Columbus, GA
Population 204,383 · Georgia
About Columbus, GA
Columbus is a major city located in Georgia with a population of 204,383 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,622 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbus features a median home value of $182,300, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbus in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,072, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 91,288 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (40,491 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (40,109 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbus shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.7% of Columbus residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbus Ranks in Georgia
Cost of Living in Columbus, GA
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $56,622 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $182,300, which is 26% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,072 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Columbus's income is 7% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 6% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Columbus, GA?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $182,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,072/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,622) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Columbus provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Columbus has a population of 204,383 with a median age of 35.1 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia | 201,504 | $53,134 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Macon-Bibb County, Georgia | 156,543 | $50,747 | $165,800 | Compare |
| Savannah | 147,546 | $56,782 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia | 126,987 | $51,655 | $271,800 | Compare |
| South Fulton | 109,157 | $81,798 | $270,600 | Compare |
| Sandy Springs | 107,198 | $101,593 | $583,900 | Compare |
| Roswell | 92,577 | $124,422 | $520,500 | Compare |
| Johns Creek | 82,115 | $160,185 | $583,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Columbus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus
What is the population of Columbus, GA?
The population of Columbus, GA is 204,383 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, GA is $56,622 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, GA is $182,300, which is 26% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Columbus?
The median monthly rent in Columbus, GA is $1,072, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, GA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbus, GA a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 204,383 and a median age of 35.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbus, GA?
29.7% of residents in Columbus aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbus, GA: median home value is $182,300 (26% below national), median rent is $1,072/month, and median household income is $56,622. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, GA is 18.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Columbus, GA?
Columbus's population is 3.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 45.9% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.