Living in Columbus, New Mexico
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Columbus · Census data 2020–2024
Columbus has 1,196 residents with a median age of 43.4. The median household income is $26,090 (59% lower than the New Mexico median), the median home value is $105,600, the median rent is $414/month.
Columbus is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Columbus at a glance
- Population
- 1,196
- Median age
- 43.4State: 39.4
- Median household income
- $26,090State: $64,059
- Median home value
- $105,600State: $248,100
- Median rent
- $414/moState: $1,067
- Homeowners
- 54.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 8.2%
- Average commute
- 38 min
Is Columbus a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 57% lower than the state median.
Cons: Median household income 59% lower than the New Mexico median; an average commute of 38 minutes; unemployment of 6.3%; a poverty rate of 22.7%.
The weather is best in March–April and October–November.
Cost of living in Columbus
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Columbus the median home value is $105,600, 68% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $414 per month, which is 28.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay — a month in housing costs.
Columbus median household income
The median household income in Columbus is $26,090 and the income per person is $17,705. 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line (New Mexico: 17.8%).
Housing in Columbus: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 768
- Owner-occupied
- 54.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 45.6%
- Vacant
- 43.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1986
- Average household size
- 2.77
43.8% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Columbus has many vacation and second homes.
Columbus demographics
- Population
- 1,196
- Median age
- 43.4
- Under 18
- 27.6%
- 65 and older
- 18.4%
- Households
- 432
- Foreign-born
- 37.8%
- Veterans
- 6.2%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Columbus ›
Education in Columbus
8.2% of adults 25 and older in Columbus have a bachelor's degree or higher (New Mexico: 31%), and 5.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Columbus
- Unemployment rate
- 6.3%State: 6%
- Average commute
- 38 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 11.2%
- Drive alone
- 77.4%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0%
- Homes with broadband
- 57.4%
Columbus vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 1,196 | $26,090 | $105,600 | $414 |
| Sunshine | 524 | $45,076 | $181,200 | — |
| La Hacienda | 640 | $30,541 | $113,900 | — |
| Pulpotio Bareas | 221 | $57,917 | — | — |
| Ventura | 603 | $30,867 | $116,900 | — |
| Pecan Park | 575 | $103,310 | — | — |
| Deming | 15,221 | $34,165 | $127,400 | $586 |
| Keeler Farm | 1,376 | $43,750 | $143,800 | — |
More for people moving to Columbus
Columbus ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Columbus: FAQ
What is the median household income in Columbus, NM?
The median household income in Columbus is $26,090, 59% lower than the New Mexico median of $64,059 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $105,600, compared with $248,100 in New Mexico.
How much is rent in Columbus?
The median gross rent in Columbus is $414 per month, about 28.5% of household income.
Is Columbus, NM a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 57% lower than the state median. Minuses: median household income 59% lower than the New Mexico median; an average commute of 38 minutes; unemployment of 6.3%; a poverty rate of 22.7%.
What is the median age in Columbus?
The median age in Columbus is 43.4 years (New Mexico: 39.4).
How long is the commute in Columbus?
The average commute to work in Columbus is 38 minutes; 11.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus is 6.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Columbus?
8.2% of adults in Columbus have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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