Columbus, MS
Population 23,616 · Mississippi
About Columbus, MS
Columbus is a mid-sized city in Mississippi with a population of 23,616 residents. The median household income is $40,588 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Columbus is 39.6 years.
Housing in Columbus has a median home value of $121,200 and median monthly rent of $882. Of the 11,941 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,793 owner-occupied and 5,182 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbus is 9.3% and the poverty rate is 21.6%. 25.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.8 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus
What is the population of Columbus, MS?
The population of Columbus, MS is 23,616 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, MS is $40,588 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, MS is $121,200.
What is the average rent in Columbus?
The median monthly rent in Columbus, MS is $882.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, MS is 9.3%.