Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
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.
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.
Columbus, Minnesota is a small-sized city with a population of 4,249 people. With a population density of 95 people per square mile, Columbus is well below the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 93% of Columbus residents are White, 3% American Indian and Alaskan and 2% Asian. Columbus is considered to be a city with an aging population. The average age of all residents is 48, which is well beyond the United States median age average. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Columbus entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 31 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Columbus, Minnesota could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Columbus and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, health & safety, housing and other important metrics.
Columbus has a livability score of 70 out of 100 and is ranked #287 in Minnesota and #6,918 in the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Columbus scores well for crime (A+) and housing (A+) On a less positive note, Columbus does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Columbus, the unemployment rate stands at 1.7%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Columbus can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Columbus. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Columbus are affordable. Median real estate prices in Columbus come in at $521,986, which is 54% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Columbus, the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 0% lower than the Minnesota 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 | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.9% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.9% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.2% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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