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West Columbia

West Columbia

Located in Brazoria County

$270,903 Average Value
$152 Average Price per Sq Ft
84 Homes For Sale
About 4,000 people live in this community south of Houston.
About 4,000 people live in this community south of Houston.

West Columbia goes from Texas capital to growing small town

In the 1830s, the young Republic of Texas made Columbia its first capital. The city, now called West Columbia, is no longer the state’s center of government, but it is situated in the heart of Brazoria County’s industrial economy. Nearby plants employ thousands of people, and jobs draw many buyers to this community south of Houston. West Columbia’s growth has corresponded with recent investments in the community’s housing sector and high school.

Homes prices, HOA fees and taxes in West Columbia

Hundreds of homes have been built here since 2022. More are on the way, says Cherry Leal, a West Columbia resident who is an agent and owner at Cornerstone Realtors. “[It’s mostly] infill growth, but, within a year or two, we have some new subdivisions slated to move in.” Homes usually sell from the mid-$100,000s to the upper $400,000s. In most areas of West Columbia, there are no homeowner’s associations or related fees, but a notable exception is Columbia Lakes, which charges $600 in annual HOA dues. It’s also important to know that the City of West Columbia and Brazoria County each collect property taxes, so, if you’re living in the city limits, you’ll receive higher tax bills.

West Columbia showcases charming ranch-style homes.
West Columbia showcases charming ranch-style homes.
Ranch-style houses with large lots provide ample outdoor space for gardening and recreation.
Ranch-style houses with large lots provide ample outdoor space for gardening and recreation.
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Industrial and health care jobs in Brazoria County

You don’t have to go far to encounter one of the region’s chemical plants, Leal says. “Literally 30 minutes in about every direction, there’s a major plant. Between the mild weather and good jobs that are able to go on year-round, that has provided economic stability.” Employers within 15 miles of West Columbia include:

  • Brazoria County government, which has almost 1,500 employees and is based out of the county seat of Angleton
  • Phillips 66, which operates a refinery in Old Ocean with roughly 1,000 workers
  • The University of Texas Medical Branch, which employs about 700 employees at its Angleton Danbury Campus
  • Chevron Phillips Chemical, which employs more than 600 people at a plant in Sweeny

Exploring West Columbia’s role in Texas history

As a 200-year-old community that served as Texas’ first seat of government, West Columbia is full of history. You can explore the city’s past at spots such as:

  • Capitol of Texas Park, which stands on the site of the Republic of Texas’s first capitol building and recounts Columbia’s role in Texas history
  • Columbia Historical Museum, home to artifacts from the city’s days as the first Texas capital
  • Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, where you can take a tour of an 1830s home and learn about the history of the plantation’s enslaved workforce and sugarcane production
Of course, not everything in West Columbia revolves around history. At First Capitol Park, people fish from the pond and go swimming at the public pool, which is open from May to August. West Columbia Girls Softball Association teams play on the park’s three ball fields. In April, the West Columbia Chamber of Commerce puts on the San Jacinto Festival. An annual tradition for more than 70 years, the festival is named for the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution that was fought 70 miles away. But the only battles at this downtown event are a barbecue cook-off and a cornhole tournament. Along East Brazos Avenue, the same street where the festival takes place, there are several locally owned restaurants. Republic BBQ slow smokes brisket, and Taqueria La Rosa serves hippo tacos, a type of breakfast taco popular in Brazoria County since the 1970s.

There are several parks in West Columbia open to the public.
There are several parks in West Columbia open to the public.
West Columbia's historical significance is evident in landmarks like the replica of the First Capitol of Texas.
West Columbia's historical significance is evident in landmarks like the replica of the First Capitol of Texas.
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Columbia High School has been around since the 1950s and recently underwent renovations.
Columbia High School has been around since the 1950s and recently underwent renovations.

School district revamps Columbia High campus

West Columbia is part of the Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District, which oversees Columbia High School. The district recently demolished and rebuilt part of the campus, including the gyms, locker rooms and library. The school also added classrooms for agriculture, health services and culinary arts programs as part of its renovation.

Taking the highway to Houston, the beach

Commuters and vacationers have several routes to take when they want a change of scenery. Texas state Highways 35 and 36 intersect in town, and Texas state Highway 288 is less than 10 miles away. The 55-mile drive to Houston lasts just over an hour during rush hour. Meanwhile, it takes 30 miles to reach Gulf Coast beach towns, such as Surfside Beach.

Flood and hurricane risk

Flood zones cover swaths of West Columbia, particularly the area around the Brazos River. Occasionally, heavy rain causes the river to overflow and water to pour into nearby homes. Even though West Columbia is about 30 miles inland of the Gulf, the community may still experience hurricane damage. For example, Hurricane Beryl toppled trees and left residents without power in 2024. Leal says hurricanes aren’t a major concern, and, when they do hit, Texas state Highways 35 and 36 provide quick evacuation routes. “We either hunker down or get out of the area.”

Alex Soderstrom
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Robert Pierce
Photography Contributed By
Robert Pierce

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Sue Cornell, an experienced agent in this area.

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Area Facts

Number of Homes
2,719
Number of Homes for Sale
84
Median Year Built
1978
Months of Supply
6.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,964
On par with the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,300
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 11
    Open Sat 11AM - 4PM

    2348 Shalmar Dr, West Columbia, TX 77486

    $339,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,521 Sq Ft
    • 2348 Shalmar Dr
    • New 21 days ago

    This home sits on a spacious corner lot. As you enter, you’re greeted by a formal area. Family room & formal dining have an open layout. Kitchen offers an impressive stretch of quartz countertop space, along w/ new built-in microwave, electric oven, & electric cooktop. In the kitchen area you’ll find a convenient washer/dryer closet w/ hookups & a generous size pantry. Primary bedrm is located

    Christina De La Torre REALM Real Estate Professionals - North Houston

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  • Saturday, Apr 11

    404 S 14th St, West Columbia, TX 77486

    $329,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,308 Sq Ft
    • 404 S 14th St
    • New 22 days ago

    Beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 2,308 sq ft of comfortable living in West Columbia, Texas. This home features a spacious layout with inviting living areas, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Step outside to enjoy the serene surroundings, where lush greenery creates a peaceful and private retreat. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or winding down in the

    Jennifer Atkins Mega Realty

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  • Saturday, Apr 11

    255 Mossy Meadow Dr, West Columbia, TX 77486

    $279,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,504 Sq Ft
    • 255 Mossy Meadow Dr
    • New 29 days ago

    Wonderfully, well maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath and 3 car garage! Open, functional, design with scenic golf course views. Inside you will find a bright and spacious floor plan. Kitchen with custom built birch and maple cabinetry, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances. Kitchen opens up to a living and dining room combo. Tiled flooring in living room and all wet areas. Fully fenced back

    Cynthia Joseph UTR TEXAS, REALTORS

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

West Columbia Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
9
Median Rent
$1,750
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,925
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,350
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,085
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,085

Demographics

Total Population
4,066
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$76,791
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$87,525

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.7%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
14.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7%
% Population in Labor Force
56.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
West Columbia