North Carolina
Columbus is a small town in North Carolina with a population of 1,166. Residents earn $56,083 per year, which is 25% below the national average.
Based on current data, Columbus receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Columbus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Columbus is $56,083, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. 10.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
The median home value in Columbus is $210,100, 25% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,002 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Columbus is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,307 per 100,000, near the national average.
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Columbus enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 64.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
| English Only | 84.9% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 15.1% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $56,083 |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,139 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $891 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,337 |
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 10.9% |
| 12% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 707 |
| County GDP | $734M |
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 62 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,014 |
| 15% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.91% |
| Commute Time | 22.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
| Census Median | $210,100 |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $335,414 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,002 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Studio | $718 |
| 1 Bedroom | $722 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $925 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,109 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,014 |
| 15% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.91% |
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,657/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
| Total Property | 2,306.9/100K |
| 18% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 200.6/100K |
| Theft | 2,106.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.6°F |
| 10% above US avg | |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 64.4 inches |
| 69% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 4.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,078 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 310/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.2512°N, 82.2098°W |
| County FIPS | 37149 |
Winner: Republican by 25.2 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 22.7% |
| 33% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 84.9% |
| School Test Score | 5.15 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 310/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.8 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 2 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
| Restaurants | 57 |
| Retail Stores | 62 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 22.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |