Median Income
$67,212
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$198,900
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
120/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.3%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$871
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.9%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Columbus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population24,188
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density2,275/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,212
Per Capita$35,400
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$3,864M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$198,900
Rent$871
Ownership66.8%
Zillow$262,949
Housing Units10,027
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
F
Violent120/100K
Property1,534/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault56/100K
Burglary162/100K
Health
Obesity42.9%
Uninsured14.0%
Smoking14.6%
Depression16.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.7 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,446 ft (441 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.3%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute14 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations8
Libraries2
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbus receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. 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 $67,212, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbus is $198,900, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Columbus is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,534 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Columbus experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.7 inches, including 25.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Columbus has a population of 24,188 with a density of 2,275 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (75.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.2% of residents, while 20.8% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.2%
1% above US avg
Spanish
20.8%
55% above US avg
The median household income in Columbus is $67,212, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,400. The average weekly wage is $1,064, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,157 business establishments, including 79 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,212 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,400 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,064 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,046 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,157 |
| County GDP | $3,864M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 150 |
| Manufacturing | 65 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,302 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Columbus is $198,900, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,949, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $871 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 10,027 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $5,302 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,900 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $262,949 |
| Median List Price | $237,475 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $237,475 |
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 14 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.9% |
| Price Drops | 16.4% |
| Inventory | 73 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $871 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,527 |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.2% |
| Housing Units | 10,027 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,302 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.67% |
In Columbus, 42.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 16.7% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,317. The dentist ratio is 1:1,905. 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
5.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
142.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Columbus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.9% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 16.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 14.0% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,317 |
| Dentists | 1:1,905 |
| Mental Health | 1:427 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 55.5 per 100,000, robbery at 12.8, rape at 51.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,534 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,230, burglary at 162, vehicle theft at 141 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 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 | 119.6/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 51.3/100K |
| Robbery | 12.8/100K |
| Assault | 55.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,533.8/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| Burglary | 162.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,230.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 141.0/100K |
| Arson | 4.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbus experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 308 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 28.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,446 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,446 ft (441 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,275/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4371°N, 97.3574°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Platte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.7"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 55.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| 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
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
42 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
688 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 444 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
45 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Columbus has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| 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) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| 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) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
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 |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbus
What is the population of Columbus?
Columbus has a population of 24,188 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,275 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Columbus expensive to live in?
Columbus is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,212, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $198,900 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, 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 120 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,534 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.7 inches, with 25.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Columbus?
The job market in Columbus is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,064. There are 1,157 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $198,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,949. For renters, the median monthly rent is $871. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,302.
How are the schools in Columbus?
Schools in Columbus score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.3% of adults in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbus?
The obesity rate in Columbus is 42.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 16.7% of residents report depression. 14.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,317.
What is transportation like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbus is 75.3% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 79.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.8% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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