Columbus, NM
Population 1,147 · New Mexico
About Columbus, NM
Columbus is a small town located in New Mexico with a population of 1,147 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $24,554 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 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 $91,400, which is 63% 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 $394, 66% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 755 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (246 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (181 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbus shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 37.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.7% 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 75.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 11.2% Asian residents, with 36.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbus Ranks in New Mexico
Cost of Living in Columbus, NM
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $24,554 (67% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,400, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $394 is 66% below the US average of $1,163. Within New Mexico, Columbus's income is 64% below the state average of $67,435, and home values are 61% below the state median of $233,762.
Why Live in Columbus, NM?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $394/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($24,554) 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 1,147 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Mexico.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in New Mexico with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pecos | 1,145 | $69,327 | $260,000 | Compare |
| Dexter | 1,144 | $61,118 | $95,200 | Compare |
| Doña Ana | 1,154 | $28,346 | $107,500 | Compare |
| Hurley | 1,137 | $41,167 | $82,900 | Compare |
| Rock Springs | 1,166 | $93,333 | $17,100 | Compare |
| Talpa | 1,126 | $59,323 | $356,300 | Compare |
| Ohkay Owingeh | 1,178 | $65,179 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Black Rock | 1,108 | $55,350 | $80,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Mexico
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, NM?
The population of Columbus, NM is 1,147 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New Mexico.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, NM is $24,554 per year, which is 67% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, NM is $91,400, which is 63% below 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, NM is $394, which is 66% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, NM is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbus, NM a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,147 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbus, NM?
14.7% 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, NM: median home value is $91,400 (63% below national), median rent is $394/month, and median household income is $24,554. 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, NM is 37.6%, 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, NM?
Columbus's population is 75.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 11.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 36.7% of residents are foreign-born.