Columbus, WI
Population 5,493 · Wisconsin
About Columbus, WI
Columbus is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 5,493 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,957 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 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 $225,700, which is 8% 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 $814, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,497 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,624 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (810 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbus shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.4% of Columbus residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Columbus, WI
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $74,957 (0% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $225,700, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $814 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Columbus's income is 3% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 10% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Columbus, WI?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $225,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $814/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,957) 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 5,493 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie du Chien | 5,471 | $52,670 | $152,100 | Compare |
| Berlin | 5,523 | $55,216 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Rothschild | 5,532 | $87,250 | $188,000 | Compare |
| North Fond du Lac | 5,373 | $61,744 | $144,900 | Compare |
| Waterford | 5,627 | $80,380 | $312,700 | Compare |
| Milton | 5,685 | $84,648 | $210,500 | Compare |
| West Salem | 5,268 | $90,991 | $269,300 | Compare |
| Evansville | 5,771 | $78,841 | $256,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Columbus, WI is 5,493 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, WI is $74,957 per year, which is 0% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, WI is $225,700, which is 8% 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, WI is $814, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, WI is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Columbus, WI a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,493 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Columbus, WI?
31.4% 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, WI: median home value is $225,700 (8% below national), median rent is $814/month, and median household income is $74,957. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, WI is 8.0%, 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, WI?
Columbus's population is 0.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.