Columbus

Columbus, Nebraska Overview

Columbus scores 54.3/100 overall (B), ranking #12 of 20 cities in Nebraska — below the state composite of 74.9. Safety is the city’s relative strength at 90/100, while Outdoor Access lags at 22/100.

Income & Employment in Columbus

The median household income in Columbus is $67,212, 8% below the statewide median of $73,423. Population grew 1.4% recently.

Safety in Columbus

Columbus’s violent crime rate of 123.7 per 100,000 is well below both the Nebraska rate of 290 and national norms, making safety one of the city’s defining features. The property crime rate is 1298.7 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 $198,900. Median monthly rent is $871. Renters spend 15.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Columbus

The adult obesity rate in Columbus is 42.5%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.9%. Residents average 13.9 poor mental health days per month. Nebraska ranks #15 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Columbus

Columbus has a high school graduation rate of 87%. The student-teacher ratio is 16:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,040. The city has 11 public schools serving 4,953 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Columbus

The annual average temperature in Columbus is 54.3°F. Summers average 76.4°F. Winters average 31°F. Annual precipitation is 26.7 inches. The average commute of 11.8 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions