Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Columbus

Affordability

Columbus has a median household income of $66,082 and a median asking rent of $1,295 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 56% of residents renting their homes, the city has a large renter population, and the 9,420 income-restricted units across 111 HUD-assisted properties tracked by Lease Lantern represent an important source of below-market housing.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Columbus Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 485 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting methods and local definitions.

Getting Around Columbus

The assisted properties in Columbus score an average of 48 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 43 (Some Transit) for public transit, and 74 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. These scores reflect the areas around the 111 assisted properties tracked on this page.

Schools

Columbus is served by 235 schools across 91 districts, including 140 elementary, 29 middle, and 62 high schools, plus 4 other campuses, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Renting in Columbus, OH

The median household income in Columbus is $66,082 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The citywide median rent is $1,295 per month, according to the same source.

Affordable and income-based housing in Columbus is designed to serve renters who qualify based on income limits set by HUD. Lease Lantern tracks 111 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties with 9,420 total units across the city.

• Median household income: $66,082/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,295/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households who rent: 56% (Census ACS 5-Year)

With more than half of Columbus households renting, demand for income-restricted units is significant. Eligible renters in subsidized housing typically pay no more than 30% of their adjusted income toward rent.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 111 affordable housing properties in Columbus were mapped for flood risk, and none fall within a high-risk flood zone. Flood exposure is not a significant concern for HUD-assisted and income-based rentals in this city.