Median Income
$36,071
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$176,100
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
233/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.1%
86% higher than US avg
How New Columbus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population273
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density88/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans13.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,071
Per Capita$28,681
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty23.1%
County GDP$3,276M
Commute41 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$176,100
Ownership88.8%
Zillow$313,959
Housing Units107
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent233/100K
Property2,687/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain48.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation917 ft (280 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute41 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is New Columbus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, New Columbus receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. New Columbus has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in New Columbus is $36,071, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 23.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in New Columbus is $176,100, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in New Columbus is below the national average at 233 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,687 per 100,000, 37% above the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
New Columbus experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.4 inches, including 46.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
New Columbus has a population of 273 with a density of 88 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 13.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
New Columbus vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
Social Characteristics
New Columbus vs U.S. Average
The median household income in New Columbus is $36,071, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,681 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,571 business establishments, including 170 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 35.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: New Columbus vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,071 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,681 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,596 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.1% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,571 |
| County GDP | $3,276M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 170 |
| Healthcare | 191 |
| Retail | 230 |
| Manufacturing | 73 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 35.7% |
The median home value in New Columbus is $176,100, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $313,959, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 107 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,387 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $176,100 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $313,959 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.2% |
| Housing Units | 107 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In New Columbus, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753. The dentist ratio is 1:2,094. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: New Columbus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,753 |
| Dentists | 1:2,094 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,190 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,535/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 191 |
New Columbus has a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,687 per 100,000, 37% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, New Columbus receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: New Columbus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.8/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,687.2/100K |
| 37% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
New Columbus experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 275 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 48.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 917 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 917 ft (280 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 88/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1732°N, 76.2868°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hazleton Regional (HZL) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.4"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
139 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
96 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
97 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
95 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
54 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
120 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
101 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
259 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
267 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 144 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
72 km |
6 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
131 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 16 MILE (7,896 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
16 MILE |
7,896 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
36 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
80 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
67 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
51 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
New Columbus has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 25°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in New Columbus. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About New Columbus
What is the population of New Columbus?
New Columbus has a population of 273 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 88 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is New Columbus expensive to live in?
New Columbus has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $36,071, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $176,100 (38% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is New Columbus safe?
New Columbus is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 233 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,687 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, New Columbus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in New Columbus?
New Columbus has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.4 inches, with 46.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in New Columbus?
The job market in New Columbus is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 1,571 business establishments in the area, including 170 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 35.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in New Columbus?
The median home value in New Columbus is $176,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $313,959. The homeownership rate is 88.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,387.
How are the schools in New Columbus?
Schools in New Columbus score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in New Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is New Columbus?
The obesity rate in New Columbus is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753.
What is transportation like in New Columbus?
The average commute in New Columbus is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 35.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of New Columbus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of New Columbus is 98.9% White. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 13.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.