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).
Where to stay in 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.