Columbus, NE—68601
Real Estate Data & Market Trends
Key Metrics at a Glance
Home Price Trends — Columbus, NE
As of Oct '25, the median home price in Columbus, NE is $267,000, with a year-over-year change of 5.0%. This indicates that home prices in Columbus, NE are increasing. According to Zillow, the 1-year price projection is 2.1%, suggesting an increase housing market in the next year.
Cost per Home Type
| Home Type | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
All Homes | $267,000 | 5.0% |
| Single Family | $267,000 | 5.1% |
| Condos | N/A | N/A |
Cost per Home Size
| Home Size | Median Home Value | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
1 Bed | $139,000 | 0.7% |
2 Bed | $218,000 | 6.3% |
3 Bed | $280,000 | 4.5% |
4 Bed | $319,000 | 3.6% |
| 5 Bed | $445,000 | 3.2% |
% of Housing Stock
Rental Trends — Columbus, NE
As of July '25, Rentcast reports the average rent in Columbus, NE is $1,520, with a year-over-year rent change of 4.8%. Per bedroom, the median rent as of July '25 in Columbus, NE is studios: $1,650, 1-bedrooms: $1,220, 2-bedrooms: $1,470, 3-bedrooms: $1,700. The most common rental property sizes in Columbus, NE are 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom, accounting for 33.9% and 29.1% of the rental stock.
| Type | Median Rent | Average Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,520 |
| Studio Rent | $1,500 | $1,650 |
| 1 Bed Rent | $1,220 | $1,220 |
| 2 Bed Rent | $1,350 | $1,470 |
| 3 Bed Rent | $1,300 | $1,700 |
| 4 Bed Rent | N/A | N/A |
% of Rental Stock
Property Listings — Columbus, NE
As of Oct '25, Realtor.com reports that the median days on market for a home in Columbus, NE is 75. This is a increase of 24.0% from last year, suggesting that homes are sitting on the market longer than last year. The percentage of listed homes with a reduced price is 25.0%, representing a small inventory and little supply pressure on home prices.
| Metric | Zip Code Average | Year over Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
Median Listing Price | $325,000 | -4.0% |
Listing Count | 130 | 90.0% |
| Listings as % of Homes | 0.5% | 90.0% |
Days on Market | 75 | 24.0% |
Demographics — Columbus, NE
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbus, NE has a population of 30,600, which has increased by 7.4% over the past 5 years. Columbus, NE is a popular place for families, as children make up 26.1% of the population. The area has a poorly educated workforce, with 24.0% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are few residents working remotely, with 4.2% reporting working from home.
| Metric | Latest Census | YoY % Change |
|---|---|---|
Population | 30,600 | 7.4% |
% Under 18 | 26.1% | 2.4% |
% Seniors | 17.8% | 6.6% |
% WFH | 4.2% | 44.8% |
% w/ College Degree | 24.0% | 0.8% |
As of the latest ACS Survey released in 2023, Columbus, NE is a predominantly white area, with 70.9% of the population identifying as white. The white population has shrunk by 7.0% in the last 5 years. The second most common race or ethnicity in Columbus, NE is hispanic, making up 25.4% of the population. Foreign-born residents account for 13.7% of the population in Columbus, NE, and this percentage has increased by 28.0% as of the ACS Survey 5 years prior, suggesting more immigrants are calling the area home.
Race and Ethnicity
| Metric | Latest Census | 5-Year % Change |
|---|---|---|
% White | 70.9% | -7.0% |
% Black | 0.9% | 80.0% |
% Hispanic | 25.4% | 19.8% |
% Asian | 0.4% | -50.0% |
% Foreign Born | 13.7% | 28.0% |
Mortgage and Risk — Columbus, NE
According to HUD data as of 2023, there were 413 mortgage originations in Columbus, NE, of which 69.0% of loans were conventional mortgages. The average loan-to-value was 69.0%, with 38.0% above 90% LTV (very high). This implies large mortgage risk in Columbus, NE. Investor activity is low, as 1.0% of loans were by investors. 9.0% of loans were cash-out refinances, suggesting few homeowners are tapping equity.
Mortgages
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
Total Loan Originations | 413 |
% Conventional Loans | 69.0% |
% Government Loans | 31.0% |
% Investor Loans | 1.0% |
% Second Loans | 0.0% |
% Cash Out Refinance | 9.0% |
Loan Activity
Rentals and Section 8 — Columbus, NE
Columbus, NE lacks sufficient Section 8 program data for analysis.
Section 8 Market Size
Total Units under HUD | 325 |
Total Units Section 8 | 232 |
% Rentals under Section 8 | N/A |
% Occupied Section 8 | 76.5% |
Section 8 Opportunity
| Home Size | HUD Premium | Market Rent | Max HUD Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | -$500 | $1,220 | $720 |
| 2 Bedroom | -$410 | $1,350 | $940 |
| 3 Bedroom | -$60 | $1,300 | $1,240 |
| 4 Bedroom | N/A | N/A | $1,250 |
Affordability — Columbus, NE
Home Price to Income Ratio
| Metric | Zip Code Average |
|---|---|
| Home Price to Income Ratio | 3.3 |
| Median Home Price | $267,000 |
| Median Household Income | $70,700 |