Median Income
$95,000
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$112,500
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
300/100K
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.0%
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Columbus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population47
Median Age52.9 yrs
Density174/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans37.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$95,000
Per Capita$83,249
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$293M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,500
Ownership96.2%
Zillow$255,872
Housing Units126
Rent Burden15.6%
Crime
F
Violent300/100K
Property2,402/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking13.3%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation1,932 ft (589 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.0%
High School+97.3%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score5.42
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 12%
Commute21 min
Broadband26.0%
Libraries1
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, affordable housing. 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 $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbus is $112,500, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Columbus is below the national average at 300 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,402 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
Education
27.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Columbus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Columbus has a population of 47 with a density of 174 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 52.9 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 37.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.9yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.7%
50% below US avg
The median household income in Columbus is $95,000, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $83,249 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,329. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,000 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $83,249 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,329 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,079 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $293M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Columbus is $112,500, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,872, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 126 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1940. 15.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,500 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $255,872 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.8% |
| Housing Units | 126 |
| Median Year Built | 1940 |
Property Tax
In Columbus, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.1% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Columbus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,189/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 12.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,402 per 100,000, 23% above the U.S. average. Overall, Columbus receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Columbus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 300.3/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,402.4/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,932 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.2°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,932 ft (589 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 174/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.9050°N, 102.7812°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Burke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Williston Basin International (XWA)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.51 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 28, 2012.
| Nov 11, 1998 |
10 km SW of Grenora, North Dakota |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Sep 28, 2012 |
22 km ESE of Williston, North Dakota |
M3.3 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
108 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1955 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2010 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1950 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1976 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1962 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1953 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2024 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2009 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2007 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2003 |
EF1 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2001 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF1 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1990 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1990 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE (67,150 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WILLIAMS CO WILDLAND FIRE |
67,150 |
67 km |
| 2015 |
LOSTWOOD WILDERNESS 2015 |
6,837 |
37 km |
| 2005 |
H RX 05 WILD |
5,644 |
36 km |
| 1986 |
WILDERNESS |
5,615 |
36 km |
| 1997 |
WILDERNESS |
5,556 |
36 km |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
64 km |
| 2015 |
RIDGE ROAD |
3,390 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
CHARLSON |
3,055 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
LOSTWOOD NON-NFP |
2,769 |
41 km |
| 2021 |
13 MILE FIRE |
2,585 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
HB 35 |
2,164 |
52 km |
| 2023 |
NDLWR-HFR-FY23-RX-ASPEN |
2,074 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
NDLWR FY17 RX CENTRAL CORE |
1,899 |
40 km |
| 2016 |
LWR WUI RX FESCUE 2016 |
1,802 |
43 km |
| 1993 |
KRUSES |
1,802 |
43 km |
| 1990 |
KRUSES |
1,619 |
43 km |
| 1986 |
KRUSES |
1,615 |
43 km |
| 1996 |
KRUSES |
1,516 |
44 km |
| 2003 |
KRUSE |
1,507 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
TEAL |
1,470 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Columbus has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 7°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $937 |
| Toddler | $855 |
| Preschool | $793 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $654 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbus
What is the population of Columbus?
Columbus has a population of 47 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 174 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Columbus expensive to live in?
Columbus is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,500 (60% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, 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 300 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,402 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 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
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 $1,329. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $112,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $255,872. The homeownership rate is 96.2%.
How are the schools in Columbus?
Schools in Columbus score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.0% of adults in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.3% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbus?
The obesity rate in Columbus is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 12.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbus is 100% White. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 37.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.3% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
