Columbus, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Columbus, Mississippi is 23,616 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest city in Mississippi. The median household income is $40,588, the median home value is $121,200, and the median age is 39.6.
The population has declined 9.5% since 2010 (25,205 → 22,820).
23,616
Population
942
People / sq mi
$40,588
Median Income
$121,200
Median Home Value
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Columbus covers 25.1 sq mi of land at 942 people per square mile.
About Columbus, MS
Among US cities, Columbus stands out first on household income: a median of $40,588, below the US median of $78,538. Columbus is a city in Mississippi with a population of 23,616. It ranks #18 among cities in Mississippi by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $40,588, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 20.0%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $121,200, with typical rent around $882.
Roughly 25.8% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Columbus city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Columbus city had a population of 25,205 in 2010 and 22,820 in 2024, a -9.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,205 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.70%.
22,820
Population (2024)
25,205
Population (2010)
25,205
Peak (2010)
-0.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,205 |
| 2011 | 25,052 |
| 2012 | 24,924 |
| 2013 | 24,835 |
| 2014 | 24,639 |
| 2015 | 24,546 |
| 2016 | 24,371 |
| 2017 | 24,136 |
| 2018 | 23,782 |
| 2019 | 23,573 |
| 2020 | 23,995 |
| 2021 | 23,563 |
| 2022 | 23,272 |
| 2023 | 23,019 |
| 2024 | 22,820 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 31.7% |
| Black or African American | 63.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$40,588
Median Household Income
$28,006
Per Capita Income
20.0%
Poverty Rate
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$121,200
Median Home Value
$882
Median Rent
48.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.6%
High School+
25.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
87.7%
Public Transit
5.3%
Work From Home
17.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.6%
Foreign Born
96.9%
Non-English at Home
7.9%
Veterans
13.3%
With Disability
87.3%
Health Insurance
86.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.8% |
| Manufacturing | 13.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.3% |
| Retail Trade | 9.3% |
| Information | 5.1% |
| Public Administration | 4.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.2% |
| Construction | 4.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
Largest cities in Mississippi
Largest counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbus, Mississippi has a population of 23,616 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest city in Mississippi.
The median household income in Columbus, Mississippi is $40,588, with 20.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Columbus, Mississippi is $121,200, with median monthly rent at $882 and a homeownership rate of 48.1%.
The median age in Columbus, Mississippi is 39.6 years. The population is 45.3% male and 54.7% female.
The population has declined 9.5% since 2010 (25,205 → 22,820).
Columbus city, MS Climate
Columbus city, MS has an average annual temperature of 16.8°C (62°F) and receives about 1435 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.8°C
Avg Temp
1435
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 143 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 126 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 156 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 142 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 117 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 106 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 111 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 87 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 95 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 90 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 122 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 140 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Columbus city, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Columbus city, MS are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Columbus
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Statewide data for Mississippi
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Mississippi
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.