Columbus, GA Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Georgia by population · 19 cities ranked
Columbus is the 2nd largest city in Georgia by population and ranks 14th of 19 for median household income. With 204,383 residents, its poverty rate of 18.8% ranks among the higher rates in Georgia. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
204,383
48.2% male · 51.8% female
Median Age
35.1
3.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$56,622
$21,916 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
29.7%
5.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.0%
Poverty Rate
18.8%
6.4% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.3%
Broadband Access
93.1%
3.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$182,300
Median rent: $1,072 · 50% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
Labor force participation: 52.7%
Per Capita Income
$37,496
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
14.3%
Disability rate: 17.4%
How Columbus Compares to Other Georgia Cities
Rankings among all 19 Georgia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 19 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 14th of 19 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 13th of 19 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 14th of 19 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 14th of 19 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Columbus, GA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbus, GA?
The population of Columbus, GA is 204,383 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.1 years.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, GA is $56,622, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,496.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, GA is 18.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Columbus residents have a college degree?
29.7% of adults (25+) in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, GA is $182,300. Median rent is $1,072 per month, with 50% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Columbus?
Columbus's population is 39.3% White, 46.7% Black, 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Columbus rank among Georgia cities?
Columbus is the 2nd largest city in Georgia by population, the 14th highest for median household income, the 13th lowest for poverty rate, the 14th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 19 ranked Georgia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, GA is 6.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 52.7%. Per capita income is $37,496.
Cities Similar to Columbus
Other Georgia cities with comparable population and income levels.