia and University of Missouri respond to vandalism of James Scott lynching marker |url=https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=7454&tbiframe=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216051115/https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=7454&tbiframe=1 |archive-date=February 16, 2024 |access-date=16 February 2024 |website=City of Columbia, MO}}</ref> 
In 1901, [[Rufus Logan]] established ''The Columbia Professional'' newspaper to serve Columbia's large African American population.

In 1963, [[University of Missouri System]]<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.umsystem.edu/ums/about/history/| title=History of the University| work=[[University of Missouri System]]| access-date=July 18, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820101957/http://umsystem.edu/ums/about/history/| archive-date=August 20, 2008| url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[Columbia College (Columbia, Missouri)|Columbia College system]] established their headquarters in Columbia.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ccis.edu/about/ | title=Welcome to Columbia College | work=[[Columbia College (Columbia, Missouri)|Columbia College]] | access-date=July 18, 2008 | archive-date=September 19, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919054037/http://www.ccis.edu/about/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> The insurance industry also became important to the local economy as several companies established headquarters in Columbia, including [[Shelter Insurance]], [[Missouri Employers Mutual]], and [[Columbia Insurance Group]]. [[State Farm Insurance]] has a regional office in Columbia. In addition, the now-defunct Silvey Insurance was a large local employer.<ref name=":3" />

Columbia became a transportation crossroads when [[U.S. Route 63 (Missouri)|U.S. Route 63]] and [[U.S. Route 40 (Missouri)|U.S. Route 40]] (which was improved as present-day [[Interstate 70 (Missouri)|Interstate 70]]) were routed through the city. Soon after, the city opened the [[Columbia Regional Airport]]. By 2000, the city's population was nearly 85,000.<ref name = "dpmpnc"/>

In 2017, Columbia was in the path of totality for the [[Solar eclipse of August 21, 2017]]. The city was expecting upwards of 400,000 tourists coming to view the eclipse.<ref>{{cite web |last=May |first=Ethan |date=28 July 2017 |title=Solar Eclipse 2017: Here's what you need to know |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/solar-eclipse-here-s-what-you-need-to-know/article_95e58ca2-603e-11e7-86f0-4bdde9f6960f.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417023200/https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/solar-eclipse-here-s-what-you-need-to-know/article_95e58ca2-603e-11e7-86f0-4bdde9f6960f.html |archive-date=April 17, 2025 |access-date=September 7, 2017 |work=Columbia Missourian}}</ref>

On April 21st, 2025, an [[EF1 tornado]] formed in Columbia, it caused minor damage to [[Downtown Columbia, Missouri|downtown Columbia]], residential areas, and destroyed the recycling sorting facility,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacob |first=Richey |date=2025-04-21 |title=Columbia city manager declares emergency in the city after tornado |url=https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/columbia-city-manager-declares-emergency-in-the-city-after-tornado/article_e7b0915d-34d6-4b29-b4c2-bb9f54046569.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250518190132/https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/columbia-city-manager-declares-emergency-in-the-city-after-tornado/article_e7b0915d-34d6-4b29-b4c2-bb9f54046569.html |archive-date=May 18, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=KOMU 8 |language=en}}</ref> which could take two to three years to rebuild.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Taylor Brooks, KOMU 8 |date=2025-04-21 |title=Columbia indefinitely suspends recycling after tornado destroys facility |url=https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/columbia-evaluating-options-for-recycling-after-storm-destroys-sorting-facility/article_c3f416ad-e975-425c-a3aa-ccd8843df4a9.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421224824/https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/columbia-evaluating-options-for-recycling-after-storm-destroys-sorting-facility/article_c3f416ad-e975-425c-a3aa-ccd8843df4a9.html |archive-date=April 21, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=KOMU 8 |language=en}}</ref> Shortly after, the city announced that recycling would go to the landfill until a solution get worked out.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2025 |title=Recyclable materials to be collected as trash starting April 28 |url=https://www.como.gov/featured/crews-restart-recycling-collection/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529162531/https://www.como.gov/featured/crews-restart-recycling-collection/ |archive-date=May 29, 2025 |access-date=April 29, 2025}}</ref>

==Geography==
Columbia, in northern mid-Missouri, is {{convert|120|mi|km}} away from both [[St. Louis]] and [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], and {{convert|29|mi|km}} north of the state capital of [[Jefferson City, Missouri|Jefferson City]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.medpedsresidency.missouri.edu/columbia_missouri.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041010035724/http://medpedsresidency.missouri.edu/columbia_missouri.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 10, 2004 | title=About Columbia | work=MU internal Medicine and Child Health | access-date=January 11, 2008 }}</ref> The city is near the [[Missouri River]], between the [[Ozark Plateau]] and the [[Geography of Missouri#Regions|Northern Plains]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://chamber.columbia.mo.us/community/about.asp?Maps | title=Maps | work=Columbia Chamber of Commerce | access-date=January 11, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080209060935/http://chamber.columbia.mo.us/community/about.asp?Maps |archive-date = February 9, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Early Settlement Rural...Ozark Frontier |url=http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/ozar/hrs3.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109070731/http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/ozar/hrs3.htm |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=January 11, 2008 |work=National Park Service}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|67.45|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|67.17|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.28|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=July 8, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=July 2, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref>

===Topography===
The city generally slopes from the highest point in the Northeast to the lowest point in the Southwest towards the Missouri River. Prominent tributaries of the river are Perche Creek, Hinkson Creek, and Flat Branch Creek. Along these and other creeks in the area can be found large valleys, cliffs, and cave systems such as that in [[Rock Bridge State Park]] just south of the city. These creeks are largely responsible for numerous stream valleys giving Columbia hilly terrain similar to the Ozarks while also having prairie flatland typical of northern Missouri.<ref>{{cite book|first=A.G.|last=Unklesbay|publisher=Missouri Geological Survey|year=1952|title=Geology of Boone County, Missouri}}</ref> Columbia also operates several greenbelts with trails and parks throughout town.

===Animal life===
Large mammals found in the city include urbanized coyotes,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/coyote/ | title=Coyote | work=Missouri Department of Conservation | access-date=January 11, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060928232433/http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/coyote/ |archive-date = September 28, 2006}}</ref> [[red fox]]es, and numerous [[whitetail deer]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/deer2/ | title=Whitetale deer | work=Missouri Department of Conservation | access-date=January 11, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060928232140/http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/deer2/ |archive-date = September 28, 2006}}</ref> [[Eastern gray squirrel]], and other rodents are abundant, as well as cottontail rabbits and the nocturnal opossum and raccoon.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/squirrel/ | title=Eastern Gray Squirrel | work=Missouri Department of Conservation | access-date=January 11, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060928232328/http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/mammals/squirrel/ |archive-date = September 28, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/MDCLibrary/MDCLibrary2.aspx?NodeID=394 | title=Mammals (In Missouri) | work=Missouri Department of Conservation | access-date=January 11, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203234523/http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/MDCLibrary/MDCLibrary2.aspx?NodeID=394 | archive-date=February 3, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Large bird species are abundant in parks and include the Canada goose, mallard duck, as well as shorebirds, including the great egret and great blue heron. Turkeys are also common in wooded areas and can occasionally be seen on the MKT recreation trail. Populations of bald eagles are found by the Missouri River. The city is on the [[Mississippi Flyway]], used by migrating birds, and has a large variety of small bird species, common to the eastern U.S. The Eurasian tree sparrow, an introduced species, is limited in North America to the counties surrounding St. Louis. Columbia has large areas of forested and open land and many of these areas are home to wildlife. 

The [[Devil's Icebox (cave)|Devil's Icebox Cave]] in Columbia's Rock Bridge State Park is the only natural home of the planarian ''[[Kenkia glandulosa]],'' an eyeless and de-pigmented flatworm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-19 |title=Turbellarians (Planarians; Free-Living Flatworms) |url=https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/turbellarians-planarians-free-living-flatworms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228193111/https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/turbellarians-planarians-free-living-flatworms |archive-date=February 28, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Missouri Department of Conservation |language=en}}</ref> The cave is also home to species of [[Salamander|salamanders]], frogs, ''[[List of troglobites|troglobites]]'', [[millipede]], spiders, bats, and [[springtail]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pycior |first=Danielle |date=2019-12-23 |title=Explore the science behind local landmarks from Devil's Icebox to the Pinnacles |url=https://www.voxmagazine.com/magazine/explore-the-four-natural-wonders-of-columbia/article_57f4362c-1d11-11ea-95b4-b7632dccf81d.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207081105/https://www.voxmagazine.com/magazine/explore-the-four-natural-wonders-of-columbia/article_57f4362c-1d11-11ea-95b4-b7632dccf81d.html |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Vox Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

===Climate===
Columbia has a [[humid continental]] climate ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Dfa)'' marked by sharp seasonal contrasts in temperature, and is in [[Hardiness zone|USDA Plant Hardiness Zone]] 6a.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/|title= USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map|year= 2012|website= planthardiness.ars.usda.gov|publisher= Agricultural Research Center, PRISM Climate Group Oregon State University|access-date= 2014-05-30|url-status= live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227032333/http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/|archive-date= February 27, 2014|df= mdy-all}}</ref> The monthly daily average temperature ranges from {{convert|31.0|°F|1}} in January to {{convert|78.5|°F|1}} in July, while the high reaches or exceeds {{convert|90|°F|0}} on an average of 35 days per year, {{convert|100|°F|0}} on two days, while two nights of sub-{{convert|0|°F|0}} lows can be expected.<ref name = "NOWData NWS St. Louis, MO (LSX) COUthr"/> Precipitation tends to be greatest and most frequent in the latter half of spring, when severe weather is also most common. Snow averages {{convert|16.5|in|cm}} per season, mostly from December to March, with occasional November accumulation and falls in April being rarer; historically seasonal snow accumulation has ranged from {{convert|3.4|in|cm|abbr=on}} in 2005–06 to {{convert|54.9|in|cm|abbr=on}} in 1977–78.<ref name = "NOWData NWS St. Louis, MO (LSX) COUthr"/> Extreme temperatures have ranged from {{convert|−26|°F|0}} on [[Great Blizzard of 1899|February 12, 1899]] to {{convert|113|°F|0}} on July 12 and 14, 1954. Readings of {{convert|−10|°F|0}} or {{convert|105|°F|0}} are uncommon, the last occurrences being January 7, 2014 and July 31, 2012.<ref name = "NOWData NWS St. Louis, MO (LSX) COUthr"/>
{{Columbia, Missouri weatherbox}}

