Columbus, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,488
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,626/yr
-3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,303
0.7% year-over-year change

Columbus population

How many people live in Columbus

Columbus is home to 24,488 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Columbus locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
24,488
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
12,159
Female
50.4%
12,329
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,159 49.6% 1.6%
Female 12,329 50.4% 0.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Columbus is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 22% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.4% of the population, while another 22.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
22%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
24.4%
45 to 64
22.5%
Over 65
17.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,388 22% 0.2%
15 to 24 3,289 13.4% 8.1%
25 to 44 5,986 24.4% -1.0%
45 to 64 5,501 22.5% -1.0%
Over 65 4,324 17.7% 3.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Columbus, 84.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.7% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.7% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 6.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 21.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.1%
Non-citizens
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,634 84.3% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,486 6.1% -14.9%
Non-citizens 2,368 9.7% 9.7%
Racial breakdown
White
70.7%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
21.5%
Other
6.1%
Value Percent
White 17,315 70.7%
Black or African American 199 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 168 0.7%
Asian 29 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 18 0.1%
Two or more races 5,267 21.5%
Other 1,492 6.1%

Households in Columbus

A peek inside Columbus households

Columbus has 9,850 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.5% are families, while the remaining 36.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,850
1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,591
Family households
6,259
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,591 36.5% -0.6%
Family households 6,259 63.5% 3.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Columbus

The housing landscape of Columbus

Columbus's housing consists of 10,303 units, with 72.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,303
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,493 72.7%
1 unit, attached 539 5.2%
2 units 372 3.6%
3 or 4 units 394 3.8%
5 to 9 units 295 2.9%
10 to 19 units 272 2.6%
20 to 49 units 324 3.1%
50 or more units 308 3%
Mobile home 306 3%
Homes built since 2020
307
110.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Columbus

In Columbus, the median construction year is 1972. About 12.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,253 12.2% 6.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 529 5.1% -11.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,571 15.2% 7.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,330 12.9% -10.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,057 20% 10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 891 8.6% -18.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 869 8.4% -9.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 708 6.9% -3.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 788 7.6% 10.8%
Built in 2020 or later 307 3% 110.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Columbus occupancy rates

Out of the 9,850 occupied housing units in Columbus, 66.1% are owner-occupied, while 33.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,850
1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,339
Owner occupied
6,511
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,339 33.9% 4.2%
Owner occupied 6,511 66.1% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Columbus housing costs

Housing costs in Columbus come to a median of $923 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $892.

Median housing costs per month
$923/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Columbus
$892/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Columbus

Columbus education at a glance

About 41.2% of the population in Columbus went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 15.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 712 4% -1.5%
High school diploma 7,409 41.2% 4.8%
College diploma 4,111 22.8% 6.1%
Associate degree 2,055 11.4% -5.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,772 15.4% -5.8%
Graduate degree 939 5.2% -9.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Columbus

How much people earn in Columbus

The average annual household income in Columbus was $83,663 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,626, reflecting a -3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Columbus
$83,663/year
-2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Columbus
$64,626/year
-3.9% year-over-year change

Columbus income by age

In Columbus, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,232. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,576 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,038, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,230 in earnings. Overall, 88.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,038 4.7%
25 - 44 $77,232 2.7%
45 - 64 $84,576 -5.3%
Over 65 $50,230 -8.5%
Above poverty level
21,192
Below poverty level
2,687
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 21,192 88.8% -0.4%
Below poverty level 2,687 11.2% 15.8%

Average renter income in Columbus

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Columbus, their median household income was $40,174 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,174
Rent-to-income ratio
26.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Columbus

Workforce and job types in Columbus

The job market in Columbus is powered by 12,483 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 75.4% are employed by private companies, and 8.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,483
-0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
7,468
Blue collar
5,015
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,468 59.8% -3.4%
Blue collar 5,015 40.2% 3.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
75.4%
Governmental workers
8.8%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,101 8.8% 18.3%
Private companies 9,408 75.4% -0.5%
Governmental workers 1,102 8.8% -18.0%
Not for profit companies 872 7% 2.4%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
-22.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Columbus stands at 2.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Columbus

How people get around in Columbus

In Columbus, the average commute time is 15 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 90.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
15 min
6.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 11,137 90.8% -2.2%
Motorcycle 43 0.4% 7.5%
Bicycle 50 0.4% 38.9%
Walk 290 2.4% -0.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Columbus by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
68601 30,944 12,223 $68,480 $89,154

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FAQs about Columbus demographics 

What is the total population of Columbus?

Columbus has a total population of 24,488 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Columbus?

The gender ratio in Columbus is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (12,159 residents)
  • 50.4% females (12,329 residents)

What is the median age in Columbus?

The median age in Columbus is 37.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Columbus?

The age distribution in Columbus is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22% (5,388 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (3,289 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.4% (5,986 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.5% (5,501 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.7% (4,324 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Columbus?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Columbus is as follows:
  • White: 70.7% (17,315 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (199 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (168 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (29 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (18 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 21.5% (5,267 residents)
  • Other: 6.1% (1,492 residents)

What percentage of the population in Columbus are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.3% of the population in Columbus.

How many housing units are there in Columbus?

There are 10,303 housing units in Columbus, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Columbus and what is the average household size?

Columbus has a total of 9,850 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Columbus?

Columbus has a median household income of $64,626, representing a -3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Columbus?

The employment rate is 97.6% in Columbus, with a workforce of 12,483 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.8% (7,468 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.2% (5,015 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (1,101 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.4% (9,408 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.8% (1,102 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (872 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025