Ohio / Franklin County

Moving to Columbus, OH

Thinking of making a move to Columbus, OH? 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, OH

Considering a move to Columbus, OH? This welcoming community of 907,971 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $255,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% 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, OH

Columbus has a population of 907,971 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 56% White, 28% Black, and 6% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
907,971
Density
4,100 per sq mi
Median Age
32.4
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
56.2%
Black
28.0%
Asian
6.3%
Others
9.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Columbus, OH?

The cost of living in Columbus is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.5. Median home values are around $255,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$255,000
Gross Rent
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$610
State Taxes
Low: 2.765%| High: 3.99%
Cost Of Living Index
91.5
Grocery
94.6
Housing
82.1
Utilities
94.2
Transportation
89.5
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
96.0

Crime

Is Columbus, OH a safe place to live?

Columbus is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 507 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 Ohio.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
507
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,142
Crime Index
3,649
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 197
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Columbus, OH year-round?

Columbus experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
47°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,600 and a low poverty rate of 16.5%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,900
Household Income
$61,600
Family Income
$75,400
Per Capita Income
$34,100
Income Male
$42,800
Income Female
$37,600
Poverty Rate
16.5%
Non English Speakers
10.2%
Rent
$1,150
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
2.1%
Commute Time
22.3 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.8%
Bachelors or More
38.9%

Education

How are the schools in Columbus, OH?

Columbus offers quality education options, with public schools like Columbus Alternative High School and Indianola Informal K-8 School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Columbus Alternative High School
Street
2632 McGuffey Rd
Phone
614-365-6006
Students
950
Student Teacher Ratio
19.5
Name
Indianola Informal K-8 School
Street
251 E Weber Rd
Phone
614-365-5579
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
18.7

Private Schools

Name
St. Charles Preparatory School
Street
2010 E Broad St
Phone
614-252-6714
Students
650

Colleges

Name
The Ohio State University
City
Columbus
State
OH
Distance
0 miles
Students
61,677
Name
Columbus State Community College
City
Columbus
State
OH
Distance
0 miles
Students
25,000

Healthcare

Columbus residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Mount Carmel East nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 92.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Address
410 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
Phone
(614) 293-8000
Type
General & Teaching
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mount Carmel East
Address
6001 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43213
Phone
(614) 234-6000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
92.0%
Health Care Index
69.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Columbus, OH?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $255,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 46%. The market has seen a 4.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.9%. Columbus offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
45.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.9%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Columbus handle vehicle services through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 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
Ohio
Department
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223
Phone
1-844-644-6268

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, OH

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 907,971, median home value $255,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 22.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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