==Cityscape==
[[File:Tiger hotel.jpg|thumb|Downtown Columbia|alt=A picture of downtown Columbia, focused on the tiger hotel]]
Columbia's most significant and well-known architecture is found in buildings located in its downtown area and on the university campuses. The University of Missouri's [[Jesse Hall]] and the [[neo-Gothic]] [[Memorial Union (University of Missouri)|Memorial Union]] have become icons of the city. The [[David R. Francis Quadrangle]] is an example of [[Thomas Jefferson]]'s [[Jeffersonian architecture|academic village]] concept.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jefferson's Masterpiece |url=https://www.virginia.edu/visit/grounds/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330195253/https://www.virginia.edu/visit/grounds/ |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=The University of Virginia |language=en}}</ref>

Nine [[Historic districts in the United States|historic districts]] located within the city are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]: [[Downtown Columbia, Missouri|Downtown Columbia]], the [[East Campus Neighborhood|East Campus neighborhood]], the [[West Broadway Historic District|West Broadway neighborhood]], the [[Francis Quadrangle]], the [[Stephens College South Campus Historic District|south campus of Stephens College]], the [[Pierce Pennant Motor Hotel]], [[Maplewood (Columbia, Missouri)|Maplewood]], and the [[David Guitar House]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=ArcGIS Web Application |url=https://modnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e3a6d822d215486ba20aadb6badd7174 |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=modnr.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> The downtown skyline is relatively low and is dominated by the 10-story [[Tiger Hotel]] and the 15-story Paquin Tower.

Downtown Columbia is an area of approximately one square mile surrounded by the University of Missouri on the south, Stephens College to the east, and Columbia College on the north. The area serves as Columbia's financial and business district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.downtown.org/index.html |title=Discover The District |work=The District |access-date=January 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122081217/http://www.downtown.org/index.html |archive-date=January 22, 2008 |df=mdy }}</ref>

[[File:Columbia MO downtown area 2017.jpg|thumb|Downtown apartment and mixed-use development next to the [[Missouri United Methodist Church]] in June 2017|alt=Photograph of the Missouri United Methodist Church from south 9th street]]
Since the early-21st century, a large number of high-rise apartment complexes have been built in downtown Columbia. Many of these buildings also offer mixed-use business and retail space on the lower levels. These developments have not been without criticism, with some expressing concern the buildings hurt the historic feel of the area, or that the city does not yet have the infrastructure to support them.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jr. |first1=Jodie Jackson |title=Council candidates: City needs to address growing pains |url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/8a143965-d376-5682-926a-3f36982fda25.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616030141/http://www.columbiatribune.com/8a143965-d376-5682-926a-3f36982fda25.html |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=19 March 2017 |work=Columbia Daily Tribune}}</ref>

The city's historic residential core lies in a ring around downtown, extending especially to the west along Broadway, and south into the East Campus Neighborhood. The city government recognizes 63 neighborhood associations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Neighborhood_Associations/documents/NAContactList.pdf |title=Columbia, Missouri Neighborhood Associations |work=City of Columbia |access-date=February 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216012204/http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Neighborhood_Associations/documents/NAContactList.pdf |archive-date=February 16, 2008 }}</ref> The city's most dense commercial areas are primarily along [[Interstate 70 (Missouri)|Interstate 70]], [[U.S. Route 63 (Missouri)|U.S. Route 63]], Stadium Boulevard, Grindstone Parkway, and Downtown.

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|type= USA
|1823|130
|1830|600
|1840|750
|1850|651
|1860|1414
|1870|2236
|1880|3326
|1890|4000
|1900|5651
|1910|9662
|1920|10392
|1930|14967
|1940|18399
|1950|31974
|1960|36650
|1970|58521
|1980|62061
|1990|69101
|2000|84531
|2010|108500
|2020|126254
|2024|130900
|align-fn= center
|source={{center|U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2016|df=mdy }}</ref>}}
|footnote=For the year 1850, slaves and free minorities were not counted.<br />U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 1, 2015|df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Census July 1, 2024 estimates of population for incorporated places in Missouri |url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/tables/2020-2024/cities/totals/SUB-IP-EST2024-POP-29.xlsx}}</ref>
}}

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov| access-date=2023-08-22 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> counted 126,254 people, 49,371 households, and 25,144 families in Columbia. The population density was {{convert|1,879.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 53,746 housing units at an average density of {{convert|800.1|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 72.49% (91,516) White, 11.91% (15,038) Black or African-American, 0.32% (398) Native American, 5.61% (7,084) Asian, 0.07% (89) Pacific Islander, 2.17% (2,734) from other races, and 7.44% (9,395) from two or more races.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=United States Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/columbiacitymissouri/PST045224 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529164836/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/columbiacitymissouri/PST045224 |archive-date=May 29, 2025 |access-date=April 28, 2025 |website=[[United States Census Bureau]] census.gov}}</ref> Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.9% (6,195) of the population.<ref name=2020CensusP2/>

Of the 49,371 households, 24.0% had children under the age of 18; 38.7% were married couples living together; 31.4% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 34.7% were individuals and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 3.0.<ref name=":2" />

18.2% of the population was under the age of 18, 23.8% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28.8 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 89.8 males.<ref name=":2" />

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov|access-date=2023-08-22|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> estimates show that the median household income was $53,447 (with a margin of error of +/- $2,355) and the median family income $81,392 (+/- $5,687). Males had a median income of $30,578 (+/- $2,131) versus $23,705 (+/- $1,849) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,870 (+/- $1,429). Approximately, 8.5% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 15.7% of those under the age of 18 and 5.2% of those ages 65 or over.<ref name=":2" />

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Columbia, Missouri – racial and ethnic composition'''<br /><small>{{nobold|''Note: the U.S. census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Columbia city, Missouri |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US2915670&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web |title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Columbia city, Missouri |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2915670&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2 |website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web |title=P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Columbia city, Missouri |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US2915670&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!{{partial|% 2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|67,984
|83,542
|style='background: #ffffe6; |89,814
|80.42%
|77.00%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |71.14%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|9,106
|12,083
|style='background: #ffffe6; |14,858
|10.77%
|11.14%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |11.77%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|303
|296
|style='background: #ffffe6; |273
|0.36%
|0.27%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.22%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|3,624
|5,604
|style='background: #ffffe6; |7,056
|4.29%
|5.16%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |5.59%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|29
|59
|style='background: #ffffe6; |87
|0.03%
|0.05%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.07%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Some other race]] alone (NH)
|174
|227
|style='background: #ffffe6; |724
|0.21%
|0.21%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.57%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed-race or multi-racial]] (NH)
|1,578
|2,960
|style='background: #ffffe6; |7,247
|1.87%
|2.73%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |5.74%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|1,733
|3,729
|style='background: #ffffe6; |6,195
|2.05%
|3.44%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.91%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''84,531'''
|'''108,500'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''126,254'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

===2010 census===
As of the census of 2010, 108,500 people, 43,065 households, and 21,418 families resided in the city.<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=July 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Steffen |first=Caitlin |date=2011-04-23 |title=Columbia, Boone County report growth in 2010 census |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/columbia-boone-county-report-growth-in-2010-census/article_42e73328-a9aa-579c-98a5-bb681cb4c2d0.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529165438/https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/columbia-boone-county-report-growth-in-2010-census/article_42e73328-a9aa-579c-98a5-bb681cb4c2d0.html |archive-date=May 29, 2025 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Columbia Missourian |language=en}}</ref> The population density was {{convert|1720.0|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}.<ref>[https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FY2008-FY2017-Ten-Year-Trend-Manual.pdf Columbia, Missouri Ten Financial Year Trend Line] [https://web.archive.org/web/20231104002337/https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FY2008-FY2017-Ten-Year-Trend-Manual.pdf Archived] on November 4, 2023</ref> There were 46,758 housing units at an average density of {{convert|741.2|/sqmi|/km2|1}}.<ref>[https://usa.ipums.org/usa/resources/voliii/pubdocs/2010/CPH-2.%20Population%20and%20Housing%20Unit%20Counts/cph-2-27.pdf Missouri: 2010] [https://web.archive.org/web/20220308145628/https://usa.ipums.org/usa/resources/voliii/pubdocs/2010/CPH-2.%20Population%20and%20Housing%20Unit%20Counts/cph-2-27.pdf Archived] on March 8, 2022</ref> The racial makeup of the city was 79.0% White, 11.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 5.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.4% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web |last=bryans |date=2013-02-14 |title=2010 Census Data |url=https://oa.mo.gov/budget-planning/demographic-information/2010-census-data |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502031053/https://oa.mo.gov/budget-planning/demographic-information/2010-census-data |archive-date=May 2, 2025 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Missouri Office of Administration |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Feinberg |first=Srijita Datta and Allie |date=2021-09-18 |title=The 2020 Census sheds light on Boone County growth |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/the-2020-census-sheds-light-on-boone-county-growth/article_f30bd862-17e3-11ec-a793-db9a21b01b27.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502031053/https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/the-2020-census-sheds-light-on-boone-county-growth/article_f30bd862-17e3-11ec-a793-db9a21b01b27.html |archive-date=May 2, 2025 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Columbia Missourian |language=en}}</ref>

