Median Income
$117,917
57% higher than US avg
Home Value
$439,200
56% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
72/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.3%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,534
32% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Columbus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,211
Median Age47.2 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$117,917
Per Capita$47,354
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$20,603M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$439,200
Rent$1,534
Ownership87.3%
Zillow$463,459
Housing Units1,661
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent72/100K
Property3,007/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking13.1%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation902 ft (275 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.3%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score6.43
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Commute28 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbus receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Columbus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbus is $117,917, which is significantly higher than the national average / 57% above $75,149. This places Columbus among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbus is $439,200, making it a premium housing market at 56% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,534 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Columbus is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the national average.
Education
29.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Columbus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches, including 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Columbus has a population of 4,211 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 47.7 square miles. The median age is 47.2 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.6%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 6.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.2yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.1%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
The median household income in Columbus is $117,917, which is 57% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,354 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,255, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,852 business establishments, including 547 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 15.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $117,917 |
| 57% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,354 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,255 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,669 |
| Gini Index | 0.388 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,852 |
| County GDP | $20,603M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 547 |
| Healthcare | 939 |
| Retail | 932 |
| Manufacturing | 541 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.4% |
The median home value in Columbus is $439,200, 56% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $463,459. Monthly rent averages $1,534 (32% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,661 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,301 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $439,200 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $463,459 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,534 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,661 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.98% |
In Columbus, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.8% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,121. The dentist ratio is 1:1,524. 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Columbus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,121 |
| Dentists | 1:1,524 |
| Mental Health | 1:433 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 71.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,214/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 94.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 939 |
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,007 per 100,000, 53% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 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 | 71.9/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,007.2/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 44.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 902 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 902 ft (275 m) |
| Area | 47.7 sq mi (123.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.2549°N, 93.1077°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Anoka County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0430 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.24 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.16 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
441 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,209 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
73 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
28 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
51 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
57 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
1 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
52 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
57 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
52 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
81 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Columbus has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 12°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $714 |
| Toddler | $613 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbus
What is the population of Columbus?
Columbus has a population of 4,211 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 47.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
Is Columbus expensive to live in?
Columbus has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $117,917, 57% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $439,200 (56% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,534 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Columbus safe?
Columbus is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 72 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,007 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Columbus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Columbus?
Columbus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches, with 44.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Columbus?
The job market in Columbus is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,255. There are 8,852 business establishments in the area, including 547 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 15.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $439,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $463,459. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,534. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,301.
How are the schools in Columbus?
Schools in Columbus score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.3% of adults in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbus?
The obesity rate in Columbus is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 94.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,121.
What is transportation like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 28 minutes. 79.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbus is 92.6% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 6.5% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
