Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbus, MS
Considering a move to Columbus, MS? With a friendly population of around 23,000 and affordable housing—median home prices at $121,000 and two-bedroom rents near $835—Columbus offers a low cost of living and mild winters. Commute times are short at just under 20 minutes, and the city features a vibrant local college and several healthcare options. While crime rates are above national averages, residents enjoy a warm climate with 62% sunny days, making it a welcoming Southern city for families, students, and retirees alike.
Demographics - Columbus, MS
Demographics - Columbus, MS
Columbus, MS, is home to about 23,300 residents and features a diverse community where the majority identify as Black (58.1%) and White (38.4%). The median age hovers around 37, and the city maintains a balanced gender ratio, making it an inclusive place for families and individuals alike.
Population:
23,319
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.9
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
38.4%
Black:
58.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbus, MS?
Columbus offers an affordable lifestyle with a cost of living index of 78.5, well below the national average. Median home values are just $121,000, and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are around $835, making it budget-friendly for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$121,000
Gross Rent:
$835
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
93.7
Housing:
48.2
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
87.4
Health Care:
92.9
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Columbus, MS a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Columbus are higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 243 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 32 chance of property crime. While the crime index is notable, many neighborhoods remain safe and welcoming, so it's wise to research specific areas when considering a move.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
412
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,110
Crime Index:
3,522
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 243
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbus, MS year-round?
Columbus experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers, with average winter lows near 34°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The city enjoys 62% sunny days throughout the year and receives about 56.6 inches of rainfall, creating lush landscapes and a comfortable Southern climate.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F

Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents in Columbus have a median household income of $39,200, with a poverty rate of 25.1%. Most locals commute about 19 minutes to work, and the community reflects a strong emphasis on education, with nearly 85% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$24,500
Household Income:
$39,200
Family Income:
$50,300
Per Capita Income:
$21,100
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
25.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.7%
Rent:
$835
Unemployment Rate:
7.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
20.8%
Education
How are the schools in Columbus, MS?
Columbus is served by both public and private schools, including Columbus High School and Heritage Academy, as well as higher education institutions like Mississippi University for Women. The city's schools offer reasonable student-teacher ratios and a range of academic opportunities for learners of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Columbus High School
Street:
215 Hemlock St
Phone:
662-241-7200
Students:
840
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Stokes-Beard Elementary School
Street:
311 S. Martin Luther King Dr
Phone:
662-241-7180
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Private Schools
Name:
Heritage Academy
Street:
625 Magnolia Ln
Phone:
662-327-1556
Students:
700

Colleges
Name:
Mississippi University for Women
City:
Columbus
State:
MS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,700
Name:
East Mississippi Community College (Golden Triangle)
City:
Mayhew
State:
MS
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
4,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Columbus is anchored by Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and a physician availability of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. With nearly 88% health insurance coverage, residents have access to reliable medical care and emergency services within the city.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle
Address:
2520 5th St N, Columbus, MS 39705
Phone:
(662) 244-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbus, MS?
The housing market in Columbus is accessible, with a median home price of $121,000 and a homeownership rate of about 52%. Rental options are also plentiful, and the area has seen moderate home appreciation at 4.7% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$121,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$835
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services in Columbus are provided by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, conveniently located on Airline Road. Residents can handle licensing and vehicle registration needs locally, and more information is available on the state's official DMV website.
State:
Mississippi
Department:
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address:
17 Airline Rd, Columbus, MS 39702
Phone:
(601) 987-1212
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.