Median Income
$24,554
67% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,400
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,065/100K
180% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$394
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
37.5%
202% higher than US avg
How Columbus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,147
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density246/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 40%
Veterans13.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$24,554
Per Capita$13,533
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty37.5%
County GDP$1,242M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$91,400
Rent$394
Ownership57.6%
Zillow$164,490
Housing Units834
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,065/100K
Property4,908/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured29.5%
Smoking14.6%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain10.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,069 ft (1,240 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+52.1%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score3.62
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Commute23 min
Broadband59.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbus receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Columbus has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbus is $24,554, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 37.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Columbus is $91,400, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $394 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,065 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,908 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Columbus enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
Columbus has a population of 1,147 with a density of 246 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.7% female and 40.3% male. The city is predominantly White (40.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 13.2% of residents, while 86.8% speak Spanish. 13.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
13.2%
83% below US avg
Spanish
86.8%
548% above US avg
The median household income in Columbus is $24,554, which is 67% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,533 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 37.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 561 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,554 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,533 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $38,791 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 37.5% |
| 202% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 561 |
| County GDP | $1,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 62 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,940 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.0% |
The median home value in Columbus is $91,400, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,490, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $394 (66% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $927 for a one-bedroom to $1,129 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 834 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $1,940 (lower 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 | $91,400 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,490 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $394 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $828 |
| 1 Bedroom | $927 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,129 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,496 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,758 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.4% |
| Housing Units | 834 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,940 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.12% |
In Columbus, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 13.5% report binge drinking. 34.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 29.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,383. The dentist ratio is 1:2,575. 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Columbus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 4.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.8% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 29.5% |
| 243% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,383 |
| Dentists | 1:2,575 |
| Mental Health | 1:603 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.2% |
| Dental Visits | 49.2% |
| Premature Death | 13,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 1,065 per 100,000 residents, 180% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,908 per 100,000, 150% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 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 | 1,065.4/100K |
| 180% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,907.9/100K |
| 150% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| 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 65°F (18°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 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 10.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. The city sits at an elevation of 4,069 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.8°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,069 ft (1,240 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 246/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.8274°N, 107.6423°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Luna County County |
| Nearest Airport | Las Cruces International (LRU)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.3"
73% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.05"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Mar 29, 2024.
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.9 |
57 km |
| Aug 5, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Animas, New Mexico |
M3.6 |
101 km |
| Apr 22, 2020 |
28 km SSW of Rodeo, New Mexico |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
51 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Aug 12, 2021 |
21 km SSW of Playas, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Aug 5, 2021 |
37 km SSW of Playas, New Mexico |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Aug 5, 2021 |
31 km SSW of Playas, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
38 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
60 km |
| Feb 7, 2015 |
35 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
54 km |
| Feb 1, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km W of Fairacres, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
63 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
36 km E of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M3.0 |
58 km |
| Apr 5, 2012 |
10 km NE of Fabens, Texas |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
35 km ESE of Ventura, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
48 km |
| Jan 27, 2013 |
13 km SW of Sunshine, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
31 km |
| Feb 15, 2015 |
34 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
50 km |
| Jan 4, 2020 |
22 km SSW of Rodeo, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 6, 1991 |
8 km NNW of Mimbres, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Mar 29, 2024 |
50 km E of Ascención, Mexico |
M2.7 |
88 km |
| Feb 8, 2015 |
38 km ESE of Pecan Park, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2006 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1989 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1971 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2015 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2011 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2007 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2006 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1988 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1975 |
EF0 |
16 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1972 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UVAS (8,541 ac, 1993).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1993 |
UVAS |
8,541 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
BIG HATCHET LC63 |
5,433 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
NM113-MM19 |
4,626 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
POTRILLO |
4,293 |
49 km |
| 1989 |
GIAL I |
4,005 |
100 km |
| 2016 |
COWBOY |
3,755 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
GOODSIGHT |
3,450 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
HILO-PEAK |
2,909 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN CHILE |
2,323 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
POT |
2,255 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
2 HL COOKES RANGE 1 EAST |
2,165 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
JUG |
2,093 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
REST AREA |
1,874 |
80 km |
| 2007 |
EIGHT BALL |
1,826 |
95 km |
| 1993 |
SHILOH |
1,764 |
75 km |
| 2001 |
HORSE CANYON |
1,670 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
HATCHITA |
1,592 |
66 km |
| 2007 |
MM42-I10 |
1,414 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
COOKES |
1,391 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
TIMBER |
1,229 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
74°F (24°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Columbus has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 45°F in December to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.1") and April the driest (0.2").
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) |
$231 ($138–$369) |
| Specialist Visit |
$323 ($184–$507) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$323) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,028 ($738–$4,610) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$120 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$231 ($138–$369) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$553 ($369–$922) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$323) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$369 ($138–$738) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,454 ($3,688–$11,064) |
| Roof Repair |
$922 ($369–$1,844) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,298 ($5,071–$13,830) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,383 ($461–$3,227) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,830 ($4,610–$27,660) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,610 ($1,844–$9,220) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,383 ($738–$2,766) |
| Will Preparation |
$461 ($184–$922) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,305 ($922–$4,610) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$231) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$120) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.78 ($2.77–$5.07) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.23 ($2.31–$4.61) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.50 ($2.31–$5.07) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.15 ($2.77–$5.99) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.07 ($3.69–$6.92) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.66) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$231) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$461) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,844 ($1,106–$3,227) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$120) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.38–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$231) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,106 ($553–$2,305) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$922 ($461–$1,844) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$369 ($184–$645) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$922 ($369–$2,305) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,525 ($4,610–$27,660) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$277 ($138–$461) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$369) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbus
What is the population of Columbus?
Columbus has a population of 1,147 residents and is located in New Mexico. The population density is 246 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 59.7% female and 40.3% male.
Is Columbus expensive to live in?
Columbus is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $24,554, 67% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,400 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $394 per month, below 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?
Public safety is a concern in Columbus, with a violent crime rate of 1,065 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,908 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in Columbus?
The job market in Columbus is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 561 business establishments in the area, including 62 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 14.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $91,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,490. For renters, the median monthly rent is $394. Fair market rent is $927 for a 1-bedroom and $1,129 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.6%. The average annual property tax is $1,940.
How are the schools in Columbus?
Schools in Columbus have an average test score of 3.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.7% of adults in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 52.1% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Columbus?
The obesity rate in Columbus is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 34.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 29.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,383.
What is transportation like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Columbus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbus is 40.3% White. 13.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 86.8% speak Spanish. 13.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
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