Columbus city, Mississippi Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Columbus city, Mississippi has a total population of 23,616, the 18th largest city in Mississippi, with a median household income of $40,588, which is 26% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 21.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Unemployment rate of 9.3% is notably above the national average.
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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbus city Rankings in Mississippi
Explore Mississippi Rankings
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starkville city | 25,611 | $39,751 | $265,900 | 50.9% | 32.5% |
| Pascagoula city | 21,812 | $43,286 | $132,500 | 19.6% | 28.5% |
| Vicksburg city | 20,944 | $42,484 | $117,000 | 23.9% | 27.9% |
| Greenville city | 28,833 | $36,297 | $100,800 | 20.2% | 31.8% |
| Ridgeland city | 24,548 | $63,470 | $259,600 | 50.4% | 10.1% |
Population Overview
Columbus city is a small city located in Mississippi. The total population is 23,616. It ranks as the 18th most populous out of 419 cities and towns in Mississippi.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbus city is 39.6 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 38.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Columbus city is $40,588. This is 26% lower than the state median of $54,915. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 48% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%. This is 13% higher than the state poverty rate of 19.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 9.3%. This is 55% higher than the state rate of 6.0%. The median home value is $121,200. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $161,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 48.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 31% lower than the state average of 69.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Columbus city is Black or African American, making up 63.1% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 31.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (63.1% vs 36.9%).
Education
25.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 7% higher than the state rate of 24.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbus city, Mississippi 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 Mississippi state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 419 Census-designated places in Mississippi. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Columbus city, Mississippi?
Columbus city, Mississippi has a population of 23,616 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbus city, MS?
The median household income in Columbus city is $40,588, which is 48% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus city, MS?
The poverty rate in Columbus city is 21.6%. This means approximately 4,814 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbus city, Mississippi?
Columbus city's population is 31.6% White, 63.1% Black, 2.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbus city, MS?
The median home value in Columbus city is $121,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Columbus city, Mississippi?
25.8% of adults (25+) in Columbus city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.