Columbus

Columbus, Indiana Overview

With a composite score of 55.5/100 and a B grade, Columbus ranks #6 of 20 cities in Indiana. Its strongest showing is in Safety (100/100), while Outdoor Access (10/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Columbus

The median household income in Columbus is $76,856, 17% above the statewide median of $65,870. The local unemployment rate of 4.1% is higher than the state’s 3.5%. Population grew 0.6% recently.

Safety in Columbus

Columbus’s violent crime rate of 19.4 per 100,000 is well below both the Indiana rate of 361 and national norms, making safety one of the city’s defining features. The property crime rate is 116.1 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Columbus

Columbus has a cost of living index of 90.3 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $231,000. Median monthly rent is $1,135. Renters spend 17.7% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Columbus

The adult obesity rate in Columbus is 38.4%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 12%. Residents report an average of 17.3 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Indiana ranks #40 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Columbus

Columbus has a high school graduation rate of 87%. The student-teacher ratio is 16.2:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,277. The city has 15 public schools serving 11,067 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 56.2°F. Summers average 73.6°F. Winters average 40.1°F. Annual precipitation is 37 inches. The average commute of 16 minutes is notably short.

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