Columbus

The City in Brief

Founded: 1797 (incorporated 1834)

Head Official: Mayor Michael B. Coleman (D) (since 2003)

City Population

1980: 564,871

1990: 632,945

2000: 711,470

2003 estimate: 728,432

Percent change, 1990–2000: 12.4%

U.S. rank in 1980: 19th

U.S. rank in 1990: 16th

U.S. rank in 2000: 15th

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 1,244,000

1990: 1,345,450

2000: 1,540,157

Percent change, 1990–2000: 14.5%

U.S. rank in 1980: 28th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 32nd

Area: 225.9 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 685 to 893 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 52.8° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 39.4 inches of rain; 27.7 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Services, wholesale and retail trade, government, manufacturing, education

Unemployment Rate: 6.3% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $20,450 (1999)

2003 FBI Crime Index Total: 94,326

Major Colleges and Universities: The Ohio State University, Capital University, Ohio Dominican University

Daily Newspaper: The Columbus Dispatch