Columbus, MN
Population 4,211 · Minnesota
About Columbus, MN
Columbus is a small town located in Minnesota with a population of 4,211 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $117,917 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbus features a median home value of $439,200, which is 79% above the national median of $244,900. This places Columbus in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,534, 32% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,699 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (1,429 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (208 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbus shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 28.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.3% 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 0.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbus, MN
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $117,917 (57% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $439,200, which is 79% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,534 is 32% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Columbus's income is 59% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 115% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Columbus, MN?
Columbus offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $117,917, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%, and a low poverty rate of 3.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $439,200. However, Columbus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Columbus has a population of 4,211 with a median age of 47.2 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannon Falls | 4,216 | $80,515 | $262,100 | Compare |
| Le Sueur | 4,204 | $71,563 | $216,700 | Compare |
| Cold Spring | 4,201 | $72,022 | $242,000 | Compare |
| Park Rapids | 4,226 | $45,800 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Pipestone | 4,165 | $61,442 | $102,000 | Compare |
| Rice Lake | 4,120 | $95,347 | $283,700 | Compare |
| Goodview | 4,104 | $75,375 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Wadena | 4,361 | $45,850 | $158,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
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, MN?
The population of Columbus, MN is 4,211 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, MN is $117,917 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, MN is $439,200, which is 79% above 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, MN is $1,534, which is 32% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, MN is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Columbus, MN a good place to live?
Columbus offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,211 and a median age of 47.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Columbus, MN?
29.3% 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, MN: median home value is $439,200 (79% above national), median rent is $1,534/month, and median household income is $117,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, MN is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Columbus, MN?
Columbus's population is 0.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.