Columbus, NE — Demographics & Statistics
ZIP code 68601 serves a portion of Columbus, Nebraska, within Platte County. This community is home to approximately 24,991 residents, with a median age of 42.4 years. The median household income of $42,981 sits below the national median of $67,521, while median home values of $287,972 are below the national average of $301,500. The area has a renter-majority housing profile, with 48% owner-occupied and 52% renter-occupied units. Cost of living in this part of Columbus is lower than the national baseline, with an index of 91 (100 = national average). With a college-education rate of 22% and an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 68601 reflects the economic character of Platte County in Nebraska.
| Category | Statistic | Value | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | Total Population | 24,991 | — |
| Population | Density (per sq mi) | 3,487 | — |
| Economics | Median Household Income | $42,981 | ↓ 36% vs nat'l avg |
| Economics | Median Home Value | $287,972 | ↓ 4% vs nat'l avg |
| Economics | Cost of Living Index | 91 | ↓ Lower than avg |
| Economics | Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | ↑ 8% vs nat'l avg |
| Economics | Below Poverty Line | 5.9% | ↓ 48% vs nat'l avg |
| Education | College Educated (25+) | 22% | ↓ 37% vs nat'l avg |
| Demographics | Median Age | 42.4 yrs | ↑ 10% vs nat'l avg |
| Housing | Owner-Occupied | 48% | — |
| Housing | Renter-Occupied | 52% | — |
| Housing | Total Housing Units | 11,745 | — |