Columbus, NE
Population 24,188 · Nebraska
About Columbus, NE
Columbus is a mid-sized city in Nebraska with a population of 24,188 residents. The median household income is $67,212 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Columbus is 37.7 years.
Housing in Columbus has a median home value of $198,900 and median monthly rent of $871. Of the 10,234 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,459 owner-occupied and 3,205 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbus is 3.0% and the poverty rate is 9.7%. 23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.2 minutes.
How Columbus Ranks in Nebraska
Cost of Living in Columbus, NE
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $67,212 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,900, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $871 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Columbus's income is 2% above the state average of $65,895, and home values are 58% above the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Columbus, NE?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $871/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,212) 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 24,188 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Nebraska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papillion | 24,063 | $109,602 | $290,900 | Compare |
| Hastings | 25,005 | $61,202 | $177,200 | Compare |
| North Platte | 23,030 | $57,805 | $159,500 | Compare |
| Norfolk | 25,962 | $62,175 | $199,100 | Compare |
| Fremont | 27,321 | $67,179 | $194,400 | Compare |
| La Vista | 16,594 | $78,145 | $244,900 | Compare |
| Scottsbluff | 14,406 | $53,448 | $141,300 | Compare |
| Kearney | 34,024 | $69,790 | $235,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nebraska
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, NE?
The population of Columbus, NE is 24,188 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, NE is $67,212 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, NE is $198,900.
What is the average rent in Columbus?
The median monthly rent in Columbus, NE is $871.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, NE is 3.0%.