Columbus, IN vs Durham, NC
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Durham
69.4
#1213 nationally
Columbus leads in average commute (18.1 min vs 22.8 min). Durham leads in walk score (33 vs 29). Columbus leads in median household income ($75,114 vs $67,432).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 69.4 (#1213) |
| Population | 51,522 | 283,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $395,976 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $67,432 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 22.8 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 33 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.4 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+61.9 |
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →
D+
69.4 Score
Durham, NC
Bull City innovation and inclusion
Median Home
$395,976
Population
283,506
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B-
Southeast
View Durham, NC →