In comparing Columbus, Ohio, and Memphis, Tennessee, each city holds unique characteristics to both residents and tourists. While both share common elements as major U.S. cities, factors such as crime rate, cost of living, the weather, and access to health care vary significantly. This information may serve useful for potential residents weighing which city best aligns with their lifestyle and necessities.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Memphis, TN : 509.1 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 44%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
Based on national reports, both Columbus and Memphis have crime rates that exceed the national average, with Memphis possessing a higher rate. However, like many large cities, crime largely depends on the specific neighborhood. Both cities have areas of low crime and places residents and tourists are advised to avoid after dark.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,576 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 2,614 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 547 to 1; the ratio in Memphis is 250 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Memphis.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is generally lower in Memphis than in Columbus. Housing is particularly more affordable in Memphis, though other expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation can be slightly less expensive in Columbus.
Income Tax
Ohio levies a state income tax, which Columbus residents must pay, with rates ranging from 0% to 4.797% based on income. Tennessee does not have a traditional income tax but imposes tax on interest and dividends.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both Columbus and Memphis are relatively high. The average property tax in Columbus is 2.11% of a property’s assessed fair market value, while in Memphis it's approximately 1.747%.
Sales Tax
In terms of sales tax, Tennessee has a significantly higher rate than Ohio. The combined sales tax in Memphis is 9.25%, while in Columbus, it's 7.5%.
Income
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$44,317
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$28,571
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
85.5
If you make $50,000 in Memphis, you will have to make $56,199 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus is relatively flat, located in the central part of Ohio, with access to numerous state parks. Memphis is located near the Mississippi River offering numerous waterfront views and is known for its lush, green landscapes.
In terms of education, Columbus is home to renowned institutions, including The Ohio State University. In contrast, Memphis houses the University of Memphis and Rhodes College. Both cities offer a range of public, private, and charter school options for K-12 students.
Both Columbus and Memphis possess robust economies. Columbus is a hub for education, insurance, banking, fashion, and health care industries. Memphis, on the other hand, is headquarters for three Fortune 500 companies and has a strong presence in the shipping and transportation industry due to its geographic location.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, some of the biggest employers include Ohio State University, Nationwide Insurance, and JP Morgan Chase. In Memphis, FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone are among the city's top employers.
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
2020
64.7%
64.8%
33.4%
34.2%
1.9%
1.1%
2016
59.8%
62.3%
33.9%
34.7%
6.2%
3.1%
2012
60.8%
62.9%
37.9%
36.7%
1.3%
0.4%
2008
59.8%
63.8%
39.0%
36.2%
1.2%
0.0%
2004
54.5%
57.7%
45.2%
42.0%
0.3%
0.3%
2000
48.9%
56.8%
47.9%
42.3%
3.2%
0.9%
1996
48.1%
78.9%
44.5%
19.6%
7.3%
1.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
6.5%
5.6%
2.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.1%
3.7%
0.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
14.8%
6.8%
15.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.5%
1.9%
0.8%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.3%
3.3%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
1.3%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.0%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.3%
0.6%
Weather
Columbus has a humid continental climate, meaning it experiences four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are typically hot and humid. On the other hand, Memphis boasts a more humid subtropical climate. Memphis experiences milder winters and sweltering, humid summers.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
61.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
54.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
8.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
19.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
68.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
50%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
Columbus
Memphis
2018
69
81
0.11
0.24
10.0
10.4
33.8
27.1
N/A
19.0
6.0
8.1
0.0
0.4
2017
68
74
0.16
0.24
9.6
10.2
28.7
28.1
N/A
17.5
5.5
7.9
0.1
0.3
2016
76
76
0.17
0.24
10.6
10.2
28.5
28.8
N/A
19.6
5.6
8.5
0.1
0.9
2015
74
77
0.16
0.26
11.3
11.1
27.0
26.9
N/A
N/A
6.1
9.2
0.1
1.0
2014
82
75
0.20
0.27
11.0
10.1
28.5
26.5
N/A
N/A
7.4
9.9
0.5
1.3
2013
78
74
N/A
0.31
8.9
8.3
29.6
26.6
N/A
N/A
7.8
10.2
0.6
1.0
2012
87
94
N/A
0.32
N/A
9.3
32.9
29.7
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.7
N/A
0.6
2011
89
93
N/A
0.34
N/A
10.0
28.1
29.0
N/A
N/A
8.9
11.1
N/A
0.5
2010
90
95
N/A
0.43
N/A
10.3
30.5
27.9
N/A
N/A
9.1
12.9
N/A
N/A
2009
61
86
N/A
0.35
N/A
8.7
28.7
24.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.8
N/A
N/A
2008
65
94
N/A
0.36
N/A
10.3
31.2
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
1.8
N/A
2007
80
106
N/A
0.47
N/A
11.2
30.8
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
2.8
5.6
2006
75
108
N/A
0.43
N/A
13.0
30.0
26.8
23.7
N/A
N/A
14.7
3.3
6.3
2005
87
110
N/A
0.46
N/A
10.1
29.6
