Columbus, Nebraska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Columbus, Nebraska is 24,188 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest city in Nebraska. The median household income is $67,212, the median home value is $198,900, and the median age is 37.7.
The population has grown 12.5% since 2010 (22,343 → 25,126).
24,188
Population
2277
People / sq mi
$67,212
Median Income
$198,900
Median Home Value
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Columbus covers 10.6 sq mi of land at 2277 people per square mile.
About Columbus, NE
Remote work is unusually rare in Columbus: 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Columbus is a city in Nebraska with a population of 24,188. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Nebraska in the country, at #9 by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,212, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.4%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $198,900, with typical rent around $871.
College attainment is 23.3%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 4.6% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Columbus city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Columbus city had a population of 22,343 in 2010 and 25,126 in 2024, a 12.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,126 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.84%.
25,126
Population (2024)
22,343
Population (2010)
25,126
Peak (2024)
0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,343 |
| 2011 | 22,527 |
| 2012 | 22,649 |
| 2013 | 22,676 |
| 2014 | 22,767 |
| 2015 | 22,892 |
| 2016 | 23,039 |
| 2017 | 23,254 |
| 2018 | 23,306 |
| 2019 | 23,468 |
| 2020 | 24,093 |
| 2021 | 24,155 |
| 2022 | 24,314 |
| 2023 | 24,772 |
| 2024 | 25,126 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$67,212
Median Household Income
$35,400
Per Capita Income
7.4%
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$198,900
Median Home Value
$871
Median Rent
66.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.3%
High School+
23.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
82.4%
Public Transit
4.6%
Work From Home
14.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
15.8%
Foreign Born
77.4%
Non-English at Home
5.8%
Veterans
12.5%
With Disability
92.2%
Health Insurance
93.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 32.7% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 17.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.8% |
| Construction | 7.0% |
| Retail Trade | 5.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Information | 3.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 3.3% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Nebraska
Largest counties in Nebraska
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Metro areas in Nebraska
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbus, Nebraska has a population of 24,188 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest city in Nebraska.
The median household income in Columbus, Nebraska is $67,212, with 7.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Columbus, Nebraska is $198,900, with median monthly rent at $871 and a homeownership rate of 66.8%.
The median age in Columbus, Nebraska is 37.7 years. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The population has grown 12.5% since 2010 (22,343 → 25,126).
Columbus city, NE Climate
Columbus city, NE has an average annual temperature of 10.1°C (50°F) and receives about 703 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.1°C
Avg Temp
703
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 22° | 12 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 20 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 49 mm |
| April | 10° / 51° | 62 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 104 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 110 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 80 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 84 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 77 mm |
| October | 11° / 53° | 52 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 32 mm |
| December | -4° / 26° | 21 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, NE
The most comfortable months to visit Columbus city, NE are typically August, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Columbus
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.