Columbus city, Kansas Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Columbus city, Kansas has a total population of 2,902, the 93rd largest city in Kansas, with a median household income of $39,936, which is 45% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 19.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 45% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%.
Columbus city Quick Facts
How Columbus city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbus city Rankings in Kansas
Explore Kansas Rankings
Other Cities in Cherokee County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baxter Springs city | 3,863 | $60,139 | 19.7% | $87,600 |
| Galena city | 2,752 | $39,968 | 17.0% | $70,600 |
| Weir city | 910 | $51,625 | 17.4% | $55,400 |
| Scammon city | 397 | $63,125 | 13.1% | $81,700 |
Cities Similar to Columbus city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oaklawn-Sunview CDP | 2,952 | $37,986 | $48,000 | 1.6% | 27.7% |
| Galena city | 2,752 | $39,968 | $70,600 | 19.1% | 17.0% |
| South Hutchinson city | 2,826 | $42,221 | $147,900 | 12.9% | 10.3% |
| Girard city | 2,706 | $41,629 | $84,500 | 31.8% | 16.4% |
| Garnett city | 3,200 | $46,875 | $137,800 | 16.4% | 6.0% |
Population Overview
Columbus city is a small community located in Kansas, within Cherokee County. The total population is 2,902. It ranks as the 93rd most populous out of 726 cities and towns in Kansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbus city is 41.9 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 37.2 years. 11.0% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Columbus city is $39,936. This is 45% lower than the state median of $72,639. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 49% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.4%. This is 68% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 1.6%. This is 59% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $85,800. Housing costs are 58% lower than the state median of $203,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Columbus city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 59.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 66.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Columbus city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.1% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 3.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.3%) is well below the state average of 13.3%.
Education
22.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 36% lower than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbus city, Kansas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Kansas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 726 Census-designated places in Kansas. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
Free data download: Get all Kansas city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbus city, Kansas?
Columbus city, Kansas has a population of 2,902 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbus city, KS?
The median household income in Columbus city is $39,936, which is 49% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus city, KS?
The poverty rate in Columbus city is 19.4%. This means approximately 550 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbus city, Kansas?
Columbus city's population is 81.1% White, 3.6% Black, 3.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbus city, KS?
The median home value in Columbus city is $85,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x.
How educated is Columbus city, Kansas?
22.7% of adults (25+) in Columbus city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.