Median Income
$31,875
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$49,000
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
223/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.9%
97% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
2% lower than US avg
How Columbus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population120
Median Age58.6 yrs
Density375/mi²
Male / Female33% / 68%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$31,875
Per Capita$23,259
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty12.1%
County GDP$426M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$49,000
Ownership93.7%
Zillow$93,344
Housing Units101
Rent Burden31.1%
Crime
F
Violent223/100K
Property894/100K
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation428 ft (130 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+0.9%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 23%
Commute16 min
Broadband63.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbus receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Columbus has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbus is $31,875, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbus is $49,000, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Columbus is below the national average at 223 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 894 per 100,000, 54% below the national average.
Education
0.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Columbus enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Columbus has a population of 120 with a density of 375 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 58.6 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 67.5% female and 32.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 4.2% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.6yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Columbus is $31,875, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,259 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $811, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 402 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,875 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,259 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $811 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,273 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 402 |
| County GDP | $426M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,356 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Columbus is $49,000, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $93,344, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 101 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $2,356 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $49,000 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $93,344 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.3% |
| Housing Units | 101 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,356 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.81% |
In Columbus, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,269. The dentist ratio is 1:3,896. 81.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Columbus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:6,269 |
| Dentists | 1:3,896 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,689 |
| Dental Visits | 61.6% |
| Premature Death | 14,665/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 894 per 100,000, 54% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Columbus receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Columbus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 223.4/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 893.5/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbus enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 428 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 428 ft (130 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.7598°N, 89.1019°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mississippi County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cairo Regional (CIR)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
372 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
63 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
68 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
68 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
139 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
76 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
16 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
31 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
71 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
23 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
84 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
20 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
14 km |
| Jun 15, 2004 |
3 km S of Canalou, Missouri |
M3.5 |
52 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 132 fatalities, 1,399 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
31 km |
57 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
57 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
75 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
43 km |
3 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
6 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
80 km |
16 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRANKLIN CREEK RX (2,828 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FRANKLIN CREEK RX |
2,828 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,286 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,282 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
BEATTY BRANCH RX |
1,396 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
LBL - NWDA UNIT 3 RX |
1,187 |
93 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,167 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
ROCKY BRANCH RX |
1,033 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
60 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
917 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
PLEASANT VALLEY RX |
899 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
CLAY CREEK |
896 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Columbus has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 36°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Columbus. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbus
What is the population of Columbus?
Columbus has a population of 120 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 375 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 67.5% female and 32.5% male.
Is Columbus expensive to live in?
Columbus is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $31,875, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $49,000 (83% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Columbus safe?
Columbus is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 223 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 894 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Columbus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Columbus?
Columbus enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Columbus?
The job market in Columbus is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $811. There are 402 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $49,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $93,344. The homeownership rate is 93.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,356.
How are the schools in Columbus?
Schools in Columbus score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.9% of adults in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbus?
The obesity rate in Columbus is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 81.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,269.
What is transportation like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbus is 90.8% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 25.5% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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