OhioPop. 914,802Large cities
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live? Columbus, Ohio: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Columbus ranks #726 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 37 large cities and #6 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.5 min, #2 of 37) and low violent crime (380 per 100,000, #5 of 36), and trails on low household income ($66,082, #28 of 37) and high poverty (18.1%, #28 of 37).
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 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,295/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,002, 1% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
| Measure | Columbus | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 92.8 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $247,002#234 of 1,187 | $248,803 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,450/mo#300 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $252,900#402 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,295/mo#523 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 23.5%#831 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Ohio 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, OH metro.
Ohio housing market →Is Columbus safe?
Columbus recorded 380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% above the US rate of 328 and 38% above Ohio's 276. That ranks #693 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 2,536 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Columbus | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 380#693 of 1,085 | 276 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,536#876 of 1,085 | 1,429 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Ohio 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 $66,082, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Columbus | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $66,082#902 of 1,312 | $72,212 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 18.1%#1039 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Ohio 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 33.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 33.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 38.2%#515 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 44.1% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Columbus's schools and health?
Columbus's 207 public schools graduate 81.3% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $18,904 spent per pupil. 34.7% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Columbus | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 81.3%#845 of 1,063 | 86.2% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $18,904#271 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 34.7%#752 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 19.8%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 9.7%#622 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Ohio is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 80,636 students are enrolled in Columbus's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Columbus?
The average commute in Columbus is 21.5 minutes (Ohio 23.8); 1.9% of workers take transit and 18.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Columbus scores 11.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #506 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 32.2°F, with 41.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Columbus | OhioOH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 21.5 min#464 of 1,312 | 23.8 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 3.2%#228 of 1,312 | 5.3% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 67.7% | 75.2% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.9% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.5% | 2% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.3% | 11.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.7#506 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Ohio 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 | 37.1 | 22 | 3 |
| Feb | 40.8 | 24.2 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 51.1 | 32 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 64.1 | 42.2 | 3.9 |
| May | 74.1 | 52.4 | 4 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 61.6 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 85.4 | 65.4 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 84.1 | 63.9 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 77.8 | 56.5 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 44.8 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 52.3 | 35 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 41.5 | 27.4 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at John Glenn International Airport.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 53.5°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 73.8°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 32.2°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 41.6 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at John Glenn International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Columbus?
Franklin County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 40% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Franklin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Columbus | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#246 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Franklin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Franklin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.003% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0026% | 47% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 46% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0072% | 44% 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #13 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 914,802.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #416 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 | 27.3 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #745 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 | 27.1 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 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 Ohio?
Columbus ranks #6 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 8% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical Ohio home.
| City | Rank in OH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin, OHPop. 49,294 | #1 | 71.5 | $160,296 | $1,686/mo | 109 |
| Lakewood, OHPop. 50,007 | #2 | 64.9 | $68,954 | $1,070/mo | 81 |
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #3 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #4 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 |
| Cuyahoga Falls, OHPop. 50,909 | #5 | 57.0 | $72,705 | $1,038/mo | 228 |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #6 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 |
| Euclid, OHPop. 48,823 | #7 | 52.9 | $50,285 | $1,025/mo | 106 |
| Elyria, OHPop. 53,035 | #8 | 51.9 | $54,945 | $906/mo | 186 |
| Newark, OHPop. 50,783 | #9 | 51.2 | $61,670 | $973/mo | 297 |
| Middletown, OHPop. 51,617 | #10 | 48.4 | $57,102 | $1,007/mo | 165 |
| Hamilton, OHPop. 63,468 | #11 | 47.9 | $55,166 | $1,007/mo | 295 |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #12 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 |
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #13 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #14 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #15 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #16 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #17 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #18 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 |
| Canton, OHPop. 69,755 | #19 | 37.7 | $43,188 | $850/mo | 1,091 |
| Springfield, OHPop. 58,190 | #20 | 36.2 | $47,143 | $851/mo | 1,248 |
All 20 Ohio cities we track, by overall score. Ohio statewide: median income $72,212, violent crime 275.6 per 100,000.
How is Columbus's score calculated?
Columbus scores 54.5 out of 100, #726 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Ohio'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 50.4.
46.5 - 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 44.7.
64.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Columbus. Similar-size median 52.4.
47.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Columbus's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
57.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Columbus's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
74.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Columbus. Similar-size median 43.4.
35.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Columbus. Similar-size median 40.4.
47.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Columbus. Similar-size median 56.6.
59.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Columbus's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
56.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
59.1 - 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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, OH a good place to live?
Columbus ranks #726 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 37 large cities and #6 of 20 in Ohio. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21.5 min, #2 of 37) and low violent crime (380 per 100,000, #5 of 36), and trails on low household income ($66,082, #28 of 37) and high poverty (18.1%, #28 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Columbus's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,295/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $247,002, 1% below the typical Ohio home ($248,803).
What is the crime rate in Columbus?
Columbus recorded 380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% above the US rate of 328 and 38% above Ohio's 276. That ranks #693 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Columbus Police Department. Property crime runs 2,536 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household in Columbus earns $66,082, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Ohio ($72,212). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Columbus?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,295/mo (Census), #523 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,450/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Columbus?
The typical home value in Columbus is $247,002, down 1% in a year, against $248,803 for Ohio and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $252,900.
How are the public schools in Columbus?
Columbus's 207 public schools graduate 81.3% of students in four years (Ohio 86.2%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $18,904 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Columbus?
The average commute is 21.5 minutes, #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.8 minutes across Ohio. 3.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Columbus?
Columbus averages 53.5°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 32.2°F in winter, with 41.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Columbus walkable?
Columbus scores 11.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #506 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 Franklin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Columbus?
Franklin County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 40% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Columbus?
Columbus has 914,802 residents. The median resident of Columbus is 33.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Columbus compare with the rest of Ohio?
Columbus ranks #6 of the 20 Ohio cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Ohio's statewide 52.1. Its households earn 8% below the Ohio median. Violent crime is 38% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical Ohio home.
What cities are similar in size to Columbus?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Columbus's population of 914,802 are San Jose, CA (#416 overall), Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), Fort Worth, TX (#745 overall), Charlotte, NC (#623 overall), and Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall). Columbus is #726.