Mississippi / Lowndes County

Moving to Columbus, MS

Thinking of making a move to Columbus, MS? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbus, MS

Considering a move to Columbus, MS? This welcoming community of 23,319 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $121,000 and average rents near $835. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Columbus's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Columbus, MS

Columbus has a population of 23,319 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 38% White, 58% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 3% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Columbus is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 78.5. Median home values are around $121,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $835. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Columbus is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 412 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Mississippi.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
56°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
56.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $39,200 and a low poverty rate of 25.1%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 21% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Columbus High School and Stokes-Beard Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Mississippi University for Women and East Mississippi Community College (Golden Triangle). The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Columbus residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 87.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $121,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 9.2%. Columbus offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Columbus handle vehicle services through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, conveniently located in Columbus. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Mississippi
Department
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Address
17 Airline Rd, Columbus, MS 39702
Phone
(601) 987-1212

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.

FAQs About Moving to Columbus, MS

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Columbus, review the core fields on this page: population 23,319, median home value $121,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $835, commute time 19.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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