Columbus, IN
Population 51,104 · Indiana
About Columbus, IN
Columbus is a mid-sized city in Indiana with a population of 51,104 residents. The median household income is $76,856 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Columbus is 36 years.
Housing in Columbus has a median home value of $231,000 and median monthly rent of $1,135. Of the 22,809 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 13,053 owner-occupied and 8,261 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbus is 4.3% and the poverty rate is 12.8%. 41.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.3 minutes.
How Columbus Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Columbus, IN
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $76,856 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $231,000, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,135 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Columbus's income is 11% above the state average of $69,330, and home values are 41% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Columbus, IN?
Columbus offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,856, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $231,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,135/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 41.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Columbus has a population of 51,104 with a median age of 36 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield | 51,109 | $119,598 | $391,900 | Compare |
| Mishawaka | 50,907 | $53,120 | $140,600 | Compare |
| Jeffersonville | 50,176 | $70,157 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Lawrence | 49,284 | $73,455 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Elkhart | 53,726 | $47,885 | $126,900 | Compare |
| Anderson | 54,930 | $47,221 | $104,300 | Compare |
| West Lafayette | 44,802 | $33,497 | $318,100 | Compare |
| Terre Haute | 58,491 | $41,960 | $109,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus
What is the population of Columbus, IN?
The population of Columbus, IN is 51,104 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, IN is $76,856 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, IN is $231,000.
What is the average rent in Columbus?
The median monthly rent in Columbus, IN is $1,135.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, IN is 4.3%.