Columbus

Columbus, Mississippi Overview

Columbus faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (43.4/100) and ranking #15 of 20 cities in Mississippi. Even so, the city scores 89/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 15/100.

Income & Employment in Columbus

The median household income in Columbus is $40,588, 23% below the statewide median of $52,985. The local unemployment rate of 3.6% is lower than the state’s 3.7%. Population declined 0.9%.

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 $121,200. Median monthly rent is $882.

Health & Wellness in Columbus

The adult obesity rate in Columbus is 41.3%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 19%. Residents report an average of 18.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Mississippi ranks #47 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Columbus

Columbus has a high school graduation rate of 87.9%. The student-teacher ratio of 13.4:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Per-pupil spending is $12,867. The city has 13 public schools serving 6,404 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 65.2°F. Summers average 79.6°F. Winters average 51.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.2 inches. The mean commute time is 18.3 minutes, compared to 24.3 for Mississippi overall.

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