Columbus, IN
Population 51,104 · Indiana
About Columbus, IN
Columbus is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 51,104 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,856 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbus features a median home value of $231,000, which is 6% 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 $1,135, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,809 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (13,053 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (8,261 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 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.3% 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 7.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 15.1% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Columbus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus
What is the population of Columbus, IN?
The population of Columbus, IN is 51,104 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, IN is $76,856 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, IN is $231,000, which is 6% 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, IN is $1,135, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, IN is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbus, IN a good place to live?
Columbus offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 51,104 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbus, IN?
41.3% of residents in Columbus aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbus, IN: median home value is $231,000 (6% below national), median rent is $1,135/month, and median household income is $76,856. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, IN is 12.8%, 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, IN?
Columbus's population is 7.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 15.1% of residents are foreign-born.