GeorgiaPop. 203,711Mid-size cities
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live? Columbus, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Columbus ranks #917 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.3, #15 of 256) and affordable homes ($193,900, #32 of 256), and trails on low household income ($58,073, #217 of 256) and high poverty (19%, #206 of 256).
Columbus by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Columbus's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Columbus's cost of living index is 89.3, 11% below the US level of 100 and #186 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,106/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $175,951, 47% below the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
| Measure | Columbus | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 89.3#186 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $175,951#75 of 1,187 | $330,817 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,308/mo#171 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $193,900#210 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,106/mo#336 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.9%#769 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Columbus housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Columbus is in the Columbus, GA-AL metro.
Georgia housing market →Is Columbus safe?
Columbus recorded 366 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 328 and 23% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #675 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #131 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 1,913 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Columbus | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 366#675 of 1,085 | 297 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,913#673 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Columbus?
The median household in Columbus earns $58,073, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Columbus | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $58,073#1085 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 19%#1080 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Columbus?
The median resident of Columbus is 35.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 30.5%#773 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Columbus's schools and health?
Columbus's 49 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 15 students per teacher and $13,792 spent per pupil. 40.3% of adults are obese and 15.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Columbus | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,792#731 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.3%#1136 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.5%#1191 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.1%#1062 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.8%#1065 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 27,375 students are enrolled in Columbus's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 20.9 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 0.9% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Columbus scores 7.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82°F and winters 50.5°F, with 48.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Columbus | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.9 min#415 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.1% | 71.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.7% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.1% | 14.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.2#1216 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 58.7 | 38.2 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 63.2 | 41.5 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 70.4 | 47.3 | 4.9 |
| Apr | 77.7 | 54 | 4 |
| May | 85.1 | 63.1 | 3.2 |
| Jun | 90.2 | 70.5 | 4 |
| Jul | 92.9 | 73.5 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 91.8 | 73 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 87.3 | 67.9 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 78.3 | 56.8 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 68.4 | 46.1 | 4 |
| Dec | 60.6 | 40.6 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbus Metro Airport.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 50.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 48.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbus Metro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Columbus?
Muscogee County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Muscogee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#176 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Muscogee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Muscogee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0058% | 68% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0038% | 59% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 41% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.069% | 33% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.004% | 33% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Columbus compare with similar-size cities?
Columbus is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #171 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 203,711.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #917 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 | 20.9 min |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #635 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 | 24.1 min |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #847 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 | 19.6 min |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Columbus compare with the rest of Georgia?
Columbus ranks #15 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 27% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 23% above the statewide rate. Homes are 47% below the typical Georgia home.
| City | Rank in GA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #1 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #2 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #3 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #4 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #5 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #6 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #7 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #8 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #9 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #10 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #11 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #12 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #13 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #14 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #15 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #16 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #17 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #18 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #19 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #20 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 |
All 20 Georgia cities we track, by overall score. Georgia statewide: median income $79,991, violent crime 296.9 per 100,000.
How is Columbus's score calculated?
Columbus scores 51.4 out of 100, #917 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Georgia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Columbus. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Columbus's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
69.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Columbus. Similar-size median 53.8.
33.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Columbus's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
60.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Columbus's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
82.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Columbus. Similar-size median 51.2.
30.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Columbus. Similar-size median 42.1.
40.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Columbus. Similar-size median 50.1.
50.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Columbus's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
66.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Columbus's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Columbus has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Columbus
Is Columbus, GA a good place to live?
Columbus ranks #917 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (89.3, #15 of 256) and affordable homes ($193,900, #32 of 256), and trails on low household income ($58,073, #217 of 256) and high poverty (19%, #206 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Columbus's cost of living index is 89.3, 11% below the US level of 100 and #186 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,106/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $175,951, 47% below the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
What is the crime rate in Columbus?
Columbus recorded 366 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% above the US rate of 328 and 23% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #675 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #131 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 1,913 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household in Columbus earns $58,073, 30% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 19% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Columbus?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,106/mo (Census), #336 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,308/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Columbus?
The typical home value in Columbus is $175,951, up 2.9% in a year, against $330,817 for Georgia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $193,900.
How are the public schools in Columbus?
Columbus's 49 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 15 students per teacher and $13,792 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Columbus?
The average commute is 20.9 minutes, #415 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Columbus?
Columbus averages 66.6°F over the year, 82°F in summer and 50.5°F in winter, with 48.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Columbus walkable?
Columbus scores 7.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1216 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Columbus at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Muscogee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Columbus?
Muscogee County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 55% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Columbus?
Columbus has 203,711 residents. The median resident of Columbus is 35.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #773 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Columbus compare with the rest of Georgia?
Columbus ranks #15 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 27% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 23% above the statewide rate. Homes are 47% below the typical Georgia home.
What cities are similar in size to Columbus?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Columbus's population of 203,711 are Worcester, MA (#635 overall), Little Rock, AR (#1190 overall), Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Amarillo, TX (#847 overall), and Tallahassee, FL (#1007 overall). Columbus is #917.