Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Columbus, NC
Considering a move to Columbus, NC? With a cozy population of 1,090 and a median home price around $275,000, Columbus offers affordable small-town living with a cost of living well below the national average. The town enjoys low violent crime rates, short commute times under 20 minutes, and a mild climate with 62% sunny days each year. Families benefit from solid local schools, access to St. Luke’s Hospital, and a friendly community atmosphere—making Columbus a great choice for a relaxed lifestyle in the beautiful North Carolina foothills.
Demographics - Columbus, NC
Demographics - Columbus, NC
Columbus, NC is a small, close-knit community of 1,090 residents, with a median age of 51.7, reflecting a mature population. The town is predominantly White, with a modest mix of other ethnic groups and about 5% non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and lower population density create a peaceful, neighborly environment ideal for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Population:
1,090
Density:
540 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.7
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.4%
Black:
8.4%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Columbus, NC?
Columbus boasts a cost of living index of 89.5, making it more affordable than the national average. Median home values are around $275,000 and average rent is $920, offering budget-friendly housing options for both buyers and renters. Everyday expenses like utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, making the town attractive for those seeking to maximize their purchasing power.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,290
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
95.3
Housing:
78.2
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
94.7
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Columbus, NC a safe place to live?
Columbus experiences low violent crime, with only 111 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 900 chance of being affected, making it a safe place for families and retirees. Property crime is somewhat higher but still manageable, with a 1 in 75 chance annually. Residents benefit from a secure environment and a strong sense of community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
111
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,340
Crime Index:
1,451
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 75
Weather
What is the weather like in Columbus, NC year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate, with winter lows averaging 27°F and summer highs reaching 87°F, making outdoor activities pleasant year-round. Columbus receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunny days 62% of the year. The comfortable seasonal changes and bright weather contribute to a high quality of life in the foothills.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Columbus have a median income of $46,400, with a family income of $60,900 and a poverty rate of 14.6%. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly 30% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a well-educated community. The area features low unemployment and short 19.5-minute average commutes, supporting a relaxed and convenient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$46,400
Family Income:
$60,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,300
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$28,800
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
19.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
29.8%
Education
How are the schools in Columbus, NC?
Columbus offers strong educational opportunities, featuring well-rated public schools like Polk Central Elementary and Polk County High, each with favorable student-teacher ratios. Families can also choose from private school options, and local access to Isothermal Community College supports lifelong learning. The town’s educational resources accommodate students from early childhood through adult education.

Public Schools
Name:
Polk Central Elementary School
Street:
2141 NC-9 S
Phone:
828-894-8233
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Polk County High School
Street:
1681 NC-108
Phone:
828-894-2525
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.4

Private Schools
Name:
Tryon Seventh-day Adventist School
Street:
2820 Lynn Rd
Phone:
828-859-0255
Students:
48

Colleges
Name:
Isothermal Community College - Polk Center
City:
Columbus
State:
NC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Columbus is anchored by St. Luke’s Hospital, offering general and emergency services locally. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, access to care is strong. The town's healthcare index of 77.2 suggests residents benefit from reliable medical resources and services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Luke's Hospital
Address:
101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722
Phone:
(828) 894-3311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Columbus, NC?
Columbus offers a stable housing market, with a median home price of $275,000 and owner-occupancy above 57%. Rental options are accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $920 and a vacancy rate of just over 8%. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make the area appealing for buyers and investors alike.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents of Columbus are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Marion. The DMV provides essential driver and vehicle services, with helpful staff and convenient online resources. The office is easily accessible for all registration, licensing, and renewal needs.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1995 Rutherford Rd, Marion, NC 28752
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
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.