Columbia, Missouri is a city of about 102,000 people located 70 miles east of St. Louis. Columbia is a beautiful city with a warm and humid summer, and a cold winter. Snowfall averages 26 inches in an average winter. The population of Columbia is very well-educated, and about half of the residents has a bachelor's degree. The city has won many awards, and is currently ranked among the top 100 best places to live by Money magazine. Columbia is a very educated and cosmopolitan city, and anyone moving to Columbia will find it to be filled with hospitality and pride.
Economy:
The median family income in Columbia is slightly lower than the state average. The cost of living is lower than the national average. The unemployment rate in Columbia is significantly lower than the national average, and is currently just 5.7 percent. Columbia's economy is based in education, healthcare and in the insurance industry. Insurance headquarters located there include Shelter Insurance and the Columbia Insurance Group. Other companies located there include Slackers CDs and Games, Carfax and DataStream Technologies Inc. MBS Textbook Exchange is the largest employer in Columbia.
History:
Once inhabited by mound builders, Columbia began in 1818 when the Smithson Company bought 2,000 acres of land about one mile north of where Columbia sits today. A small settlement was established, but because of the lack of water, the community moved to the current location and renamed the town Columbia. The community benefited from the Santa Fe and Oregon Trail, and then from the arrival of the railroad. When the town was incorporated in 1821, land was set aside for a state university, and soon, more educational institutions were being planned. In 1822 the first hospital was built. In 1855 the first agricultural fair was held. Columbia was on its way to becoming the wealthiest county in the state. The city was untouched by the Civil war. Missouri remained a part of the union, and Columbia was a base for union troops during the war. As time went on, Columbia became a center for both education and for insurance centers.
Tourism:
In September, the Heritage Festival has tours, live entertainment and food. The first weekend in June features the Art in the Park festival featuring fine arts of all types. In mid-July, the Boone County Fair is held in Columbia. In May, there is the Inside Columbia Wine and Food Festival. In June, enjoy the John William ‘Blind' Boone Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival. Also in June is the Summer Music Festival. Columbia is home to many museums, art galleries and historical tours. Outdoor activities of all kinds are available in and around Columbia in its many state and local parks. The Columbia Audubon Society Trailside Museum has exhibits of all types of bird and mammal habitats and more. There are many other museums of all types around the area.