MississippiPop. 23,348Towns
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live? Columbus, Mississippi: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Columbus ranks #1158 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #204 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #2 of 230) and affordable homes ($125,700, #8 of 231), and trails on low household income ($42,235, #232 of 234) and high poverty (21.3%, #206 of 234).
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 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $897/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $179,537, 9% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
| Measure | Columbus | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 83.6#7 of 1,308 | 87 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $179,537#81 of 1,187 | $197,606 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,358/mo#215 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $125,700#44 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $897/mo#86 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 25.5%#1051 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi 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, MS metro.
Mississippi housing market →Is Columbus safe?
Columbus recorded 470 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Mississippi's 227. That ranks #804 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #124 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 1,669 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Columbus | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 470#804 of 1,085 | 227 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,669#563 of 1,085 | 1,264 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi 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 $42,235, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Columbus | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $42,235#1296 of 1,312 | $59,127 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 3.8% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 21.3%#1157 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi 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 41.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 41.1 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 26.2%#929 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 47.8% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Columbus's schools and health?
Columbus's 8 public schools graduate 82.1% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $14,561 spent per pupil. 41.3% of adults are obese and 19% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Columbus | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82.1%#807 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.9#272 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,561#638 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 41.3%#1175 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 19%#1294 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 13.1%#967 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,306 students are enrolled in Columbus's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 19 minutes (Mississippi 26.4); 0% of workers take transit and 5.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Columbus scores 9.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #763 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82°F and winters 48°F, with 56.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Columbus | MississippiMS | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 26.4 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.3%#750 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 87.8% | 81.2% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.5% | 1.3% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.1% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.4% | 6.2% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.4#763 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Mississippi 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 | 55.8 | 35.8 | 5.5 |
| Feb | 61.2 | 39.2 | 5.7 |
| Mar | 69.7 | 46.3 | 5.3 |
| Apr | 77.6 | 53.3 | 5.8 |
| May | 84.9 | 61.5 | 4 |
| Jun | 90.9 | 69.4 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 93.8 | 72.7 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 93.4 | 71.9 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 88.4 | 65.6 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 78.3 | 54 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 66.5 | 42.7 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 58.1 | 38.1 | 5.6 |
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 47.7°F | 65.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 82°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 48°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 56.6 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Columbus's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lowndes County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.18%#834 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lowndes County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lowndes County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.026% | 95% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.017% | 85% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0046% | 72% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 71% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 70% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0036% | 62% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0026% | 55% 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 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #204 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 23,348.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #1158 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 | 19 min |
| West Memphis, ARPop. 23,929 | #1306 | 35.3 | $42,674 | $870/mo | 1,785 | 20.1 min |
| Rock Springs, WYPop. 23,127 | #816 | 53.1 | $69,168 | $928/mo | 145 | 22.5 min |
| Watertown, SDPop. 23,044 | #659 | 55.7 | $69,600 | $942/mo | 181 | 12.6 min |
| Duncan, OKPop. 22,958 | #1188 | 45.5 | $58,054 | $896/mo | 356 | 21.9 min |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #231 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 | 17.2 min |
| Prairie Village, KSPop. 22,874 | #133 | 67.1 | $113,530 | $1,794/mo | 96 | 19.6 min |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #1183 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 | 24.7 min |
| North Platte, NEPop. 22,831 | #945 | 51.0 | $58,097 | $921/mo | 116 | 13.3 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 Mississippi?
Columbus ranks #15 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 29% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Mississippi home.
| City | Rank in MS | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, MSPop. 27,946 | #1 | 68.8 | $119,338 | $1,853/mo | 21 |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #2 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 |
| Olive Branch, MSPop. 47,019 | #3 | 60.3 | $100,606 | $1,829/mo | 175 |
| Pearl, MSPop. 27,737 | #4 | 58.9 | $61,695 | $1,175/mo | 83 |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #5 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 |
| Oxford, MSPop. 26,411 | #6 | 57.3 | $64,451 | $1,071/mo | 140 |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #7 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #8 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #9 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #10 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 |
| Starkville, MSPop. 25,721 | #11 | 52.0 | $42,125 | $916/mo | 58 |
| Horn Lake, MSPop. 26,647 | #12 | 50.6 | $53,311 | $1,435/mo | 79 |
| Hattiesburg, MSPop. 48,619 | #13 | 49.3 | $46,342 | $1,005/mo | 256 |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #14 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 |
| Columbus, MSPop. 23,348 | #15 | 46.5 | $42,235 | $897/mo | 470 |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #16 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #17 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #18 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #19 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #20 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year |
All 20 Mississippi cities we track, by overall score. Mississippi statewide: median income $59,127, violent crime 226.9 per 100,000.
How is Columbus's score calculated?
Columbus scores 46.5 out of 100, #1158 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Mississippi'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 41.9.
36.1 - 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 81.4.
65.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Columbus. Similar-size median 56.5.
27.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Columbus's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
56.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Columbus's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
91.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Columbus. Similar-size median 50.8.
19.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Columbus. Similar-size median 35.2.
36.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Columbus. Similar-size median 48.3.
39.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Columbus's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
44.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
35.3 - 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 234 places under 25,000 people 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, MS a good place to live?
Columbus ranks #1158 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #204 of 234 towns and #15 of 20 in Mississippi. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (83.6, #2 of 230) and affordable homes ($125,700, #8 of 231), and trails on low household income ($42,235, #232 of 234) and high poverty (21.3%, #206 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Columbus's cost of living index is 83.6, 16% below the US level of 100 and #7 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $897/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $179,537, 9% below the typical Mississippi home ($197,606).
What is the crime rate in Columbus?
Columbus recorded 470 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% above the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Mississippi's 227. That ranks #804 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #124 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 1,669 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household in Columbus earns $42,235, 49% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Mississippi ($59,127). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Columbus?
Median rent in Columbus is $897/mo (Census), #86 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,358/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Columbus?
The typical home value in Columbus is $179,537, up 2.9% in a year, against $197,606 for Mississippi and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $125,700.
How are the public schools in Columbus?
Columbus's 8 public schools graduate 82.1% of students in four years (Mississippi 88.9%), with 13.9 students per teacher and $14,561 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Columbus?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.4 minutes across Mississippi. 6.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Columbus?
Columbus averages 65.4°F over the year, 82°F in summer and 48°F in winter, with 56.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Columbus walkable?
Columbus scores 9.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #763 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 Lowndes County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 65% of US counties.
Who lives in Columbus?
Columbus has 23,348 residents. The median resident of Columbus is 41.1 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Columbus compare with the rest of Mississippi?
Columbus ranks #15 of the 20 Mississippi cities we track, with a score of 46.5 against Mississippi's statewide 41.9. Its households earn 29% below the Mississippi median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Mississippi home.
What cities are similar in size to Columbus?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Columbus's population of 23,348 are West Memphis, AR (#1306 overall), Rock Springs, WY (#816 overall), Watertown, SD (#659 overall), Duncan, OK (#1188 overall), and Keene, NH (#231 overall). Columbus is #1158.