Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbus City, IA
Considering a move to Columbus City, IA? With a small-town vibe and a population of just 380, Columbus City offers affordable living—median home prices hover around $82,000 and average rents are $700. Commute times are short at 20 minutes on average, and crime rates are low for both violent and property crime. Public schools have favorable student-teacher ratios, and you'll enjoy a friendly, diverse community with plenty of sunny days and classic Midwest seasons. Explore housing, education, and more below to see if Columbus City is the right fit for your next move.
Demographics - Columbus City, IA
Demographics - Columbus City, IA
Columbus City is a small, close-knit community of 380 residents with a median age of 35.8. The population is predominantly White, though nearly 30% identify as other ethnicities, and over a quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming, diverse atmosphere.
Population:
380
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
29.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbus City, IA?
Living in Columbus City is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $82,000. Rent averages $700 per month, and utility expenses remain modest, making this city attractive for those seeking budget-friendly living. State taxes are moderate, and housing costs are particularly low compared to many other areas.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.0
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
96.1
Transportation:
81.4
Health Care:
94.6
Miscellaneous:
85.7
Crime
Is Columbus City, IA a safe place to live?
Columbus City boasts a low crime rate, with violent crime notably rare and property crime risk lower than many comparable towns. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety, contributing to the city’s friendly, small-town environment. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 1,030, making it a reassuring place to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
97
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,260
Crime Index:
1,357
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,030
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbus City, IA year-round?
Residents of Columbus City experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging as low as 13°F and warm summer highs reaching 86°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine more than half the year. This classic Midwest climate offers distinct seasonal variety and plenty of bright days.
Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in Columbus City have a median income of $53,100, with a poverty rate just above 13%. The majority of residents commute about 20 minutes to work, and unemployment remains relatively low. The community values education, with over three-quarters of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$53,100
Family Income:
$59,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
28.0%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
77.5%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Columbus City, IA?
Columbus City offers quality public education, with elementary and high schools maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible nearby, including Southeastern Community College just 30 miles away and the University of Iowa within a short drive. Families benefit from strong school choices and convenient access to colleges.
Public Schools
Name:
Columbus Community Elementary School
Street:
1004 Colton St
Phone:
319-728-6218
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Columbus Community High School
Street:
1004 Colton St
Phone:
319-728-2231
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.4
Colleges
Name:
Southeastern Community College
City:
West Burlington
State:
IA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
3,300
Name:
University of Iowa
City:
Iowa City
State:
IA
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
30,000
Healthcare
Columbus City residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Muscatine and Iowa City, both offering comprehensive care and emergency services. The city has a solid health insurance coverage rate of 92.5% and nearly two physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare is accessible and reliable for individuals and families alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine
Address:
1518 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761
Phone:
(563) 264-9100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Iowa City
Address:
500 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone:
(319) 339-0300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbus City, IA?
The housing market in Columbus City is attractive for first-time buyers and renters, with a median home price of $82,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $700. Homeownership is strong at 65%, and the area has seen steady appreciation over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services for Columbus City are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with the main office located in Ankeny. Residents can access driver licensing, registration, and other DMV services online or by phone, ensuring a smooth process for new arrivals. For more information, the state’s official website provides resources and up-to-date details.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.