Columbus, GA-AL Metro Area

Columbus, GA-AL · Metro Area

325,615Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 7 counties (3 central, 4 outlying), part of the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income: $59,336
Median home value: $197,300
Land area: 2,786 sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

County	Role	Population	Median income	Median home value
Muscogee County, GA	Central	203,711	$58,073	$193,900
Russell County, AL	Central	58,811	$51,197	$165,700
Harris County, GA	Outlying	36,086	$97,302	$302,800
Chattahoochee County, GA	Central	8,887	$61,042	$102,700
Marion County, GA	Outlying	7,509	$51,667	$154,100
Talbot County, GA	Outlying	5,742	$41,597	$117,100
Stewart County, GA	Outlying	4,869	$33,250	$65,100

Largest cities and towns

17 places in our city pages lie in this area.

Place	Type	Population	Median income
Columbus, GA	City	203,711	$58,073
Phenix City, AL	City	38,499	$50,053
Cusseta, GA	—	8,887	$61,042
West Point, GA	City	3,403	$57,214
Ladonia, AL	CDP	3,346	$53,441
Hamilton, GA	City	2,043	$92,083
Buena Vista, GA	City	1,717	$28,878
Richland, GA	City	1,595	$25,100
Pine Mountain, GA	Town	1,314	$91,250
Lumpkin, GA	City	1,000	$47,500
Shiloh, GA	City	758	$82,875
Talbotton, GA	City	665	$21,635
Waverly Hall, GA	Town	650	$75,313
Hurtsboro, AL	Town	421	$26,375
Junction City, GA	Town	353	$45,000
Woodland, GA	City	272	$40,000
Geneva, GA	Town	101	$113,438

Also in the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL combined area

Auburn-Opelika, AL · metro · 199,825 Alexander City, AL · micro · 40,938

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate

18.7%

Unemployment

6.2%

College Educated

28.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income

$59,336

Mean Household Income

$81,429

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male

49.1%

Female

50.9%

Population Split

Male49.1%

Female50.9%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English9.0%

Irish6.2%

German6.0%

Mexican2.7%

Italian1.5%

Scottish1.2%

African1.1%

French0.9%

Polish0.6%

Reported ancestry groups representing the cultural heritage of the population. Percentages may not sum to 100% as residents may report multiple ancestries or none.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

4.3%Foreign Born

95.7%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized58.7%

Non-Citizen41.3%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later31.8%

Before 201068.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units

145,963

Median Rent

$1,069/mo

Median Home Value

$197,300

Median Year Built

1982

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled

79,833

College Enrollment

19.1%

High School

21.3%

College Educated

28.1%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time

22.6 min

Drive Alone Rate

74.3%

Public Transit

1.0%

Work From Home

11.1%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18

23.7%

18-34 Years

24.2%

35-64 Years

36.6%

65+ Years

15.5%

Population Composition

Under 1823.7%

18-3424.2%

35-6436.6%

65+15.5%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples

39.9%

Single Parent

10.1%

Living Alone

33.3%

Avg Size

2.46

Household Types

Married Couples39.9%

Single Parent10.1%

Living Alone33.3%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income

$33,493

SNAP Usage

17.3%

Health Insurance

89.1%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k21.6%

$25k - $50k21.3%

$50k - $100k30.6%

$100k+26.5%

Key Industries

Manufacturing

10.6%

Retail Trade

10.2%

Education & Health Care

23.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

17.9%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

89.1%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet

86.5%vs ~90% National Avg

Computer Ownership

93.0%vs ~95% National Avg

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better

89.3

0130

Below average< 97

Near average97 - 103

Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better

152.2

0200

Hard to Afford< 80

Moderate80 - 100

Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)

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