IndianaPop. 51,824Smaller cities
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live? Columbus, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Columbus ranks #426 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (88 per 100,000, #43 of 444) and short commutes (19.4 min, #82 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
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 93, 7% below the US level of 100 and #380 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,157/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,503, 8% above the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Columbus | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93#380 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $280,503#326 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,390/mo#247 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $244,200#376 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,157/mo#398 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 17.9%#231 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana 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, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Columbus safe?
Columbus recorded 88 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% below the US rate of 328 and 65% below Indiana's 254. That ranks #103 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #43 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 1,228 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Columbus | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 88#103 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,228#322 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana 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 $77,456, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Columbus | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $77,456#664 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11.3%#602 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana 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 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #462 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 40%#462 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.8% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Columbus's schools and health?
Columbus's 13 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $13,277 spent per pupil. 38.4% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Columbus | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.1#646 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,277#799 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.4%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.8%#491 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,309 students are enrolled in Columbus's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 19.4 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 1.2% of workers take transit and 15.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Columbus scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.3°F and winters 32.6°F, with 47.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Columbus | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.4 min#297 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.5%#488 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.3% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.1% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 15.6% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana 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 | 38.6 | 21.5 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 42.9 | 23.7 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 53.5 | 31.9 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 42.2 | 5 |
| May | 74.9 | 53 | 5 |
| Jun | 83.1 | 62.2 | 5.3 |
| Jul | 86.1 | 65.4 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 85.4 | 63.3 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 79.7 | 55.4 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 68 | 43.6 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 54.4 | 33.8 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 42.9 | 26.2 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbus.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 54.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Columbus.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Columbus?
Bartholomew County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Bartholomew County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#612 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Bartholomew County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Bartholomew County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.021% | 88% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.011% | 80% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.091% | 61% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #196 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,824.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #426 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 | 19.4 min |
| Westchester, FLPop. 52,032 | #1063 | 48.6 | $72,262 | $1,819/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| West New York, NJPop. 52,004 | #498 | 58.1 | $71,729 | $1,716/mo | 236 | 34.5 min |
| Levittown, NYPop. 51,904 | #13 | 74.8 | $146,068 | $2,656/mo | no data | 33.5 min |
| Florissant, MOPop. 51,773 | #556 | 57.2 | $65,318 | $1,288/mo | 251 | 25.8 min |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #132 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 | 24.9 min |
| Watsonville, CAPop. 51,712 | #1202 | 44.9 | $78,393 | $1,889/mo | 415 | 26.1 min |
| Summerville, SCPop. 51,654 | #836 | 52.7 | $81,046 | $1,526/mo | 307 | 31.2 min |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #1076 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 | 24.2 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 Indiana?
Columbus ranks #6 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 8% above the Indiana median. Violent crime is 65% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Columbus's score calculated?
Columbus scores 59.6 out of 100, #426 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana'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 55.5.
56.1 - 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 77.8.
92.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Columbus. Similar-size median 58.9.
46.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Columbus's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Columbus's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
77.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Columbus. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Columbus. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Columbus. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Columbus's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.0 - 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 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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, IN a good place to live?
Columbus ranks #426 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #196 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (88 per 100,000, #43 of 444) and short commutes (19.4 min, #82 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Columbus's cost of living index is 93, 7% below the US level of 100 and #380 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,157/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $280,503, 8% above the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Columbus?
Columbus recorded 88 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 73% below the US rate of 328 and 65% below Indiana's 254. That ranks #103 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #43 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 1,228 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household in Columbus earns $77,456, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Columbus?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,157/mo (Census), #398 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,390/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Columbus?
The typical home value in Columbus is $280,503, up 2.3% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $244,200.
How are the public schools in Columbus?
Columbus's 13 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 16.1 students per teacher and $13,277 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Columbus?
The average commute is 19.4 minutes, #297 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 4.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Columbus?
Columbus averages 54.1°F over the year, 74.3°F in summer and 32.6°F in winter, with 47.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Columbus walkable?
Columbus scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Bartholomew County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 56% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Columbus?
Bartholomew County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Columbus?
Columbus has 51,824 residents. The median resident of Columbus is 36.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 40% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #462 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Columbus compare with the rest of Indiana?
Columbus ranks #6 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 59.6 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 8% above the Indiana median. Violent crime is 65% below the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Columbus?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Columbus's population of 51,824 are Westchester, FL (#1063 overall), West New York, NJ (#498 overall), Levittown, NY (#13 overall), Florissant, MO (#556 overall), and Dunwoody, GA (#132 overall). Columbus is #426.