Columbus, OH Local Data & Statistics
Overview
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Demographics
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Income & Poverty
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Housing
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Race
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Ethnicity
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Commute
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Education
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Comparison of Columbus, OH with: Ohio United States
Columbus, OH
Ohio State
United States
| Metric | CityColumbus, OH | StateOhio | CountryUnited States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 914,802 | 11,810,293 | 334,922,499 |
| Rent | $1,295 | $1,034 | $1,413 |
| Year built | 1980 | 1970 | 1980 |
| Household income | $66,082 | $71,389 | $80,734 |
| Per capita income | $37,860 | $40,552 | $44,673 |
| Poverty rate | 18.1% | 13.3% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.3% | 4% |
View the complete comparison of Columbus, OH, Ohio and United States →
Summary for Columbus, OH
Columbus is located in Ohio.
In Columbus, the typical monthly rent is $1,295 and the typical household income is $66,082. Rent here is higher than Ohio and lower than the U.S., and household income is lower than both Ohio and the U.S. The estimated poverty rate is 18.1%, which is higher than in both Ohio and national.
Renters make up about 55.9% of households, making this a predominantly renter area. About 44.7% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, indicating high cost burden.
Educational attainment is high, with about 38.2% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, which is lower than Ohio and similar to the national rate.
Columbus, OH — Rent vs Household Income
Columbus, OH — Poverty vs Unemployment
How Columbus, OH compares in Ohio (18 places)
| Metric | This place | Rank | Starts from | Statewide range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,295 | 18 / 18 | from lower rent | $728 – $1,295 |
| Household income | $66,082 | 5 / 18 | from higher income | $34,408 – $74,681 |
| Poverty rate | 18.1% | 8 / 18 | from lower poverty | 8.3% – 37.3% |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 4 / 18 | from lower unemployment | 2.5% – 6.6% |
Rankings are calculated among cities and communities in Ohio with total population > 50,000 (year 2024).
Detailed Ranking Explanation for Columbus, OH
Rent
Columbus ranks 18th out of 18 large places in Ohio for rent. Statewide rents range from $728 in Youngstown, OH to $1,295 in Columbus, OH.
Household income
In terms of household income, Columbus comes in 5th among 18 major places. Across Ohio, income levels vary from $34,408 in Youngstown, OH to $74,681 in Kettering, OH.
Poverty rate
In poverty comparisons, Columbus ranks 8th out of 18 large places. Statewide rates vary from 8.3% in Kettering, OH to 37.3% in Youngstown, OH.
Unemployment rate
In terms of unemployment, Columbus is ranked 4th out of 18 major areas. Across Ohio, rates go from 2.5% in Lakewood, OH up to 6.6% in Toledo, OH.
💰 Rent in Columbus, OH (with Utilities)
Estimated Monthly Rent: $1,295
What’s Included:
✅ Base rent, electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuels
❌ Not included: internet, cable TV, renter's insurance, parking
Explanation: This estimate shows what renters typically pay each month for housing, including the apartment or home and essential utilities such as heat, water, and electricity. Even when utilities are billed separately, an estimated average cost for utilities is included, in line with the U.S. Census Bureau’s (ACS) definition of gross rent.
Included in this number: Rent plus electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuel.
Not included: Internet, cable, parking, renter’s insurance, or furniture rental.
Note: This cost does not depend on the number of people living in the home.
👨👧👦 Household Income in Columbus, OH
Annual Household Income: $66,082
Definition: This represents the middle value of all household incomes in this area — half of households earn less, and half earn more.
Includes: wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security, pensions, investments, unemployment, public assistance, and rental income.
Does NOT include: capital gains, non-cash benefits (like food stamps), or tax refunds.
Household = any group of people (or a single person) living in the same housing unit.
Example: A couple earning $40,000 and $30,000 together have a household income of $70,000. If that's in the middle of all local incomes, it's the value shown here.
📉 Poverty Rate in Columbus, OH
Estimated Rate: 18.1%
Definition: The percentage of people in this area living below the federal poverty threshold.
How it works: The threshold is a dollar amount set by the U.S. Census Bureau that varies by family size and age. If a household's income is below that level, everyone in it is included in this rate.
Example: In a town of 10,000 people, if 1,500 have incomes below the poverty line, the poverty rate is 15%.
Note: This statistic only includes people living in households; it does not count those in student housing, military barracks, or nursing homes.
🏘️ Renter vs. Owner Households in Columbus, OH
In Columbus, OH, households that rent: 218,168 (55.9%)
| Household Type | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Renter-Occupied | 218,168 | 55.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 172,360 | 44.1% |
Definition: This is the percentage of households that rent their home rather than own it. It includes only occupied housing units.
Why it matters: Areas with a high share of renter households often have younger populations, higher mobility, and different housing needs compared to mostly owner-occupied areas.
Example: If 65% of homes in an area are renter-occupied, it means 65 out of every 100 households rent their home.
📉 Renters Spending Over 30% of Income on Rent in Columbus, OH
In Columbus, OH, cost-burdened renters (households spending over 30% of income on housing): 97,513 (44.7%)
| Household Group | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-burdened renters (over 30%) | 97,513 | 44.7% |
| Other renter households | 120,655 | 55.3% |
| Total renter households | 218,168 | 100% |
Shares are calculated as a percentage of renter households.
This shows how many renters in this area are considered cost-burdened — meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing (rent and basic utilities).
It’s a sign that housing might be unaffordable in the area or that lower-income residents may be struggling with rent.
Data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
📊 Education Levels in Columbus, OH
Less than High School: 169,632 people (27.8%)
Includes adults who did not complete high school.
High School Graduate or GED: 154,012 people (25.3%)
Includes adults whose highest education is a high school diploma or GED.
Some College or Associate Degree: 53,339 people (8.7%)
Includes adults who attended college without completing a bachelor’s degree (some college or associate degree).
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 232,932 people (38.2%)
Includes adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher (bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree).
👥 Total Adults (25+): 609,915
📊 Unemployment Rate in Columbus, OH
Estimated Rate: 4.0%
Definition: The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who do not have a job but are actively looking for one.
Labor Force = Employed + Unemployed (aged 16+ and actively participating in the workforce).
Formula: (Unemployed ÷ Labor Force) × 100
Does NOT include: People who are retired, students not looking for work, homemakers, or otherwise not seeking employment.
Example: If there are 1000 people in the labor force and 80 are unemployed, then the unemployment rate is 8%.
ℹ️ Have questions about how these statistics are calculated? See our data methodology & FAQs
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates (U.S. Census Bureau) — unemployment rate from BLS. Some values are derived metrics.