Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Located in the state of Kansas, Columbus is a small city with a population of 3,159 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (92% White). Given that fact, Columbus could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Columbus is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Columbus can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Kansas, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Columbus, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, education and more.
With a livability score of 73 out of 100, Columbus is ranked #4,699 in the United States and #71 in Kansas. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Columbus ranks very well for crime (B) and housing (B-). Unfortunately for Columbus, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F), education (D-) and employment (D-).
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Columbus, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 27.22% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Columbus an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Columbus has an unemployment rate of 1.3% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Columbus market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Columbus is real estate affordability. The median home price for Columbus homes is $107,034, which is 56.6% lower than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Columbus, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 33.3% lower than the Kansas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Columbus | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 84.7% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.7% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.1% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.5% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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