Columbus

Columbus, Georgia Overview

Columbus faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (42.6/100) and ranking #16 of 20 cities in Georgia. Even so, the city scores 82/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 8/100.

Income & Employment in Columbus

The median household income in Columbus is $51,835, 27% below the statewide median of $71,355. The local unemployment rate of 4.2% is higher than the state’s 3.5%. Population declined 0.1%.

Safety in Columbus

With a violent crime rate of 721.5 per 100,000, Columbus exceeds the Georgia average of 368. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2825.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Columbus

With a cost of living index of 88.8, Columbus is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $182,300. Median monthly rent is $1,072. Renters spend 24.8% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Columbus

The adult obesity rate in Columbus is 40.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 15.5%. Residents report an average of 19.1 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Georgia ranks #34 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Columbus

Columbus has a high school graduation rate of 89%. The student-teacher ratio is 15:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,792. The city has 49 public schools serving 27,375 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Columbus

Columbus enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 66.2°F. Summers average 80.4°F. Winters average 53.1°F. Annual precipitation is 53.4 inches. The mean commute time is 18.7 minutes, compared to 25 for Georgia overall.

Frequently Asked Questions