Columbus, KS
Population 2,902 · Kansas
About Columbus, KS
Columbus is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 2,902 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,936 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 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 $85,800, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Columbus one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $768, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,426 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (811 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (549 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 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.7% of Columbus residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbus, KS
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $39,936 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,800, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $768 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Columbus's income is 38% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 25% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Columbus, KS?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $768/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,936) that falls below the national average. However, Columbus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbus has a population of 2,902 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kechi | 2,935 | $102,794 | $264,200 | Compare |
| Oaklawn-Sunview | 2,952 | $37,986 | $48,000 | Compare |
| Osage City | 2,837 | $63,393 | $135,400 | Compare |
| South Hutchinson | 2,826 | $42,221 | $147,900 | Compare |
| Kingman | 3,003 | $56,655 | $65,000 | Compare |
| St. Marys | 2,795 | $71,723 | $196,300 | Compare |
| Galena | 2,752 | $39,968 | $70,600 | Compare |
| Hillsboro | 2,716 | $57,792 | $101,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
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, KS?
The population of Columbus, KS is 2,902 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, KS is $39,936 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, KS is $85,800, which is 65% 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, KS is $768, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, KS is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Columbus, KS a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,902 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbus, KS?
22.7% 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, KS: median home value is $85,800 (65% below national), median rent is $768/month, and median household income is $39,936. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, KS is 19.4%, 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, KS?
Columbus's population is 0.0% White, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.