Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Columbus

Affordability

Columbus has a median household income of $64,626 and a median gross rent of $892 per month, with renters making up 34% of occupied housing units, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). Subsidized housing in the city offers income-based options for renters who may find market-rate costs a stretch.

Safety

According to the Columbus Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer reporting, Columbus had a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

Getting Around Columbus

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Columbus rates 66 out of 100 ("Somewhat Walkable"), with a Bike Score of 51 out of 100. No Transit Score is available, reflecting the limited public transit options typical of smaller Nebraska cities.

Schools

Columbus is served by 15 schools across 3 districts -- including 8 elementary, 2 middle, and 5 high schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Living in Columbus, NE

The median household income in Columbus is $64,626 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. About 34% of residents rent their homes, giving a sense of how common renting is in the city.

The median market rent in Columbus is $892 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Affordable and income-based housing can offer significant savings below that figure, with rents typically tied to a percentage of your household income rather than market rates.

• Median household income: $64,626/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $892/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of residents who rent: 34% (Census ACS 5-Year)

Environment & Flood Risk

All 3 HUD-assisted properties in Columbus have been mapped for flood zone exposure. None of them fall within a high-risk flood zone, which is a reassuring finding for renters concerned about flood-related disruptions or insurance requirements.