Columbus, Ohio and Fayetteville, North Carolina, while both great cities, offer significantly different living experiences. The analysis will focus on a wide range of factors like crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, and many others. Each city has its unique advantages and characteristics that might make it a suitable choice for different individuals, residents, or tourists.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Fayetteville, NC : 406.7 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 334%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Fayetteville has grown by 87,763 people (72.5%) during that time.
In terms of safety, there's no sugarcoating that both Columbus and Fayetteville have higher crime rates than the national average. However, Fayetteville has seen a significant decrease in crime rates in recent years as city officials have implemented successful crime reduction initiatives. Columbus, on the other hand, is working to deal with safety issues, particularly in certain areas of the city. For tourists, as with any city, sticking to safer, well-traveled areas is recommended.
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 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 614 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Fayetteville is 334 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Fayetteville.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is relatively lower in Fayetteville than in Columbus. This is primarily reflected in housing costs. However, Columbus, though slightly more expensive, still tends to be more affordable than many other major U.S cities.
Income Tax
In Ohio, there is a state income tax with rates ranging from 0% to 4.797%, supplemented by a Columbus city tax of 2.5%. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%, and Fayetteville has no income tax.
Property Tax
On average, property taxes in Fayetteville tend to be lower than in Columbus. The typical processing and appraisal methods vary between Ohio and North Carolina, which can account for rate discrepancies.
Sales Tax
Ohio has a state sales tax rate of 5.75% which is supplemented by Columbus's city tax rate of 2.5%. North Carolina has a state sales tax of 4.75%, and Fayetteville adds city tax that varies by specific goods and services.
Income
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$51,629
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$27,983
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
88.7
If you make $50,000 in Fayetteville, you will have to make $54,171 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus is a flat city in the heartland, surrounded by fertile agricultural plains. Fayetteville is in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, adding a bit of topographical diversity with its gentle hills and near proximity to both mountains and the Atlantic coastline.
Both Columbus and Fayetteville have strong education systems. Columbus is home to the eminent Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S, providing excellent higher education opportunities. Fayetteville is also known for quality education, thanks to institutions like Fayetteville State University.
Columbus has a robust and diverse economy, with well-represented sectors like education, government, and healthcare. Fayetteville, on the other hand, has a substantial military presence due to the nearby Fort Bragg, the largest military installation in the world in terms of population.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, major employers include Ohio State University and the State of Ohio. Fayetteville's primary employer is the Department of Defense, specifically the nearby Fort Bragg.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 337 building permits issued in Fayetteville in 2012 (181 less than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fayetteville (Cumberland County), 59.5% voted for Democrats and 39.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Fayetteville
Columbus
Fayetteville
Columbus
Fayetteville
2020
64.7%
57.6%
33.4%
41.0%
1.9%
1.4%
2016
59.8%
56.2%
33.9%
40.2%
6.2%
3.6%
2012
60.8%
59.5%
37.9%
39.8%
1.3%
0.7%
2008
59.8%
58.7%
39.0%
41.0%
1.2%
0.3%
2004
54.5%
48.1%
45.2%
51.6%
0.3%
0.3%
2000
48.9%
50.1%
47.9%
49.4%
3.2%
0.5%
1996
48.1%
49.2%
44.5%
44.8%
7.3%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Fayetteville
Columbus
Fayetteville
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
2.8%
5.6%
1.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.1%
3.7%
0.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
10.8%
6.8%
19.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.1%
1.9%
0.5%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
1.7%
3.3%
0.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.3%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
0.7%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.0%
2.6%
0.1%
4.5%
Weather
The weather can differ significantly. Columbus experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters that often involve snow and summers that can be hot and humid. Fayetteville, on the other hand, has a more temperate climate, with milder winters and warm, often humid summers. It does, however, sit within a subtropical region, making it prone to hurricanes.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
61.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
74.1%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
42.8%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
89.5%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
46.7%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
46.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
11.3 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
18.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
64.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
13.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
65.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
52.6%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
7.5 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Fayetteville
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Fayetteville
Columbus
Fayetteville
Columbus
Fayetteville
Columbus
Fayetteville
2018
69
61
0.11
N/A
10.0
N/A
33.8
29.1
N/A
11.5
6.0
7.4
0.0
0.4
2017
68
67
0.16
N/A
9.6
N/A
28.7
32.9
N/A
11.5
5.5
9.0
0.1
N/A
2016
76
68
0.17
N/A
10.6
N/A
28.5
31.5
N/A
11.8
5.6
8.7
0.1
N/A
2015
74
60
0.16
N/A
11.3
N/A
27.0
29.5
N/A
N/A
6.1
7.1
0.1
0.1
2014
82
65
0.20
N/A
11.0
N/A
28.5
33.0
N/A
N/A
7.4
8.9
0.5
N/A
2013
78
65
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
29.6