There were 43,065 households, of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.6% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 50.3% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city the population was spread out, with 18.8% of residents under the age of 18; 27.3% between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% from 25 to 44; 18.6% from 45 to 64; and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age in the city was 26.8 years. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2000, there were 84,531 people, 33,689 households, and 17,282 families residing in the city.<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website |df=mdy }}</ref> The population density was {{convert|1,592.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 35,916 housing units at an average density of {{convert|676.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 81.54% White, 10.85% Black or African American, 0.39% Native American, 4.30% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from other races, and 2.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.05% of the population.<ref name="GR2" />

There were 33,689 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.2% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.7% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.92.<ref name="GR2" />

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.7% under the age of 18, 26.7% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 16.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.<ref name="GR2" />

The [[median income]] for a household in the city was $33,729, and the median income for a family was $52,288. Males had a median income of $34,710 versus $26,694 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,507. About 9.4% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="GR2" /> However, traditional statistics of income and poverty can be misleading when applied to cities with high student populations, such as Columbia.<ref name="census">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/poverty/cb13-tps73.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801112834/http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/poverty/cb13-tps73.html |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |url-status=dead |title=When Off-Campus College Students are Excluded, Poverty Rates Fall in Many College Towns - Poverty - Newsroom - U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=November 10, 2014}}</ref><ref name="policyblognh">{{cite web|url=http://www.policyblognh.org/policy_blog_nh/2011/11/a-study-in-poverty-or-how-college-towns-skew-census-data.html|title=A study in poverty, or how college towns skew Census data - Policy Blog NH|publisher=policyblognh.org|access-date=November 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110233521/http://www.policyblognh.org/policy_blog_nh/2011/11/a-study-in-poverty-or-how-college-towns-skew-census-data.html|archive-date=November 10, 2014|url-status=usurped|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

==Economy==
Columbia's economy is historically dominated by education, healthcare, and insurance.<ref name = "ckbome"/> Jobs in government are also common, either in Columbia or a half-hour south in [[Jefferson City, Missouri|Jefferson City]].<ref name="vffbdr">{{cite web|url=http://www.columbiaredi.com/area_data/LargestEmployers.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20061102023838/http://www.columbiaredi.com/area_data/LargestEmployers.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 2, 2006 |title=Largest Employers |work=Columbia REDI |access-date=January 1, 2008 }}</ref> The [[Columbia Regional Airport]] and the Missouri River [[Rocheport, Missouri|Port of Rocheport]] connect the region with trade and transportation.

With a [[Gross metropolitan product|Gross Metropolitan Product]] of $9.6 billion in 2018, Columbia's economy makes up 3% of the Gross State Product of Missouri.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usmayors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/mer-2019-09.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930163445/https://www.usmayors.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/mer-2019-09.pdf |archive-date=2019-09-30 |url-status=live|title=September 2019 Metro Economies Report|date=September 2019|work=U.S. Conference of Mayors|page=5|access-date=January 3, 2020}}</ref> Columbia's metro area economy is slightly larger than the economy of [[Rwanda]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2018 |title=2018 Country GDP |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?most_recent_value_desc=true&view=map |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509070918/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?most_recent_value_desc=true&view=map |archive-date=May 9, 2025 |access-date=January 3, 2020 |work=World Bank}}</ref> Insurance corporations headquartered in Columbia include [[Shelter Insurance]] and the [[Columbia Insurance Group]]. Other organizations include [[StorageMart]], [[Veterans United Home Loans]], [[MFA Incorporated]], the [[Missouri State High School Activities Association]], and [[MFA Oil]]. Companies such as [[Socket (telecommunications)|Socket]], [[Datastorm Technologies, Inc.]] (no longer existent), [[Slackers CDs and Games]], [[Carfax (company)|Carfax]],<ref>{{cite web |last=McCormick |first=Lisa Wade |date=October 10, 2006 |title=Carfax History |url=http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/carfax_history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002065628/http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/carfax_history.html |archive-date=October 2, 2008 |access-date=January 4, 2008 |publisher=Consumer affairs |url-status=live }}</ref> and MBS Textbook Exchange were all founded in Columbia.

===Top employers===
According to Columbia's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (FY 2022 ACFR) |url=https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/City-of-Columbia-MO-ACFR-FY22.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208200553/https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/City-of-Columbia-MO-ACFR-FY22.pdf |archive-date=February 8, 2025 |access-date=July 31, 2023 |website=City of Columbia}}</ref> the top employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! #
! Employer 
! # of employees
!% of total city employment
|-
|1
| [[University of Missouri]]
|8,709
|9.07%
|-
|2
| [[University of Missouri Health Care]]
|5,092
|5.30%
|-
|3
| [[Veterans United Home Loans]]
|3,474
|3.62%
|-
|4
| [[Columbia Public Schools]]
|2,650
|2.76%
|-
|5
|[[Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital]]
|1,779
|1.85%
|-
|6
| [[Boone Hospital Center]]
|1,581
|1.65%
|-
|7
| City of Columbia
|1,515
|1.58%
|-
|8
| [[Shelter Insurance]]
|1,375
|1.43%
|-
|9
| Hubbell Power Systems
|751
|0.78%
|-
|10
|Joe Machens Dealerships
|611
|0.64%
|}
The [[Unemployment|unemployment rate]] in Columbia has slowly risen since December 2022, to 3.5 as of February 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbia, MO Economy at a Glance |url=https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.mo_columbia_msa.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323215354/https://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.mo_columbia_msa.htm |archive-date=March 23, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Bureau of Labor Statistics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bureau of Labor Statistics Data |url=https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LAUMT291786000000003?amp%253bdata_tool=XGtable&output_view=data&include_graphs=true |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250324204803/https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LAUMT291786000000003?amp%253bdata_tool=XGtable&output_view=data&include_graphs=true |archive-date=March 24, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Bureau of Labor Statistics |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[File:The blue note.jpg|thumb|[[The Blue Note (Missouri)|The Blue Note]] is a rock and pop venue located in Downtown Columbia.|alt=Photograph of the blue note rock and pop venue]]
The [[Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts]] and [[Jesse Hall|Jesse Auditorium]] are Columbia's largest fine arts venues. [[Ragtag Cinema]] annually hosts the [[True/False Film Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-16 |title=True/False Film Fest • Ragtag Cinema |url=https://ragtagcinema.org/about/true-false-film-fest/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514082240/https://ragtagcinema.org/about/true-false-film-fest/ |archive-date=May 14, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=ragtagcinema.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2008, filmmaker Todd Sklar completed the film [[Box Elder (film)|''Box Elder'']], which was filmed entirely in and around Columbia and the University of Missouri.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gronvall |first=Andrea |title=Box Elder |url=https://www.timeout.com/movies/box-elder |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918115020/https://www.timeout.com/movies/box-elder |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=Time Out Worldwide |language=en-GB |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[North Village Arts District]], located on the north side of downtown,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossetti |first=Diana |title=Bold Face: No moss appears to be growing in Jackson Twp. |url=https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2013/01/11/bold-face-no-moss-appears/42595617007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610021033/https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/2013/01/11/bold-face-no-moss-appears/42595617007/ |archive-date=June 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Columbia Daily Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> is home to galleries, restaurants, theaters, bars, music venues, and the Mareck Center for Dance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-12-05 |title=Temporary waiver allows food trucks to operate during new hours |url=https://www.kbia.org/business/2014-12-05/temporary-waiver-allows-food-trucks-to-operate-during-new-hours |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610215758/https://www.kbia.org/business/2014-12-05/temporary-waiver-allows-food-trucks-to-operate-during-new-hours |archive-date=June 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=KBIA |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Riske |first=Heather |date=2018-12-28 |title=Where to dine and drink in Columbia's North Village Arts District |url=https://www.feastmagazine.com/columbia/collection_ebb4bfdc-0a0f-11e9-86f9-ff30b6118e4c.html#3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217104317/https://www.feastmagazine.com/columbia/collection_ebb4bfdc-0a0f-11e9-86f9-ff30b6118e4c.html#3 |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Feast Magazine |language=en}}</ref>

The University of Missouri's [[Museum of Art and Archaeology]] displays 14,000 works of art and archaeological objects in five galleries for no charge to the public.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://maa.missouri.edu/collections.html | title=Collections | work=Museum of Art and Archaeology | access-date=January 11, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070819184833/http://maa.missouri.edu/collections.html |archive-date = August 19, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Libraries include the [[Columbia Public Library]], the University of Missouri Libraries, with over three million volumes in [[Ellis Library]], and the [[State Historical Society of Missouri]].

