Living in Columbus, OH
Columbus is the 15th-largest city in the US, home to about 938,000 people in 2025 and the capital of Ohio. It has grown 3.6% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (95.5 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 938,396+3.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $252,9003.8 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,295/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $66,082median, per year
- Price level
- 95.5US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 37° / 85°lows 22° / 65°
- Average commute
- 22 min18% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.75%top rate, flat
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County: Franklin County, Fairfield County, Delaware County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 771 ft
Metro area: Columbus, OH
Cost of living in Columbus
The median home in Columbus is worth $252,900 and the median household earns $66,082 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.8 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,295 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Columbus, OH metro area at 95.5, with housing at 87.9 and goods at 93.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $71,600 here. Ohio taxes wages at a top rate of 2.75% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Ohio is 7.29%.
What would my salary be worth in Columbus?
Columbus weather
Average highs run from 37°F in January to 85°F in July, and January nights average 22°F. It gets 42 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 28 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 103 times a year. The most comfortable months are April to June and August to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Columbus
People and work
The median resident is 33.2 years old, and 38% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 44% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 18% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 33.291st youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 38%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 44%of households
- People per sq mile
- 4,236221.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%3% walk, 0.4% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.1%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 18.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1980median year
Who moves to Columbus, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), Akron (Summit County) and Chicago (Cook County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), Chicago (Cook County) and Phoenix (Maricopa County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Franklin County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: cold wave, tornado, inland flooding, heat wave.
Home prices
+3.3% in a year
Up 46% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Columbus, OH area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
40% good days
8 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Columbus, OH area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Columbus
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Denison University 27 miles
- Franklin University in Columbus
- Otterbein University 12 miles
- Capital University 4 miles
- Ohio Wesleyan University 23 miles
- Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Columbus
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| John Glenn Columbus International Airport CMH | 7 mi | 4,387,395 |
| Rickenbacker International Airport LCK | 11 mi | 143,035 |
| Dayton International Airport DAY | 64 mi | 624,995 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Columbus
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | 2 mi | 45,638 | $17,269 | 87% |
| Franklin University | in town | 5,562 | $28,451 | 21% |
| Otterbein University | 12 mi | 2,157 | $20,189 | 61% |
| Capital University | 4 mi | 1,585 | $20,550 | 57% |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | 23 mi | 1,516 | $20,196 | 64% |
| Columbus College of Art & Design | in town | 882 | $27,723 | 61% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Columbus
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 18, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 16 and the first frost comes around October 27.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Columbus Port Columbus Intl. Airport, OH, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Columbus.
Wildfire smoke in Columbus
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Columbus on about 124 days a year, including about 27 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Columbus
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 390,528 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Columbus
Downtown Columbus is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus City School District | Pre-K to 12 | 46,515 | 116 | 15.5 |
Other districts within 10 miles: South-Western City School District (21,924 students), Dublin City School District (16,967 students), Hilliard City School District (16,298 students), Westerville City School District (14,589 students), Worthington City School District (10,874 students), Gahanna-Jefferson City School District (8,290 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Columbus's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Columbus's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Bethlehem, PA83% matchCompare
- Allentown, PA80% matchCompare
- Champaign, IL79% matchCompare
- Springfield, MA77% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Columbus
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Columbus
- Mad River Mountain 43 miles
- Perfect North Slopes 115 miles
- Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort 118 miles
- Alpine Valley Ski Area 141 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Columbus
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about Columbus?
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Columbus report card from locals
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Columbus through locals' eyes
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Cities near Columbus
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton, OH | 65 mi | 136,688 | $100,600 | 92.7 | Compare |
| Cincinnati, OH | 98 mi | 314,367 | $230,900 | 95.4 | Compare |
| Akron, OH | 110 mi | 189,691 | $122,000 | 93.4 | Compare |
| Parma, OH | 119 mi | 78,581 | $170,100 | 93.9 | Compare |
| Toledo, OH | 121 mi | 263,423 | $114,500 | 91.5 | Compare |
| Cleveland, OH | 127 mi | 363,608 | $102,000 | 93.9 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Powell, New Albany and Bexley lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Columbus.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Columbus with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, 6 comfortable months a year, short commutes. Compare Columbus side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Columbus?
The Census Bureau estimates Columbus had 938,396 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 906,215 in April 2020 (+3.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Columbus?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $71,600 in the Columbus area. The median household here earns $66,082.
When is the best time to visit Columbus?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to June and August to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 85°F and January 37°F for daytime highs.
What county is Columbus in?
Most of Columbus (95% of its land) is in Franklin County. Smaller parts lie in Fairfield County and Delaware County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Columbus in?
Columbus is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Columbus?
About 771 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Ohio have a state income tax?
Yes. Ohio has a flat income tax with a top rate of 2.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Columbus. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Columbus, OH metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Columbus Port Columbus Intl. Airport, OH station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.