Columbia, MO Rental Market
Columbia is home to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) — a flagship SEC research university with over 30,000 students — as well as Boone Hospital Center and University of Missouri Health Care. The classic college-town rental dynamic provides near-perpetual demand from students, faculty, and university staff. Columbia's central Missouri location and growing startup ecosystem are diversifying the economy beyond the university.
Get a rent estimate for an address in ColumbiaAverage Rent in Columbia, MO
$1,080
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — Columbia, MO Rental Market
- Average rent in Columbia, MO:$1,080/mo
- Median rent:$994/mo
- Rent range:$550 – $2,400/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$950/mo
- Active listings:580
- Avg days to lease:31 days
- Year-over-year change:+3.2%
- Median home value:$195,000
- Est. gross annual yield:6.6%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in Columbia, MO
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in Columbia.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $775/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $950/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $1,200/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $1,500/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $1,700/mo |
Columbia Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current Columbia, MO rental market.
580
Available now in Columbia
31
From list to lease
$0.85
Average across listings
1,265 sq ft
Typical rental size
$550 – $2,400
Min to max active listings
+3.2%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in Columbia, MO Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$195,000
Typical purchase price in Columbia
Est. Gross Annual Yield
6.6%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$1,080
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in Columbia for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
Columbia, MO Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in Columbia, MO.
What is the average rent in Columbia, MO?
The average rent in Columbia, MO is $1,080 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom apartments average $775/mo, two-bedrooms $950/mo, and three-bedroom homes $1,200/mo. Areas near the Mizzou campus and downtown Tiger Hotel district command above-average rents.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to invest in rental property?
Columbia, MO offers a 6.6% estimated gross annual yield anchored by the University of Missouri's 30,000+ enrollment. University-adjacent properties maintain near-zero vacancy during academic terms. The city's growing healthcare and tech sectors are adding non-student demand that diversifies the tenant base.
How competitive is the Columbia, MO rental market?
Columbia averages 31 days on market with approximately 580 active listings. The spring semester leasing window (February–April) for August move-ins is highly competitive near the Mizzou campus. Properties within walking distance of Memorial Union and downtown Broadway tend to lease months in advance.
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