===Music===
The "We Always Swing" Jazz Series<ref>{{cite web |title=Jazz Series Website |url=http://wealwaysswing.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523212308/https://www.wealwaysswing.org/season/2024-2025/ |archive-date=May 23, 2025 |access-date=May 21, 2008}}</ref> and the [[Roots N Blues Festival]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Roots 'N Blues 'N Barbeque Festival Website |url=http://rootsnbluesnbbq.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250611190721/https://rootsnbluesnbbq.com/ |archive-date=June 11, 2025 |access-date=May 21, 2008}}</ref> is held in Columbia. "9th Street Summerfest" (now hosted in Rose Park at Rose Music Hall) closes part of that street several nights each summer to hold outdoor performances and has featured [[Willie Nelson]] (2009),<ref>{{cite web |last=Bland |first=Pete |date=March 19, 2009 |title=Willie Nelson kicking off Ninth Street Summerfest |url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/arts_life/go_magazine/willie-nelson-kicking-off-ninth-street-summerfest/article_60bf0408-57a1-5d1e-af1f-f9eada90e422.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320052518/https://www.columbiatribune.com/arts_life/go_magazine/willie-nelson-kicking-off-ninth-street-summerfest/article_60bf0408-57a1-5d1e-af1f-f9eada90e422.html/ |archive-date=March 20, 2017 |access-date=19 March 2017 |publisher=Columbia Daily Tribune}}</ref> [[Snoop Dogg]] (2010),<ref name=Snoop>{{cite web |url=http://www.pitch.com/music/article/20582079/flaming-lips-snoop-dogg-ice-cube-help-celebrate-the-blue-notes-30th-anniversary |title=Flaming Lips, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube help celebrate the Blue Note's 30th anniversary |last=Hudnall |first=David |date=June 28, 2010 |website=The Pitch |access-date=19 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320053022/http://www.pitch.com/music/article/20582079/flaming-lips-snoop-dogg-ice-cube-help-celebrate-the-blue-notes-30th-anniversary |archive-date=March 20, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[The Flaming Lips]] (2010),<ref name=Snoop/> [["Weird Al" Yankovic|Weird Al Yankovic]] (2013),<ref>{{cite web |date=February 17, 2015 |title=CoMo's ABCs: Our roundup of the most unexpected things Columbia has to offer/W |url=https://mizzoumag.missouri.edu/2015/02/comos-abcs/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225192431/https://mizzoumag.missouri.edu/2015/02/comos-abcs/ |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=19 March 2017 |website=Mizzou Magazine |publisher=The Curators of the University of Missouri}}</ref> and others. The "University Concert Series" regularly includes musicians and dancers from various genres, typically in [[Jesse Hall]]. Other musical venues in town include the [[Missouri Theatre (Columbia, Missouri)|Missouri Theatre]], the university's multipurpose [[Hearnes Center]], the university's [[Mizzou Arena]], [[The Blue Note (Columbia, Missouri)|The Blue Note]], and [[The Blue Note (Columbia, Missouri)#Rose Music Hall (formerly Mojo's)|Rose Music Hall]]. Shelter Gardens, a park on the campus of [[Shelter Insurance]] headquarters, also hosts outdoor performances during the summer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shelter Gardens |url=http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/directory/shelter-gardens/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801123036/https://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/directory/shelter-gardens/ |archive-date=August 1, 2024 |access-date=19 March 2017 |work=Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau}}</ref>

[[File:Sinquefield Music Center in June 2020 West View.jpg|thumb|The Sinquefield Music Center, home to the University of Missouri School of Music|alt=Ariel photograph of the Sinquefield Music Center]]
The [[University of Missouri School of Music]] attracts hundreds of musicians to Columbia, student performances are held in Whitmore Recital Hall. Among many non-profit organizations for classical music are included the "Odyssey Chamber Music Series",<ref>{{cite web |title=Odyssey Chamber Music Series Website |url=http://www.odysseymissouri.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515024039/https://www.odysseymissouri.org/ |archive-date=May 15, 2025 |access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> "[[Missouri Symphony]]", "Columbia Community Band", and "Columbia Civic Orchestra". Founded in 2006, the "Plowman Chamber Music Competition"<ref>{{cite web |title=Plowman Competition Website |url=http://plowmancompetition.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303233622/https://www.plowmancompetition.org/ |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2012}}</ref> is a biennial competition held in March/April of odd-numbered years, considered to be one of the finest, top five chamber music competitions in the nation.

===Theater===
Columbia has multiple opportunities to watch and perform in theatrical productions. [[Ragtag Cinema]] is one of the most well known theaters in Columbia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ragtag Cinema |url=https://www.lewisandclark.travel/listing/ragtag-cinema/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420155128/https://www.lewisandclark.travel/listing/ragtag-cinema/ |archive-date=April 20, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Lewis and Clark Trail Experience |language=en}}</ref> The city is home to Stephens College, a private institution known for performing arts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-28 |title=Home |url=https://stephens.edu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612111951/https://stephens.edu/ |archive-date=June 12, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Stephens College |language=en-US}}</ref> Their season includes multiple plays and musicals. The University of Missouri and Columbia College also present multiple productions a year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Theatre and Performance Studies - Theatre and Performance Studies |url=https://theatre.missouri.edu/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612132132/https://theatre.missouri.edu/ |archive-date=June 12, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=theatre.missouri.edu}}</ref>

[[File:Missouri Theatre Interior on July 25th 2018.jpg|thumb|The Missouri Theater|alt=Photograph from inside the Missouri Theater]]
The city's three public high schools are also known for their productions. Rock Bridge High School<ref>{{Cite web |title=Performing Arts Events and Tickets - Rock Bridge High School |url=https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/academics/performing-arts/performing-arts-events-and-tickets |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322124208/https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/academics/performing-arts/performing-arts-events-and-tickets |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=rbhs.cpsk12.org |language=en-US}}</ref> performs a musical in November and two plays in the spring. Hickman High School<ref>{{Cite web |title=HICKMAN HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE |url=https://www.hickmanhighschooltheatre.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425222711/https://www.hickmanhighschooltheatre.com/ |archive-date=April 25, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=HICKMAN HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE |language=en}}</ref> also performs a similar season with two musical performances (one in the fall, and one in the spring) and 2 plays (one in the winter, and one at the end of their school year). The newest high school, Battle High,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-29 |title=Performing Arts {{!}} Battle High School, Columbia, Mo |url=https://bhs.cpsk12.org/battle-spartans/teams/performing-arts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610030856/https://bhs.cpsk12.org/battle-spartans/teams/performing-arts |archive-date=June 10, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=bhs.cpsk12.org |language=en-US}}</ref> opened in 2013 and also is known for their productions. Battle presents a musical in the fall and a play in the spring, along with improv nights and more productions throughout the year.

The city is also home to the indoor/outdoor theatre Maplewood Barn Theatre in Nifong Park<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maplewood Barn Theatre – Theatre under the stars |url=https://maplewoodbarn.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220000356/https://maplewoodbarn.org/ |archive-date=February 20, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> and other community theatre programs such as Columbia Entertainment Company,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Columbia Entertainment Company |url=https://www.cectheatre.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524191503/https://www.cectheatre.org/ |archive-date=May 24, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Columbia Entertainment Company |language=en-US}}</ref> Talking Horse Productions,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blackbox theatre {{!}} Talking Horse Productions {{!}} Missouri |url=https://www.talkinghorseproductions.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318231655/https://www.talkinghorseproductions.org/ |archive-date=March 18, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=talkinghorse |language=en}}</ref> TRYPS,<ref>{{Cite web |title=TRYPS Kids |url=https://www.trypskids.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514210705/https://www.trypskids.com/ |archive-date=May 14, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=trypskids |language=en}}</ref> and Pace Youth Theatre; the latter closed in March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallant |first=Hannah |date=2021-01-05 |title=Pandemic forces closure of PACE youth theater |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/pandemic-forces-closure-of-pace-youth-theater/article_16b21442-4f7c-11eb-bfaf-53464efcb3a2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722043808/https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/covid19/pandemic-forces-closure-of-pace-youth-theater/article_16b21442-4f7c-11eb-bfaf-53464efcb3a2.html |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Columbia Missourian |language=en}}</ref>

===Sports===
[[File:Farout field from the air moments before a game.jpg|thumb|Faurot Field before a football game|alt=Ariel photograph of Faurot Field during a football game]]
The University of Missouri's sports teams, the [[Missouri Tigers]], play a significant role in the city's sports culture. [[Faurot Field]] at Memorial Stadium, which has a capacity of 62,621, hosts home football games. The [[Hearnes Center]] and [[Mizzou Arena]] are two other large sport and event venues, the latter being the home arena for [[Missouri Tigers basketball|Mizzou's basketball team]]. [[Taylor Stadium (Missouri)|Taylor Stadium]] is host to their [[Missouri Tigers baseball|baseball team]] and was the regional host for the 2007 [[NCAA]] Baseball Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/060607aaa.html | title=2007 NCAA Division I College Baseball Regional & Super Regional Schedule & Results | publisher=[[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] | date=June 7, 2007 | access-date=July 19, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070710180029/http://www.pac-10.org/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/060607aaa.html |archive-date = July 10, 2007}}</ref> [[Columbia College (Columbia, Missouri)|Columbia College]] has several men and women collegiate sports teams as well. In 2007, Columbia hosted the [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics]] Volleyball National Championship, which the Lady Cougars participated in.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiacougars.com/naiavolleyball/ | title=NAIA Volleyball National Championship | work=[[Columbia College (Columbia, Missouri)|Columbia College]] | access-date=January 9, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108060109/http://www.columbiacougars.com/naiavolleyball/ | archive-date=January 8, 2008 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Columbia also hosts the [[Show-Me State Games]], a non-profit program of the Missouri Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health. They are the largest [[National Congress of State Games|state games]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.smsg.org/news/index.asp?ID=89 | title=Show-Me State Games 2008 | work=Show-Me State Games | access-date=January 9, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202140944/http://www.smsg.org/news/index.asp?ID=89 | archive-date=February 2, 2008 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="HAB" >{{cite web | url=http://360columbia.com/HealthAndBeauty/Fitness/Show-MeStateGames.html | title=Show-Me State Games – About Us | work=360Columbia | access-date=January 9, 2008 | archive-date=January 5, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105081816/http://360columbia.com/HealthAndBeauty/Fitness/Show-MeStateGames.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Situated midway between [[St. Louis]] and [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], Columbians will often have allegiances to the professional sports teams housed there, such as the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], the [[Kansas City Royals]], the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], the [[St. Louis Blues]], [[Sporting Kansas City]], and [[St. Louis City SC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/11/30/chiefs-and-rams-fans-columbia-remain-dedicated-despite-down-years/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728193026/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/11/30/chiefs-and-rams-fans-columbia-remain-dedicated-despite-down-years/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |title=Chiefs and rams fans remain dedicated despite down years |publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]] |access-date=February 12, 2009 }}</ref>
{{Further|SoccerGrow}}
[[File:Booches1.jpg|thumb|Booches bar and grill|alt=Photograph of Booches bar and grill]]

