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).
Where to stay in Columbus
Visiting or relocating to Columbus, NE? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.