Columbus, NC
Population 1,166 · North Carolina
About Columbus, NC
Columbus is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,166 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,083 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.9 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 $210,100, which is 14% below 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 $1,002, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 550 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (305 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (205 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 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.7% 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 11.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 7.4% Asian residents, with 11.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, NC is $56,083 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, NC is $210,100, which is 14% 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, NC is $1,002, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, NC is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbus, NC a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,166 and a median age of 50.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Columbus, NC?
22.7% 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, NC: median home value is $210,100 (14% below national), median rent is $1,002/month, and median household income is $56,083. 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, NC is 15.2%, 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, NC?
Columbus's population is 11.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 7.4% Asian, and 4.3% two or more races. 11.2% of residents are foreign-born.