===Cuisine===
Columbia has many bars and restaurants that provide diverse styles of cuisine, due in part to having three colleges.<ref name="Wise 2007">{{cite book | last=Wise | first=C.C. | title=The Law School Buzz Book | publisher=Vault, Incorporated | series=Law School Buzz Book Series | issue=bk. 2007 | year=2007 | isbn=978-1-58131-424-3 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=70NxJWIjqPUC&pg=PA375 | access-date=2017-11-08 | page=375}}</ref> The oldest is the historic [[Booches]] bar, restaurant, and pool hall, which was established in 1884 and is frequented by college students.<ref>{{cite web | author=Jarzemsky, Matt | title=Pool hall popularity change over generations | website=Columbia Business Times | date=April 18, 2008 | url=http://columbiabusinesstimes.com/2008/04/18/pool-hall-popularity-change-over-generations/ | access-date=November 7, 2017 | archive-date=November 8, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108035621/http://columbiabusinesstimes.com/2008/04/18/pool-hall-popularity-change-over-generations/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Shakespeare's Pizza]] was founded in Columbia and is known for its college town pizza.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.komu.com/news/shakespeare-s-pizza-wins-national-contest/|title=Shakespeare's Pizza Wins National Contest|website=KOMU.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-03|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103164209/https://www.komu.com/news/shakespeare-s-pizza-wins-national-contest/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Parks and recreation ==
Throughout the city are many parks and trails for public usage managed by [[Columbia Parks and Recreation]]. Among the more popularly frequented is the [[MKT Trail|MKT]] which is a spur that connects to the [[Katy Trail State Park|Katy Trail]], meeting up just south of Columbia proper. The MKT ranked second in the nation for "Best Urban Trail" in the 2015 ''[[USA Today]]''{{'}}s 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. This 10-foot wide trail built on the old railbed of the MKT railroad begins in downtown Columbia in Flat Branch Park at 4th and Cherry Streets. The all-weather crushed limestone surface provides opportunities for walking, jogging, running, and bicycling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MKT Nature and Fitness Trail |url=https://www.como.gov/trails/mkt-nature-and-fitness-trail/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203040622/https://www.como.gov/trails/mkt-nature-and-fitness-trail/ |archive-date=February 3, 2025 |access-date=2020-04-13 |website=Columbia Parks and Recreation |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Rock-bridge.jpg|alt=Photograph of Rock Bridge at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park|thumb|The iconic rock bridge of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park]][[Stephens Lake Park]] is the highlight of Columbia's park system and is known for its 11-acre fishing/swimming lake, mature trees, and historical significance in the community. It serves as the center for outdoor winter sports, a variety of community festivals such as the [[Roots N Blues Festival]], and outdoor concert series at the amphitheater. Stephens Lake has reservable shelters, playgrounds, swimming beach and spraygrounds, art sculptures, waterfalls, and walking trails.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stephens Lake Park |url=https://www.como.gov/parks/stephens-lake-park/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203031918/https://www.como.gov/parks/stephens-lake-park/ |archive-date=February 3, 2025 |access-date=2020-04-13 |website=Columbia Parks and Recreation |language=en}}</ref> [[Rock Bridge Memorial State Park]] is open year-round giving visitors the chance to scramble, hike, and bicycle through a scenic environment. Rock Bridge State Park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state, including the Gans Creek Wild Area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=drupal.symposiarch |date=2010-12-10 |title=Rock Bridge Memorial State Park |url=https://mostateparks.com/park/rock-bridge-memorial-state-park |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207073834/https://mostateparks.com/park/rock-bridge-memorial-state-park |archive-date=February 7, 2025 |access-date=2020-04-13 |website=mostateparks.com |language=en}}</ref>

Columbia is home to Harmony Bends Disc Golf Course, which was named the 2017 Disc Golf Course of the Year by DGCourseReview.com.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Harmony Bends Championship Disc Golf Course at Strawn Park |url=https://www.como.gov/contacts/harmony-bends-championship-disc-golf-course-strawn-park/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610032141/https://www.como.gov/contacts/harmony-bends-championship-disc-golf-course-strawn-park/ |archive-date=June 10, 2025 |access-date=April 28, 2025}}</ref> As of June 2022, Harmony Bends still ranks on DGCourseReview.com as the No. 1 public course, and the #2 overall course in the United States

==Media==
[[File:Columbia Missourian headquarters.JPG|thumb|The ''Columbia Missourian'' headquarters|alt=Photograph of the Columbia Missourian headquarters]]

The city has two daily morning newspapers: the ''[[Columbia Missourian]]'' and the ''[[Columbia Daily Tribune]]''. The ''Missourian'' is directed by professional editors and staffed by [[Missouri School of Journalism]] students who do reporting, design, copy editing, information graphics, photography, and multimedia. The ''Missourian'' publishes the monthly city magazine, ''Vox Magazine''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magazine |first=Vox |date=2025-06-18 |title=voxmagazine.com |url=https://www.voxmagazine.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601041405/https://www.voxmagazine.com/ |archive-date=June 1, 2025 |access-date=2025-06-17 |website=Vox Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Missourian |url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/p/about/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124184633/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/p/about/ |archive-date=November 24, 2012 |access-date=January 11, 2008 |publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]]}}</ref> The University of Missouri has the independent official bi-weekly student newspaper called ''[[The Maneater]]'', and the quarterly literary magazine, ''The Missouri Review''. The now-defunct ''Prysms Weekly'' was also published in Columbia. In late 2009, KCOU News launched full operations out of [[KCOU|KCOU 88.1 FM]] on the MU Campus. The entirely student-run news organization airs a weekday newscast, ''The Pulse''.

The city has four television channels.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/web/welcome/community/media.php | title=Local Media | work=Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau | access-date=January 11, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922144840/http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/web/welcome/community/media.php | archive-date=September 22, 2007 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Columbia Access Television (CAT or CAT-TV) is the public access channel. CPSTV is the education access channel, managed by Columbia Public Schools as a function of the Columbia Public Schools Community Relations Department. The Government Access channel broadcasts City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Board of Adjustment meetings.

=== Television ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+Columbia area television
!Station
!Channel
!Network
!Subchannels
|-
|[[KMOS-TV]]
|6
|[[PBS]]
|6.2 [[Create (TV network)|Create]]

6.3 [[Independent station (North America)|KMOS Emerge]]

6.4 [[PBS Kids]]
|-
|[[KOMU-TV]]
|8
|[[NBC]]
|8.3 [[The CW Plus|The CW+]]
|-
|[[KRCG]]
|13
|[[CBS]]
|13.2 [[Comet (TV network)|Comet]]

13.3 [[Charge! (TV network)|Charge!]]

13.4 [[TBD (TV network)|TBD]]
|-
|[[KMIZ]]
|17
|[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]
|17.2 [[MeTV]]

17.3 [[MyNetworkTV]]

17.4 [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]

17.5 [[Bounce TV]]
|-
|[[KQFX-LD]]
|22
|[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]
|22.2 [[Laff (TV network)|Laff]]

22.3 [[Grit (TV network)|Grit]]

22.4 [[Court TV Mystery]]

22.5 [[Dabl]]
|-
|[[KFDR]]
|25
|[[Christian Television Network|CTN]]
|25.2 [[Christian Television Network|CTNi]]

25.3 [[Christian Television Network|CTN]] ([[Standard-definition television|SD]])

25.4 [[Christian Television Network|CTN Lifestyle]]
|-
|K35OY-D
|35
|[[Azteca América|Azteca America]]
|35.2 [[Infomercial]]s

35.3 [[Infomercial]]s

35.4 [[Infomercial]]s
|-
|KGKM-LD
|36
|[[Telemundo]]
|36.2 [[Ion Television]]

36.3 [[Court TV]]

36.4 [[Defy TV]]

36.5 [[TrueReal]]

36.6 [[Newsy]]
|}

=== Radio ===
Columbia has 19 radio stations as well as stations licensed from [[Jefferson City]], [[Macon, Missouri|Macon]], and [[Lake of the Ozarks]].<ref name="radio" />

==== AM ====
*[[KFAL]] 900&nbsp;kHz • Country
*[[KWOS]] 950&nbsp;kHz • News/Talk
*[[KFRU]] 1400&nbsp;kHz • News/Talk
*[[KTGR]] 1580&nbsp;kHz • Sports ([[ESPN Radio]])
<ref name="radio">{{Cite web |title=Radio Stations in Columbia, Missouri |url=https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/locate?select=city&city=columbia+&state=MO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250417081326/https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/locate?select=city&city=columbia+&state=MO |archive-date=April 17, 2025}}</ref>

