Columbus 80 Exceptional
Columbus Livability #20 ranked city in Nebraska#1,633 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Columbus

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

  • Crime 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.

  • Housing 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 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.

What's it like Living in Columbus?

Located in the state of Nebraska, Columbus is a moderately-sized city with a population of 24,141 residents. At 89%, the majority of the Columbus population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 1% Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Columbus offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 12 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Columbus can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Nebraska, there are many incredible 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. The best areas in Columbus and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Nebraska and national averages.

Using data and statistics Columbus has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Columbus is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Columbus has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. Based on the grades for each individual category, Columbus has been rewarded with high marks for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), employment (C+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Columbus does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 85 crimes per 100,000 residents, Columbus has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

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 2.3%, 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.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Columbus has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Columbus real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Columbus. Median real estate prices in Columbus come in at $283,540, which is 15.8% higher than the Nebraska 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 3.3, which is 10% higher than the Nebraska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Columbus

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Compare Columbus, NE Livability

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      Columbus transportation information

      Statistic Columbus Nebraska National
      Average one way commute12min18min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.6%81.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.8%9.4%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.2%0.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.5%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home3.7%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Columbus, NE data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.