Columbus, NC
Population 1,166 · North Carolina
About Columbus, NC
Columbus is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 1,166 residents. The median household income is $56,083 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Columbus is 50.9 years.
Housing in Columbus has a median home value of $210,100 and median monthly rent of $1,002. Of the 550 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 305 owner-occupied and 205 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Columbus is 4.7% and the poverty rate is 15.2%. 22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.2 minutes.
Cost of Living in Columbus, NC
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $56,083 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $210,100, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,002 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Columbus's income is 13% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 8% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Columbus, NC?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $210,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,002/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,083) 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 1,166 with a median age of 50.9 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Gilead | 1,166 | $58,281 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Elm City | 1,173 | $44,698 | $106,600 | Compare |
| Kenansville | 1,157 | $62,917 | $144,800 | Compare |
| Flat Rock | 1,141 | $52,188 | $111,700 | Compare |
| McAdenville | 1,139 | $117,411 | $350,900 | Compare |
| Balfour | 1,132 | $69,545 | $294,200 | Compare |
| New Hope | 1,200 | $55,324 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Franklinville | 1,129 | $53,942 | $122,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Columbus, NC is 1,166 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, NC is $56,083 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, NC is $210,100.
What is the average rent in Columbus?
The median monthly rent in Columbus, NC is $1,002.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, NC is 4.7%.