Columbus, PA
Population 721 · Pennsylvania
About Columbus, PA
Columbus is a small community located in Pennsylvania with a population of 721 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,750 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.3 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 $101,700, which is 58% 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 $635, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 364 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (296 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbus shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 28.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.0% 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 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbus, PA
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $57,750 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,700, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $635 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Columbus's income is 21% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 47% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Columbus, PA?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $635/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,750) 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 721 with a median age of 51.3 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield | 721 | $56,331 | $104,800 | Compare |
| New Berlin | 720 | $85,250 | $194,500 | Compare |
| Port Trevorton | 720 | $76,696 | $176,500 | Compare |
| Atlas | 719 | $52,042 | $52,100 | Compare |
| Saxton | 723 | $34,861 | $119,600 | Compare |
| Picture Rocks | 718 | $92,321 | $185,900 | Compare |
| Toughkenamon | 724 | $113,393 | $333,300 | Compare |
| White Mills | 718 | $47,153 | $163,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Columbus, PA is 721 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, PA is $57,750 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, PA is $101,700, which is 58% 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, PA is $635, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, PA is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Columbus, PA a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 721 and a median age of 51.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Columbus, PA?
12.0% 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, PA: median home value is $101,700 (58% below national), median rent is $635/month, and median household income is $57,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, PA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Columbus, PA?
Columbus's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.