Columbus, MT
Population 1,925 · Montana
About Columbus, MT
Columbus is a small town located in Montana with a population of 1,925 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46 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 $264,000, which is 8% above 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 $926, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 887 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (600 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (238 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
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 12.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.6% 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 0.3% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbus, MT
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $62,500 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $264,000, which is 8% above the national median. Monthly rent at $926 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Columbus's income is 5% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 9% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Columbus, MT?
Columbus offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $926/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,500) 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 1,925 with a median age of 46 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lame Deer | 1,939 | $26,364 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Malta | 1,902 | $59,449 | $139,000 | Compare |
| Ronan | 1,962 | $41,429 | $201,700 | Compare |
| Roundup | 1,964 | $57,632 | $118,300 | Compare |
| West Glendive | 1,968 | $57,743 | $179,700 | Compare |
| East Helena | 1,855 | $53,611 | $254,400 | Compare |
| South Browning | 1,852 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Eureka | 2,009 | $43,750 | $172,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
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, MT?
The population of Columbus, MT is 1,925 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Montana.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, MT is $62,500 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, MT is $264,000, which is 8% 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, MT is $926, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, MT 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, MT a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,925 and a median age of 46, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Columbus, MT?
20.6% 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, MT: median home value is $264,000 (8% above national), median rent is $926/month, and median household income is $62,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, MT is 12.7%, 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, MT?
Columbus's population is 0.3% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.