26.9
27.5
N/A
N/A
17.9
4.1
4.9
2004
77
98
N/A
0.51
N/A
N/A
27.8
24.9
24.6
N/A
N/A
14.5
4.4
5.9
2003
91
110
N/A
0.57
N/A
20.1
26.4
25.3
23.9
N/A
N/A
15.0
4.1
5.8
2002
93
110
N/A
0.58
N/A
20.4
31.3
25.1
25.7
15.6
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.5
2001
84
111
N/A
0.66
N/A
24.7
29.2
26.0
25.9
22.7
N/A
N/A
3.5
6.1
2000
57
103
N/A
0.63
N/A
25.2
N/A
26.2
23.5
24.9
N/A
N/A
3.7
6.4
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
198.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
474%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
18%
Transportation
Columbus has an extensive bus system, and many areas have bike-friendly infrastructure. Memphis, on the other hand, provides extensive trolleys and bus systems, along with air travel through the Memphis International Airport, famous for being the world's second busiest cargo airport.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
52
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Bicycle
0.6%
0%
Bus
1.6%
0.4%
Carpooled
7.4%
7.5%
Car alone
86.7%
88.8%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Average
26.1 min
27 min
Other means
21.7 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Columbus offers diverse real estate options from urban dwellings to suburban communities, with growing real estate market. Memphis also provides a range of real estate opportunities, with relatively lower median house prices compared to Columbus.
Neighborhoods
Columbus and Memphis both boast a variety of distinctive neighborhoods, offering residents an array of choices tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Columbus include German Village and Clintonville, while in Memphis, Midtown and Downtown are extremely popular.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Houses
422,120
288,491
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1982
1972
Median year house/condo built
1977
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
16.2 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
256,968 (89.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
119,622 (46.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
137,346 (53.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$760.83
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$967
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$201,932
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$142,800
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$205,904
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$145,165
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$201,411
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$93,577
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$27,006
$39,582
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$170,154
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$204,886
Median house age
42
52
Renting percentage
53%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,032.8
House value disparities
30.2%
44.1%
Household income disparities
42.4%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$72,611
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$53,615
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,461 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
3,970 (5.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
71,386 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
322 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
5,907 (8.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
5.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Memphis
One, detached
45.8%
61.0%
One, attached
9.1%
5.8%
Two
4.0%
2.1%
3 or 4
8.6%
7.4%
5 to 9
11.8%
9.1%
10 to 19
8.6%
5.6%
20 to 49
4.5%
1.8%
50 or more
6.8%
6.2%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
16,111
State government workers
31,881
7,650
Unpaid family workers
724
668
Industries and Occupations
In Columbus, the primary industries include education, health care services, insurance, and banking, with many job opportunities in these fields. Memphis, in contrast, mainly employs in industries such as shipping, manufacturing, and transportation, along with music and entertainment.
Both cities have robust health care systems. Columbus is home to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, one of the country's top hospitals. Memphis, on the other hand, is home to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, renowned for its pediatric treatment and research.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Memphis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in Columbus is constantly improving with several major projects either completed or underway, including the Smart City project. Meanwhile, Memphis has an established and rapidly developing infrastructure largely influenced by its location along the Mississippi River and status as a transportation hub.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Memphis
Hospitals
47
35
TV stations
14
14
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
160
Bank institutions located here
25
33
Main business address for public companies
23
17
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Memphis
1999
2,450
2,195
2000
2,376
2,406
2001
1,897
1,775
2002
1,483
1,444
2003
2,087
2,116
2004
3,216
3,266
2005
4,275
4,730
2006
4,662
5,833
2007
2,679
3,559
2008
1,015
1,174
2009
555
345
Culture and Food
Columbus offers a diverse and rich cultural scene which includes a variety of food options from around the world. It's also known for its active craft beer scene. Memphis, by contrast, is famous for its music heritage and barbecue cuisine. Soul food and Blues music are staples of Memphis culture.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, Columbus is known for its major league soccer team, the Columbus Crew. The city is also home to the NHL's Blue Jackets and Ohio State's Buckeyes football team. Memphis is home to the NBA's Grizzlies and the AAA baseball team, the Memphis Redbirds.
Columbus, OH
Memphis, TN
