Columbus, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Columbus, Montana had a total population of 2,003, the 53rd largest town in Montana, with a median household income of $65,250, which is 10% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
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 | 1,925 | 2,003 | +4.1% |
| Median household income | $62,500 | $65,250 | +4.4% |
| Median home value | $264,000 | $282,800 | +7.1% |
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: 29 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Columbus Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Other Cities in Stillwater County
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Townsend | 1,967 | $70,752 | $227,600 | 21.5% | 15.6% |
| Roundup | 2,003 | $57,847 | $166,200 | 13.5% | 16.6% |
| Stevensville | 2,130 | $60,096 | $377,300 | 25.8% | 13.6% |
| East Missoula | 2,099 | $57,500 | $358,500 | 31.2% | 7.3% |
| Malta | 2,100 | $54,483 | $160,800 | 30.8% | 9.9% |
Population Overview
Columbus is a small community located in Montana, within Stillwater County. The total population is 2,003. It ranks as the 53rd most populous out of 475 Census-designated places in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Columbus is 47.2 years. This is 17% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. 14.9% 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 is $65,250. This is 10% lower than the state median of $72,509. It is also 19% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%. This is 4% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.5%. The unemployment rate is 3.1%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $282,800. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $375,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 76.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% higher than the state average of 69.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Columbus has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.9% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 4.2%.
Education
24.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 32% lower than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Columbus, Montana 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 Montana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 475 Census-designated places in Montana. 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, Montana?
Columbus, Montana has a population of 2,003 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Columbus, MT?
The median household income in Columbus is $65,250, which is 19% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus, MT?
The poverty rate in Columbus is 11.0%. This means approximately 215 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Columbus, Montana?
Columbus's population is 90.9% White, 0.0% Black, 4.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Columbus, MT?
The median home value in Columbus is $282,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
How educated is Columbus, Montana?
24.0% of adults (25+) in Columbus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.