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Columbus, NE

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Columbus, NE

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 44
Population24,188
Foreign Born8.9%
Population Density2,233people per mi²
Median Age37.7 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
ChangingSince 2010, this city has seen significant changes in racial and ethnic composition in a short time.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Historical data isn't available for Columbus, Nebraska. Trends shown are for Nebraska, Nebraska.

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
A+
Elite

An exceptional place to live — walkable, affordable relative to incomes, with a thriving local economy and abundant recreation.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A+
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean98%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
14
Positive
27
Poor
0
Negative
0

Groceries

2 within 10 miles

0.7mi

Gas

7 within 10 miles

0.5mi

Hospital

4 within 20 miles

2.2mi

Airport

MCI — Kansas City International

202.7mi

Post Office

USPS — Columbus, NE

0.2mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

1 private club within 10 miles.

Golf3Nearest 1.1 mi
Camping0 
Marina0 
Winery0 
Ice Rink0 
Gun Range0 

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
C
Average

A middle-class area roughly in line with national averages across income, home values, education, and employment.

Est. Avg Net Worth
$340k
48% below US avg
College Educated
23.3%
33% below US avg
Avg HH Debt
$17k
8% below US avg
Graduate Degree
6.6%
51% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
B
Safe

Generally safer than 65% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
15.9
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+38.2%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+40.7%
Homicide*
0.02 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Robbery*
0.19 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Aggravated Assault*
1.52 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg

Property Crime

5yr+35.6%
Burglary*
1.18 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Larceny-Theft*
10.67 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft*
1.84 / 1k ResidentsEqual to state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025* = State-level data substituted where local agency has not published figures

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+6Leans Conservative

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Columbus, Nebraska
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B-
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
D
Poor11.5% of income
Property Rights
C
FairIJ Grade C
Firearm Rights
C+
FairFPC Grade C+
Homeschooling
C+
WeakModerate regulation

Energy independence: Importer (35% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
A-
OpenFarm sales legal
Gambling Laws
B
Broadly OpenCasinos · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Hardiness Zone5B~-12°F min
Growing Season184 days231 frost-free
Annual Rainfall26.9"
Elevation1,453 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
B+
Defensible

Workable tactical position. Some exposure to population density or targets, but generally defensible in a crisis.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
A+
Great1214 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
D-
Poor2,233/sq mi
Fallout Danger
A+
Great0 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
D
PoorInland Flooding, Tornado, Hail, Strong Wind, Cold Wave
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 522 mi · coast 817 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$32.5M/yrfor the county

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T16:45:48.000Z

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