Columbus, Minnesota Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Columbus, Minnesota had a total population of 4,248, the 172nd largest city in Minnesota, with a median household income of $123,194, which is 38% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Minnesota.
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.5% — among the lowest in Minnesota.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%.
Columbus Quick Facts
How Columbus Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,211 | 4,248 | +0.9% |
| Median household income | $117,917 | $123,194 | +4.5% |
| Median home value | $439,200 | $460,200 | +4.8% |
How Columbus Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 41 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbus Rankings in Minnesota
Explore Minnesota Rankings
Other Cities in Anoka County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coon Rapids | 63,468 | $88,251 | 8.2% | $305,800 |
| Andover | 33,035 | $137,593 | 3.3% | $410,200 |
| Fridley | 30,241 | $77,680 | 11.9% | $302,900 |
| Ramsey | 28,421 | $116,415 | 4.1% | $359,600 |
| Columbia Heights | 22,155 | $73,691 | 16.3% | $277,600 |
| Lino Lakes | 22,113 | $127,181 | 2.7% | $407,200 |
| Anoka | 17,970 | $75,948 | 8.3% | $308,700 |
| Ham Lake | 16,702 | $120,135 | 4.0% | $442,500 |
| East Bethel | 12,115 | $110,000 | 3.2% | $363,900 |
| Oak Grove | 9,130 | $117,696 | 1.7% | $423,300 |
Cities Similar to Columbus
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayzata | 4,354 | $131,614 | $1,153,400 | 72.7% | 5.8% |
| Centerville | 3,935 | $122,541 | $376,900 | 42.5% | 2.3% |
| Bayport | 3,905 | $125,893 | $376,900 | 27.5% | 3.7% |
| Stacy | 4,384 | $98,464 | $323,800 | 18.4% | 5.2% |
| Scandia | 3,950 | $101,953 | $475,800 | 40.9% | 1.9% |
Population Overview
Columbus is a small community located in Minnesota, within Anoka County. The total population is 4,248. It ranks as the 172nd most populous out of 914 Census-designated places in Minnesota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbus is 44.9 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 38.8 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Columbus is $123,194. This is 38% higher than the state median of $89,062. It is also 53% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 3.5%. This is 62% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.3%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 2.2%. This is 46% lower than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $460,200. Housing costs are 40% higher than the state median of $329,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x. 88.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 72.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Columbus has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.8% of all residents. Asian residents account for 2.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 6.4%.
Education
28.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% lower than the state rate of 39.4%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbus, Minnesota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Minnesota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 914 Census-designated places in Minnesota. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbus, Minnesota?
Columbus, Minnesota has a population of 4,248 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbus, MN?
The median household income in Columbus is $123,194, which is 53% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus, MN?
The poverty rate in Columbus is 3.5%. This means approximately 149 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbus, Minnesota?
Columbus's population is 91.8% White, 0.0% Black, 2.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbus, MN?
The median home value in Columbus is $460,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
How educated is Columbus, Minnesota?
28.8% of adults (25+) in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.