28.4
N/A
N/A
7.8
8.5
0.6
N/A
2012
87
74
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
31.0
N/A
N/A
8.9
9.1
N/A
0.1
2011
89
80
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.1
33.9
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.7
N/A
N/A
2010
90
86
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.5
34.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
10.6
N/A
N/A
2009
61
75
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
N/A
1.1
2008
65
88
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
1.8
N/A
2007
80
93
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.8
35.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.7
2.8
N/A
2006
75
96
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.0
31.5
23.7
N/A
N/A
14.7
3.3
2.2
2005
87
125
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.6
34.5
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2004
77
92
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.8
30.2
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
2003
91
92
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
31.9
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2002
93
87
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.3
34.6
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.9
2001
84
124
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
36.3
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
N/A
2000
57
117
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
36.5
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
112.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
49.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
15%
Transportation
Columbus boasts a more developed public transportation system than Fayetteville, courtesy of its larger metro area. However, Fayetteville benefits from lower traffic levels and shorter commute times.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
110
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Bicycle
0.6%
0.1%
Bus
1.6%
0.3%
Carpooled
7.4%
6.5%
Car alone
86.7%
87.8%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2.2%
4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Average
26.1 min
24.4 min
Other means
21.7 min
21 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
42.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
90.8%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
7%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is generally more affordable in Fayetteville than in Columbus. However, Columbus offers a broader range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets. In Columbus, the Short North and German Village are famous for their cultural vibrancy. Fayetteville features historic neighborhoods like Haymount, known for its historic homes and mature trees.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Houses
422,120
91,054
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1982
1987
Median year house/condo built
1977
1982
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
13.6 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
83,147 (91.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
38,079 (45.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
45,068 (54.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$571.42
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,041
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$86,536
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$150,200
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$214,819
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$152,480
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$234,147
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$194,723
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$98,029
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$236,623
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$214,671
Median house age
42
38
Renting percentage
53%
49.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,549.4
House value disparities
30.2%
32.9%
Household income disparities
42.4%
43.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$73,385
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$56,188
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
726 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
593 (2.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
25,293 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
67 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
1,240 (4.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
1.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Fayetteville
One, detached
45.8%
60.8%
One, attached
9.1%
2.8%
Two
4.0%
4.2%
3 or 4
8.6%
5.2%
5 to 9
11.8%
8.9%
10 to 19
8.6%
8.5%
20 to 49
4.5%
5.0%
50 or more
6.8%
1.9%
Mobile homes
0.8%
2.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
3,292
State government workers
31,881
4,673
Unpaid family workers
724
78
Industries and Occupations
Columbus is a hub for logistics, finance, higher education, defense, and healthcare. Fayetteville's economy is largely anchored by the military, defense sectors, and healthcare.
Columbus boasts several highly-rated hospitals and a robust healthcare sector providing quality medical care to its residents. Fayetteville also offers excellent healthcare services with notable establishments like the Cape Fear Valley Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-maintained infrastructures, but Columbus tends to edge out Fayetteville with more developed public transportation systems and more diverse entertainment and dining options.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Fayetteville
Hospitals
47
16
TV stations
14
19
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
200
50
Bank institutions located here
25
13
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Fayetteville
1999
2,450
1,353
2000
2,376
808
2001
1,897
603
2002
1,483
393
2003
2,087
355
2004
3,216
334
2005
4,275
401
2006
4,662
431
2007
2,679
299
2008
1,015
126
2009
555
93
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Columbus is renowned for its art, music, and food scenes, boastings festivals such as the Columbus Arts Festival and a thriving brewery district. Fayetteville has a strong military heritage, with attractions like the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and a growing food scene with a focus on southern cuisine.
Sports Teams
Columbus is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes and has professional soccer and hockey teams. Fayetteville doesn't have major professional sports teams but does host collegiate sports and minor league baseball.
Columbus, OH
Fayetteville, NC