====FM====
{{Div col|small=yes}}
*[[KCOU]] 88.1&nbsp;MHz • College
*[[KOPN]] 89.5&nbsp;MHz • Public
*[[KMUC]] 90.5&nbsp;MHz • Classical
*[[KBIA]] 91.3&nbsp;MHz • News ([[NPR]])
*[[KMFC]] 92.1&nbsp;MHz • Christian ([[K-Love]])
*[[KWJK]] 93.1&nbsp;MHz • Variety (JACK FM)
*[[KSSZ]] 93.9&nbsp;MHz • News/Talk
*[[KWWR]] 95.7&nbsp;MHz • Country
*[[KCMQ]] 96.7&nbsp;MHz • Classic Rock
*[[KDVC (FM)|KDVC]] 98.3&nbsp;MHz • Classic Hits
*[[KCLR-FM|KCLR]] 99.3&nbsp;MHz • Country
*[[KPLA]] 101.5&nbsp;MHz • Variety
*[[KBXR]] 102.3&nbsp;MHz • Alternative
*[[KZZT]] 105.5&nbsp;MHz • Classic Rock
*[[KOQL]] 106.1&nbsp;MHz • Top 40
*[[KTXY]] 106.9&nbsp;MHz Top 40 
{{Div col end}}<ref name="radio" />{{Columbia MO Radio}}
{{Columbia MO TV}}

==Government and politics==
{{see also|List of mayors of Columbia, Missouri}}
[[File:Boone County Courthouse in Columbia, Missouri.jpg|thumb|The [[Boone County Courthouse (Missouri)|Boone County Courthouse]] within the Boone County Government Center|alt=Photograph of the Boone County Courthouse]]
Columbia's current government was established by a [[Statutory city (United States)|home rule charter]] adopted by voters on November 11, 1974, which established a council-manager government that invested power in the city council. The city council has seven members: six elected by each of Columbia's six [[single-member district]]s or [[ward (politics)|wards]] and an [[at-large]] member, the mayor, who is elected by all city voters. The mayor receives a $9,000 annual stipend, and the six other members receive a $6,000 annual stipend. They are elected to staggered three-year terms. As well as serving as a voting member of the city council, the mayor is recognized as the head of city government for ceremonial purposes. Chief executive authority is invested in a hired city manager, who oversees the government's day-to-day operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Columbia_Code_of_Ordinances/Chapter_99/01.html | title=Columbia Code of Ordinances | work=City of Columbia | access-date=January 1, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225210605/http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Council/Columbia_Code_of_Ordinances/Chapter_99/01.html | archive-date=December 25, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Columbia is the county seat of Boone County,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boone County |url=https://electionexcellence.org/our-community/boone-county/#:~:text=The%20county%20seat%20is%20Columbia,Interstate%2070%20running%20through%20it. |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence |language=en-US}}</ref> and houses the county court and government center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boone County Government |url=https://www.showmeboone.com/hours-location.asp |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.showmeboone.com |language=en}}</ref> The city is in [[Missouri's 4th congressional district]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alford |first=Mark |title=Mark Alford - District Map |url=https://www.congress.gov/member/district/mark-alford/A000379 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref> The 19th [[Missouri State Senate]] district covers all of Boone County.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Missouri Senate District 19 |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/elections/missouri-senate-district-19/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=Columbia Missourian |language=en}}</ref> There are five [[Missouri House of Representatives]] districts (9, 21, 23, 24, and 25) in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Missouri House of Representatives - Home |url=https://house.mo.gov/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=house.mo.gov}}</ref> The [[Columbia Police Department]] provides law enforcement across the city,<ref>{{Cite news |title=City of Columbia - Official Government Website |url=https://www.como.gov/police/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419035955/https://www.como.gov/police/ |archive-date=April 19, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-29 |work=City of Columbia Missouri |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> while the [[Columbia Fire Department]] provides fire protection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Columbia - Official Government Website |url=https://www.como.gov/fire/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250309120729/https://www.como.gov/fire/ |archive-date=March 9, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.como.gov |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[University of Missouri Police Department]] also patrols areas on and around the [[University of Missouri]] campus and has jurisdiction throughout the state.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) |url=https://mupolice.missouri.edu/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=University Police |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, the [[Boone County Sheriff's Department (Missouri)|Boone County Sheriff's Department]], the law enforcement agency for the county, regularly patrols the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boone County Government |url=https://www.boonecountymo.org/sheriff/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.boonecountymo.org |language=en}}</ref> [[The Public Service Joint Communications Center]] coordinates efforts between the two organizations as well as the [[Boone County Fire Protection District]], which operates [[Urban Search and Rescue Missouri Task Force 1]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boone County Government |url=https://www.showmeboone.com/bcjc/ |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=www.showmeboone.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:CoMo city hall front.jpg|thumb|The Daniel Boone Building houses [[City Hall (Columbia, Missouri)|Columbia's City Hall]].|alt=Photograph of Columbia’s City Hall]]
The population generally supports progressive causes, such as recycling programs and the decriminalization of cannabis<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2007/11/08/ideological-scales-look-columbias-political-landsc/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20080111151649/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2007/11/08/ideological-scales-look-columbias-political-landsc/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 11, 2008 | title=Ideological scales: A look at Columbia's political landscape | publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]] | last=Willems | first=Spencer | date=November 8, 2007 | access-date=January 1, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2005/11/10/marijuana-law-gets-new-review/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20080112054253/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2005/11/10/marijuana-law-gets-new-review/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 12, 2008 | title=Marijuana law gets new review | publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]] | last=Zagier | first=Alan Scher | date=November 10, 2005 | access-date=January 1, 2008}}</ref> both for medical and recreational use at the municipal level, though the scope of the latter of the two cannabis ordinances has since been restricted.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2006/02/21/city-council-revises-pot-ordinance/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20080112054254/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2006/02/21/city-council-revises-pot-ordinance/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 12, 2008 | title=City Council revises pot ordinance | publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]] | last=Hammes | first=Joanie |date=February 21, 2006 | access-date=January 1, 2008}}</ref> The city is one of only four in the state to offer medical benefits to same-sex partners of city employees.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2006/12/19/council-oks-benefits-for-domestic-partners/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20080112054304/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2006/12/19/council-oks-benefits-for-domestic-partners/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 12, 2008 | title=Council Oks Benefits for Domestic Partners | publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]] | last=Salazar | first=Anne | date=December 19, 2006 | access-date=January 1, 2008}}</ref> The new health plan extends health benefits to unmarried heterosexual domestic partners of city employees.

On October 10, 2006, the city council approved an ordinance to prohibit smoking in public places, including restaurants and bars. The ordinance was passed over protest, and several amendments to the ordinance reflect this.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2006/10/10/smoking-ban-passes/ | title=Smoking Ban Passes | publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]] | date=October 10, 2006 | access-date=January 1, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120727065323/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2006/10/10/smoking-ban-passes/ | archive-date=July 27, 2012 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Over half of residents possess at least a bachelor's degree,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=Columbia&_cityTown=Columbia&_state=04000US29&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010 | title=American Factfinder Columbia, Missouri | work=[[United States Census Bureau]] | access-date=January 1, 2008 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20200211180209/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ACSSAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=Columbia&_cityTown=Columbia&_state=04000US29&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010 | archive-date=February 11, 2020 | url-status=dead }}</ref> while over a quarter hold a graduate degree.<ref name="rkmnym">{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/top25s/educated.html |title=Money's best places to live – most educated |work=[[Money Magazine]] |access-date=January 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511115112/https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/top25s/educated.html |archive-date=May 11, 2012 }}</ref> Columbia is the 13th most-highly educated municipality in the United States.<ref name = "rkmnym"/>

In February 2024, the Columbia City Council voted to legally make and declare the entire city a safe haven for transgender people and cisgender homosexuals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/02/this-city-just-declared-itself-a-safe-haven-for-lgbtq-people/ | title=This city just declared itself a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people | date=February 22, 2024 }}</ref>

==Education==
Almost all of the Columbia city limits, and much of the surrounding area, lie within the [[Columbia Public Schools|Columbia Public School District]].<ref name=CensusSchoolMap2020Boone>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st29_mo/schooldistrict_maps/c29019_boone/DC20SD_C29019.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Boone County, MO|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2023-07-19}}</ref> The district enrolled more than 18,000 students and had a budget of $281 million for the 2019–20 school year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cpsk12.org/cms/lib/MO01909752/Centricity/Domain/84/2019-20%20Budget.pdf|title=Columbia Public Schools 2019-20 Budget|work=[[Columbia Public Schools]]|access-date=January 3, 2020|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712170634/https://www.cpsk12.org/cms/lib/MO01909752/Centricity/Domain/84/2019-20%20Budget.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

95.4% of adults age 25 and older in the city have a high school diploma.<ref name=":0" /> In 2022, [[Columbia Public Schools]] recorded a 67.7% attendance rate, lower than the state average of 76.2%.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abovyan |first=Kristina |date=July 19, 2023 |title=CPS records the lowest attendance rate among students in a decade |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/cps-records-the-lowest-attendance-rate-among-students-in-a-decade/article_e389c9f6-25fd-11ee-a595-d7e3cdcb452f.html |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=www.columbiamissourian.com}}</ref> Last year's graduation rate for the class of 2022 was 90%, while the class of 2021's graduation rate was reported at 89%. According to statewide numbers for 2022, Missouri's overall graduation rate was 91.16%.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Landwehr |first=Abby |date=May 20, 2023 |title=Over 1,300 seniors graduate from Columbia Public Schools |url=https://abc17news.com/news/education/2023/05/20/over-1300-seniors-graduate-from-columbia-public-schools/#:~:text=Also%20according%20to%20that%20plan,rate%20was%20reported%20at%2089%25. |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=abc17news.com}}</ref> The Columbia school district operates four public high schools which cover grades 9–12: [[David H. Hickman High School]], [[Rock Bridge High School]], [[Muriel Battle High School]], and [[Frederick Douglass High School (Missouri)|Frederick Douglass High School]]. Rock Bridge is one of two Missouri high schools to receive a silver medal by ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]'', putting it in the Top 3% of all high schools in the nation.<ref name="rank">{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/Dec/20071203News005.asp | archive-url=https://archive.today/20071208015917/http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/Dec/20071203News005.asp | url-status=dead | archive-date=December 8, 2007 | title=Rock Bridge gains national recognition | work=[[Columbia Daily Tribune]] | last=Heavin | first=Janese | date=December 3, 2007 | access-date=January 9, 2008}}</ref> Hickman has been on [[Newsweek]] magazine's list of Top 1,300 schools in the country for the past three years and has more named presidential scholars than any other public high school in the US.<ref name="rank" /> There are also several private high schools located in the city, including [[Christian Fellowship School]], [[Columbia Independent School]], [[Heritage Academy (Columbia, Missouri)|Heritage Academy]], Christian Chapel Academy, and [[Tolton High School]].<ref name="CDT1">{{cite web| last =Braden| first =Jonathon| title =Catholic high has a name as donations still sought| url =http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/oct/03/catholic-high-has-a-name-as-donations-still-sought/| access-date =10 March 2009| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120307080646/http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2009/oct/03/catholic-high-has-a-name-as-donations-still-sought/| archive-date =March 7, 2012| df =mdy-all}}</ref>

