Median Income
$57,214
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$219,300
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.7%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,047
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Columbus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,718
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density1,235/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 59%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,214
Per Capita$37,929
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$1,207M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$219,300
Rent$1,047
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$308,459
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property1,755/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault55/100K
Burglary219/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain45.0 in/yr
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.7%
High School+88.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute23 min
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Columbus receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Columbus is $57,214, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 15.8% 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 $219,300, 22% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,047 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Columbus is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,755 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Columbus enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Columbus has a population of 3,718 with a density of 1,235 people per square mile. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (58.7%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 18.9% Black.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 78.5% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Spanish | 21.5% |
| 60% above US avg |
The median household income in Columbus is $57,214, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,214 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,929 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,367 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 643 |
| County GDP | $1,207M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 45 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,234 |
| 107% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.30% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Columbus is $219,300, 22% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,047 (10% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $308,459.
Home Values
| Census Median | $219,300 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $308,459 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,047 |
| 10% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,234 |
| 107% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.30% |
In Columbus, 38.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.4% report depression. 29.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Columbus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,859/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,755 per 100,000 (10% below US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Columbus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 164.6/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 82.3/100K |
| Robbery | 27.4/100K |
| Assault | 54.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,755.4/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| Burglary | 219.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,508.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Columbus has an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
51°F Jan (11°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 68.8°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 45.0 inches |
| 19% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,235/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.7045°N, 96.5589°W |
| County FIPS | 48089 |