Based on the historical population data provided for the ZIP code 62236, which corresponds to Columbia in Illinois, the area has experienced consistent population growth over the past decade. The population increased from 13,227 in 2010 to 15,648 in 2022, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 18.3 percent during this period. Consequently, the population density has also increased from 216.34 people per square mile in 2010 to 255.94 people per square mile in 2022.

Given the ZIP code's size of 61.14 square miles and the 2022 population density of 255.94 people per square mile, the area can be classified as rural. Rural areas typically have population densities between 50 and 500 people per square mile and feature larger living spaces, ranging from 1 to 5 acres per household. The lifestyle in rural areas is generally community-oriented, often centered around local schools and small businesses, with activities such as hobby farming, horse ownership, and significant outdoor activities.

The estimated number of housing units corresponding to the 2022 population is 5,995, based on the national average household size of 2.61 people per household. This suggests that the area has a relatively low housing density, which is consistent with the characteristics of a rural area.