CPS also manages seven middle schools: Jefferson, West, Oakland, Gentry, Smithton, Lange, and John Warner.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MIDDLE Schools - Columbia Public Schools |url=https://www.cpsk12.org/middle-schools |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.cpsk12.org |language=en-US}}</ref> John Warner Middle School first opened for the 2020/21 school year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bower |first=Julia |date=2020-07-12 |title=John Warner Middle School set to open with latest in technology and security |url=https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/john-warner-middle-school-set-to-open-with-latest-in-technology-and-security/article_96bb8c62-c382-11ea-8e4d-b7e63336f170.html |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=Columbia Missourian |language=en}}</ref>

A very small portion of the city limits is in [[Hallsville R-IV School District]].<!--From ID number 13560--><ref name=CensusSchoolMap2020Boone/> The sole high school of that district is [[Hallsville High School (Missouri)|Hallsville High School]].

The [[United States census]] estimated that 55.3% of adults ages 25 and up in Columbia hold a bachelor's degree or higher.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Columbia city, Missouri |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/columbiacitymissouri/AGE295222 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref> While only 31.2% of Missourians hold a bachelor's degree.<ref>{{Cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Missouri |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/MO/PST045223 |access-date=2024-02-11 |website=www.census.gov |language=en}}</ref>

The city has three institutions of higher education: the University of Missouri, [[Stephens College]], and [[Columbia College (Columbia, Missouri)|Columbia College]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schools and Colleges |url=https://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/index.asp?search=1&State=MO&city=Columbia&zipcode=&miles=&itemname=&College=1&CS=E7149D66 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=nces.ed.gov}}</ref> all of which surround Downtown Columbia. The city is the headquarters of the University of Missouri System,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contact Information {{!}} University of Missouri System |url=https://www.umsystem.edu/president/contact |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.umsystem.edu}}</ref> which operates campuses in [[University of Missouri–St. Louis|St. Louis]], [[University of Missouri–Kansas City|Kansas City]], and [[Missouri University of Science and Technology|Rolla]]. [[Moberly Area Community College]], [[Central Methodist University]], and [[William Woods University]], as well as satellite campuses in Columbia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About the University of Missouri System {{!}} University of Missouri System |url=https://www.umsystem.edu/about-us |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=www.umsystem.edu}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

===Transportation===
The [[Columbia Transit]] provides public bus and para-transit service, and is owned and operated by the city. In 2008, 1,414,400 passengers boarded along the system's six fixed routes and nine [[University of Missouri]] shuttle routes, and 27,000 boarded the Para-transit service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Transportation/about-transit.php|title=Home - Public Works|website=Public Works|access-date=June 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115211039/http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Transportation/about-transit.php|archive-date=January 15, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The system is constantly experiencing growth in service and technology. A $3.5 million project to renovate and expand the Wabash Station, a rail depot built in 1910 and converted into the city's transit center in the mid-1980s, was completed in summer of 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2007/10/17/moving-greyhound-services-wabash-still-major-goal-/ | archive-url=https://archive.today/20080202084514/http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2007/10/17/moving-greyhound-services-wabash-still-major-goal-/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 2, 2008 | title=Moving Greyhound services to Wabash still a major goal for City Council | publisher=[[Columbia Missourian]] | last=Latzko | first=Laura | date=October 17, 2007 | access-date=January 9, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Transportation/wabash-station.php | title=Historic Wabash Station Renovation | work=Columbia Public Works | access-date=July 19, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317012225/http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Transportation/wabash-station.php | archive-date=March 17, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2007, a Transit Master Plan was created to address the future transit needs of the city and county with a comprehensive plan to add infrastructure in three key phases. The five to 15-year plan intends to add service along the southwest, southeast and northeast sections of Columbia and develop alternative transportation models for Boone County.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/PublicWorks/Transportation/documents/transitmasterplan2007.pdf |title=COMO Connect |publisher=Gocolumbiamo.com |date=2015-03-30 |access-date=2016-03-22 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The city is served by [[Columbia Regional Airport]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Columbia Regional Airport |url=https://www.flycou.com/ |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=FlyCOU}}</ref> The closest rail station is [[Jefferson City station]], in the state capital [[Jefferson City]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jefferson City, MO (JEF) {{!}} Amtrak |url=https://www.amtrak.com/stations/jef |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.amtrak.com |language=en}}</ref>

Columbia is also known for its [[MKT Trail]], a spur of the [[Katy Trail State Park]], which allows foot and bike traffic across the city, and, conceivably, the state. It consists of a soft gravel surface for running and biking. Columbia also is preparing to embark on construction of several new bike paths and street bike lanes thanks to a $25 million grant from the federal government.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.pednet.org/newsFederalAward.html | title=$25 Million of Federal Funding for Columbia's Bike/Ped Network | publisher=PedNet Coalition | date=July 28, 2005 | access-date=January 1, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080222064635/http://www.pednet.org/newsFederalAward.html |archive-date = February 22, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The city is also served by [[United Airlines]] and [[American Airlines]] at the [[Columbia Regional Airport]], the only commercial airport in mid-Missouri.<ref name=":1" />

[[Interstate 70 in Missouri|I-70]] (concurrent with [[U.S. Route 40 (Missouri)|US 40]]) and [[U.S. Route 63#Missouri|US 63]] are the two main freeways used for travel to and from Columbia. Within the city, there are also three state highways: [[Missouri Route 763|Routes 763]] (Rangeline Street & College Avenue), [[Missouri Route 163|163]] (Providence Road), and [[Missouri Route 740|740]] (Stadium Boulevard).<ref>{{Cite web |title=MoDOT Routes |url=https://www.como.gov/public-works/street-division/comosnow/modot-routes/ |access-date=April 30, 2025 |website=Columbia Missouri - Official Government Website}}</ref>

Rail service is provided by the city-owned [[Columbia Terminal Railroad]] (COLT), which runs from the north side of Columbia to [[Centralia, Missouri|Centralia]] and a connection to the [[Norfolk Southern Railway]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Columbia - Official Government Website |url=https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-colt-railroad/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330020645/https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbia-colt-railroad/ |archive-date=March 30, 2025 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.como.gov |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Health systems===
[[File:Muhospital.JPG|thumb|The [[University of Missouri Hospital]] is the main hospital of the [[University of Missouri Health Care|MU Health Care System]], and the largest hospital in Columbia.|alt=Photograph of the University of Missouri Hospital]]

Health care is a big part of Columbia's economy, with nearly one in six people working in a health-care related profession<ref name = "yhxnoz">{{cite web | url=http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/OurTown/071.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203202556/http://www.columbiatribune.com/2007/OurTown/071.asp | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 3, 2008 | title=Hospitals offer a vital indicator of fiscal health | publisher=[[Columbia Daily Tribune]] | date=June 17, 2007 | access-date=January 8, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.avapl.org/training/Columbia/columbia.htm | title=The Columbia Area | publisher=Missouri Health Sciences Psychology Consortium | access-date=January 9, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080220185630/http://www.avapl.org/training/Columbia/columbia.htm |archive-date = February 20, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a physician density that is about three times the United States average.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academyhealth.org/2006/612/arahoa.ppt |format=PPT |title=Physician Migration to the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia |publisher=Academy Health |access-date=January 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910085314/http://www.academyhealth.org/2006/612/arahoa.ppt |archive-date=September 10, 2008 }}</ref><ref name = "zqxfvy">{{cite web | url=http://chamber.columbia.mo.us/community/profile.asp?Medical | title=Community Profile | publisher=Columbia Chamber of Commerce | access-date=January 9, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080203135323/http://chamber.columbia.mo.us/community/profile.asp?Medical |archive-date = February 3, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The city's hospitals and supporting facilities are a large referral center for the state, and medical related trips to the city are common.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://chamber.columbia.mo.us/community/healthcare.asp?HealthCare | title=Health Care | publisher=Columbia Chamber of Commerce | access-date=January 8, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080209060946/http://chamber.columbia.mo.us/community/healthcare.asp?HealthCare |archive-date = February 9, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are three hospital systems within the city and five hospitals with a total of 1,105 beds.<ref name = "yhxnoz"/><ref name = "zqxfvy"/>

[[File:Boone hospital main.jpg|thumb|[[Boone Hospital Center]] is the second largest hospital in Columbia, and the largest private hospital in Boone County.|alt=Photograph of Boone Hospital Center from a parking lot]]

