Columbus, MS
Population 23,616 · Mississippi
About Columbus, MS
Columbus is a mid-sized city located in Mississippi with a population of 23,616 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,588 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 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 $121,200, which is 51% 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 $882, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,941 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (4,793 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (5,182 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbus shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 17.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.8% 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 1.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbus Ranks in Mississippi
Cost of Living in Columbus, MS
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $40,588 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,200, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $882 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Mississippi, Columbus's income is 19% below the state average of $49,929, and home values are 4% below the state median of $125,705.
Why Live in Columbus, MS?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $882/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,588) 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 23,616 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Mississippi.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Mississippi with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgeland | 24,548 | $63,470 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Brandon | 25,352 | $93,073 | $255,900 | Compare |
| Pascagoula | 21,812 | $43,286 | $132,500 | Compare |
| Starkville | 25,611 | $39,751 | $265,900 | Compare |
| Oxford | 26,086 | $59,901 | $333,400 | Compare |
| Vicksburg | 20,944 | $42,484 | $117,000 | Compare |
| Horn Lake | 26,622 | $56,847 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Clinton | 27,418 | $70,913 | $220,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Mississippi
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, MS?
The population of Columbus, MS is 23,616 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Mississippi.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, MS is $40,588 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, MS is $121,200, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Columbus?
The median monthly rent in Columbus, MS is $882, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, MS is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbus, MS a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,616 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbus, MS?
25.8% 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, MS: median home value is $121,200 (51% below national), median rent is $882/month, and median household income is $40,588. 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, MS is 21.6%, 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, MS?
Columbus's population is 1.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 63.1% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.