The [[University of Missouri Health Care]] operates three hospitals in Columbia: the [[University of Missouri Hospital]], the [[University of Missouri Women's and Children's Hospital]] (formerly Columbia Regional Hospital), and the [[Ellis Fischel Cancer Center]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Locations {{!}} MU Health Care |url=https://www.muhealth.org/locations |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=www.muhealth.org}}</ref> [[Boone Hospital Center]] was administered by [[Barnes-Jewish Hospital|BJC Healthcare]], but separated in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-01 |title=Boone Health Becomes Independent Health Care Provider - Boone Health |url=https://boone.health/about-us/boone-health-becomes-independent-health-care-provider/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital]], adjacent to University Hospital, is administered by the [[United States Department of Veterans Affairs]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-25 |title=Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital {{!}} VA Columbia Missouri health care |url=https://www.va.gov/columbia-missouri-health-care/locations/harry-s-truman-memorial-veterans-hospital/ |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=Veterans Affairs |language=en}}</ref>

There are a large number of medical-related industries in Columbia. The [[University of Missouri School of Medicine]] uses university-owned facilities as teaching hospitals. The [[University of Missouri Research Reactor Center]] is the largest research reactor in the United States and produces [[radioisotopes]] used in nuclear medicine.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.missourilifesciences.org/location.php?id=9 | title=Universities | publisher=The Missouri Life Sciences Project | access-date=January 8, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070808033347/http://www.missourilifesciences.org/location.php?id=9 |archive-date = August 8, 2007}}</ref> The center serves as the sole supplier of the active ingredients in two [[U.S. Food and Drug Administration]]-approved [[radiopharmaceuticals]] and produces [[Fluorine-18]] used in [[PET imaging]] with its [[cyclotron]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://research.missouri.edu/news/stories/061124_murr.htm | title=MU Research Reactor Submits 20-year License Renewal Application | publisher=MU News Bureau | date=November 24, 2006 | access-date=January 1, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217010603/http://research.missouri.edu/news/stories/061124_murr.htm | archive-date=December 17, 2007 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

==Sister cities==
In accordance with the Columbia Sister Cities Program, which operates in conjunction with [[Sister Cities International]], Columbia has been paired with five international [[sister cities]] in an attempt to foster cross-cultural understanding:<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Sister_Cities/| title=Columbia's Sister Cities| work=The City of Columbia| access-date=January 1, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928002035/http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Sister_Cities/| archive-date=September 28, 2007| df=mdy-all}}</ref>

{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-1-of-3}}
* {{flagdeco|GEO}} [[Kutaisi]], Georgia
* {{flagdeco|JPN}} [[Hakusan, Ishikawa|Hakusan]], [[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]], Japan
{{Col-2-of-3}}
* {{flagdeco|ROU}} [[Sibiu]], Romania
* {{flagdeco|ROK}} [[Suncheon]], [[South Jeolla]], South Korea
{{Col-3-of-3}}
* {{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Laoshan District|Laoshan]], [[Shandong]], China
* {{flagdeco|COL}} [[Armenia, Colombia|Armenia]], [[Quindío Department|Quindío]], Colombia
{{Col-end}}

== See also ==
* [[List of people from Columbia, Missouri]]
* [[History of the University of Missouri]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Boone County, Missouri]]
* [[USS Columbia (SSN-771)|USS ''Columbia'' (SSN-771)]]
* [[The Big Tree]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
*[[Edwin William Stephens|Stephens, E. W.]] (1875) "History of Boone County." An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Boone County, Missouri. Philadelphia: Edwards Brothers
*{{Cite book|last=Switzler|first=William F.|date=1882|title=History of Boone County|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lns_AAAAYAAJ&q=History+of+BOone+County,+Missouri|location=[[St. Louis|St. Louis, Missouri]]|publisher=Western Historical Company|page=|oclc=2881554|author-link=William Franklin Switzler}}
*{{Cite book|last=Gentry|first=North Todd|author-link=North Todd Gentry|title=The Bench and Bar of Boone County: Including the History of Judges, Lawyers, and Courts, and an Account of Noted Cases, Slavery Litigation, Lawyers in War Times, Public Addresses, Political Notes, Etc|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k1kWAAAAYAAJ|date=1916|publisher=[[E.W. Stephens Publishing Company]]|oclc=205808}}
*{{Cite book|last=Havig|first=Alan R.|title=From southern village to Midwestern city : an illustrated history of Columbia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ji7hAAAACAAJ|date=1984|publisher=Windsor Publications|location=[[Woodland Hills, California]]|isbn=9780897811385}}
*{{Cite book|last=Crighton|first=John C.|title=A History of Columbia and Boone County|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_jfnGAAACAAJ|date=1987|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=Computer Color-Graphics|oclc=16960014}}
*Sapp, David (2000) "Boone County Chronicles" Columbia: [[Boone County Historical Society]]
* Brownlee, Richard S. 1956 The Big Moniteau Bluff Pictographs in Boone County, MO. Missouri Archaeologist 18(4): 49–54
*{{cite book|last=Paten|first=Marty|title=The Columbia Branch Railroad: A Chronological History of the Short Line Railroad from Centralia, Missouri to Columbia, Missouri|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OFSIMwEACAAJ|date=2012|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=HAGR Publishing|isbn=978-0-615-52810-6}}
*{{Cite book|last=Daniels|first=Francis Potter|title=The Flora of Columbia, Missouri and Vicinity: An Ecological and Systematic Study of a Local Flora|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lLUYAAAAYAAJ|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=[[University of Missouri]]|date=1907|oclc=69404603}}
*{{Cite book|author1=Hunt, Doug|title=The Lynching of James Scott and the Trial of George Barkwell|page=|year=2010|publisher=The author |isbn=9781453611852|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Be2dSgAACAAJ}}
*{{Cite book|author1=Hunt, Doug|title=Black and White Justice in Little Dixie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AS7ytgAACAAJ|page=|year=2010|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |isbn=9781460911037}}
*{{Cite book|author1=Batterson, Jack A.|title=Blind Boone, Missouri's Ragtime Pioneer|page=|year=1998|publisher=[[University of Missouri Press]]|location=Columbia, Missouri|isbn=0826211984|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uSSey_EChjoC}}
*{{cite book|last=Stephens|first=Frank F.|date=1965|title=History of the Missouri Methodist Church|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=[[Missouri United Methodist Church]]|page=|isbn= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5BrrAAAAMAAJ|oclc=1144689380|author-link=}}
*{{cite book|last=Dains|first=Mary K.|date=1996|title=Guided by the Hand of God: The History of First Christian Church Columbia, MIssouri 1832-1996|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=[[First Christian Church (Columbia, Missouri)|First Christian Church]]|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PQLnAAAAMAAJ|isbn=}}
*{{cite book|last=Batterson|first=Paulina A.|title=Columbia College: 150 Years of Courage, Commitment, and Change|date=2001|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4HTGLLZjCJcC|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=[[University of Missouri Press]]|isbn=9780826213242}}
*{{cite book|last=Hale|first=Allean Lemmon|title=Petticoat Pioneer: The Christian College Story 1851-1951|date=1956|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2cRPAQAAMAAJ|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=Artcraft Press|isbn=}}
*{{cite book|last=Crighton|first=John Clarke|title=Stephens: A Story of Educational Innovation|date=1970|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R2o8AAAAIAAJ|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=American Press|isbn=}}
*{{cite book|last=Stephens|first=Frank Fletcher|title=A History of the University of Missouri|year=1962|publisher=[[University of Missouri Press]]|location=Columbia, Missouri|isbn=9781258386566|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CkhXAAAAMAAJ}}
*{{cite book|last=Olsen|first=James and Vera|year=1988|title=The University of Missouri An Illustrated History|location=Columbia, Missouri|publisher=[[University of Missouri Press]]|page=|isbn=9780826206787|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OTWfAAAAMAAJ}}
*Viles, Jonas The University of Missouri, 1839–1939, [[E.W. Stephens Publishing Company]]
*{{Cite book|author1=[[Michael J. Budds|Budds, Michael]]|title=100 Years of Music-Making at Mizzou|year=2018|publisher=[[University of Missouri School of Music]]|location=Columbia, Missouri|isbn=9780692987322|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8ayRswEACAAJ|ref={{sfnRef|Budds|2018}}}}
*{{Cite book|author1=[[Elmer Ellis|Ellis, Elmer]]|title=My Road to Emeritus|year=1989|publisher=[[State Historical Society of Missouri]]|location=Columbia, Missouri|isbn=0962289116|url=}}
*{{Cite book|last=Quarles|first=James Thomas|author-link=James Thomas Quarles|title=University of Missouri Songs|year=1924|edition=1|publisher=Curators of the University of Missouri|location=Columbia, Missouri|oclc=19229550}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|voy=Columbia (Missouri)|Columbia, Missouri}}
* [http://www.como.gov Official city government website]
* [http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.columbiamochamber.com Columbia Chamber of Commerce]
* Historic maps of Columbia in the [http://dl.mospace.umsystem.edu/mu/islandora/object/mu%3A138760 Sanborn Maps of Missouri Collection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023064521/http://dl.mospace.umsystem.edu/mu/islandora/object/mu:138760 |date=October 23, 2017 }} at the [[University of Missouri]]

{{Columbia, Missouri}}
{{Missouri county seats}}
{{Boone County, Missouri}}
{{Missouri}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:Columbia, Missouri| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Missouri]]
[[Category:Cities in Boone County, Missouri]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1821]]
[[Category:County seats in Missouri]]
[[Category:Columbia metropolitan area (Missouri)]]
[[Category:Busking venues]]
[[Category:Academic enclaves]]
[[Category:1821 establishments in Missouri]]