Overview
We will explore a comprehensive comparison between Columbus, Ohio, and Madison, Wisconsin. This analysis will feature factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, and economic situation, among other things. The comparison will go beyond basic data, tapping into specific aspects that make each city unique for both residents and tourists. Whether you are considering relocation or just a visit, this comprehensive breakdown should offer useful insights.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Madison, WI : 393.7 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 237%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Madison has grown by 61,142 people (29.4%) during that time.
Columbus, Ohio, and Madison, Wisconsin, have different crime rates. According to AreaVibes, Columbus has a crime rate that is 72% higher than the national average, while in Madison, the crime rate is approximately 27% higher than the national average. In both cities, property crime constitutes the highest percentage, but Columbus has a significantly higher violent crime rate. However, both cities have robust police departments that actively work to maintain safety.
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 568 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Madison is 445 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Madison.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Columbus is generally more affordable than Madison. According to Numbeo, the overall cost of living is about 11% lower in Columbus compared to Madison. Housing costs in Columbus are also significantly lower, making it a more affordable option for prospective homeowners or renters.
Income Tax
Ohio has a progressive income tax that ranges from 0% to 4.797%, while Wisconsin's income tax rates range from 4% to 7.65%. Columbus levies a 2.5% income tax on residents and those who work in the city but live elsewhere. Madison does not have a city income tax.
Property Tax
The property taxes in Wisconsin are substantially higher than in Ohio. Madison homeowners can expect to pay around 1.8-2% of their home value in taxes each year, whereas Columbus homeowners typically pay under 1.7%.
Sales Tax
Wisconsin’s state sales tax of 5% is lower than Ohio's 5.75%. However, Madison imposes an additional 0.5% county sales tax on top of the state tax. Columbus does not charge an additional local sales tax.
Income
Type
Columbus
Madison
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$67,270
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$42,473
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
98.2
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $51,093 in Madison to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus is flatter and characterized by a mix of forests and farmland. Madison, on the other hand, is surrounded by lakes and offers more hilly terrain, providing opportunities for various outdoor activities.
Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin, one of the top public universities in the U.S., while Columbus houses Ohio State University, a renowned Big Ten school. Both cities have solid public school systems, but Columbus offers more diversity in terms of private and charter schools.
Columbus has a diverse economy with strengths in education, health care, insurance, banking, fashion, defense, aviation, food, logistics, steel, and technology. Madison's economy is driven primarily by government services, technology, healthcare, and education. Both cities have relatively low unemployment rates and plenty of job opportunities in their respective dominant industries.
Biggest Employers
Columbus's largest employers include Ohio State University, Nationwide Insurance, and American Electric Power. Madison's main employers include the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison Metropolitan School District, and American Family Insurance.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 327 building permits issued in Madison in 2012 (150 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Madison (Dane County), 71.2% voted for Democrats and 27.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Madison
Columbus
Madison
Columbus
Madison
2020
64.7%
75.9%
33.4%
23.0%
1.9%
1.1%
2016
59.8%
70.5%
33.9%
23.1%
6.2%
6.5%
2012
60.8%
71.2%
37.9%
27.6%
1.3%
1.2%
2008
59.8%
73.2%
39.0%
26.0%
1.2%
0.9%
2004
54.5%
66.2%
45.2%
33.0%
0.3%
0.8%
2000
48.9%
61.4%
47.9%
32.7%
3.2%
6.0%
1996
48.1%
56.9%
44.5%
30.9%
7.3%
12.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Madison
Columbus
Madison
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
21.7%
5.6%
9.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
10.0%
3.7%
13.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.1%
6.8%
2.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.5%
1.9%
0.9%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.8%
3.3%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.3%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.8%
1.0%
3.4%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.1%
0.9%
0.3%
3.1%
Weather
When it comes to weather, both Columbus and Madison have four distinct seasons. Madison, Wisconsin, experiences cold and snowy winters with temperatures often dipping below zero. In contrast, Columbus, Ohio, has milder winters. Summers in both cities can be humid and warm, although Madison tends to be slightly cooler.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Madison
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
45.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
77.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
35.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
88.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
14.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
56.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
31%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
36%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Madison, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Madison
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Madison
Madison
Columbus
Columbus
Madison
Columbus
Madison
2018
69
72
0.11
N/A
10.0
N/A
33.8
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
8.6
0.0
0.2
2017
68
67
0.16
N/A
9.6
N/A
28.7
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
7.4
0.1
0.8
2016
76
68
0.17
N/A
10.6
N/A
28.5
31.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
8.5
0.1
0.0
2015
74
72
0.16
N/A
11.3
N/A
27.0
32.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.1
7.6
0.1
0.1
2014
82
79
0.20
N/A
11.0
N/A
28.5
32.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
8.8
0.5
1.1
2013
78
75
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
29.6
34.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
9.2
0.6
1.4
2012
87
92
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
36.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
9.3
N/A
N/A
2011
89
85
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.1
32.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.5
N/A
N/A
2010
90
81
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.5
30.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
12.6
N/A
N/A
2009
61
49
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2008
65
54
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
29.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2007
80
68
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.8
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
N/A
2006
75
56
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.0
27.8
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
N/A
2005
87
88
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.6
34.6
0.004
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2004
77
62
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.8
29.2
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
2003
91
85
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
34.2
0.005
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2002
93
89
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.3
33.3
0.005
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2001
84
83
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
33.6
N/A
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
N/A
2000
57
78
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.5
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Madison
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
172.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
137.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
18%
Transportation
Columbus offers public buses and a developing bike-sharing program while Madison has a comprehensive bus system and a high bicycle-usage rate. Both cities have reliable road networks, although Madison is smaller and less congested, potentially making commuting easier.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Madison
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
192
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Madison
Bicycle
0.6%
2.6%
Bus
1.6%
2.7%
Carpooled
7.4%
6%
Car alone
86.7%
78.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2.2%
8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Madison
Average
26.1 min
24.5 min
Other means
21.7 min
19 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
29.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Madison
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
91.8%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
6.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Columbus is more affordable than Madison, with median home prices significantly lower. However, Madison has been recognized for its steady growth, and its housing market is considered quite stable. Both cities offer various housing options, from condos and apartments to single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
Both Columbus and Madison offer a variety of neighborhoods to fit different lifestyles. In Columbus, the Short North is known for its art scene, while German Village offers a historic charm. Madison's downtown area is lively and walker-friendly, and the west side is known for its quiet and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Madison
Houses
422,120
129,717
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.2
Median year apartment built
1982
1982
Median year house/condo built
1977
1974
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
13.2 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
123,938 (95.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
60,243 (48.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
63,695 (51.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$2,135
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,351
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$175,077
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$321,800
Median numbers of rooms
5
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$351,769
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$350,485
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$238,103
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$277,140
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$9,290
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$258,266
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$335,361
Median house age
42
43
Renting percentage
53%
50.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,888.9
House value disparities
30.2%
27.2%
Household income disparities
42.4%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$112,726
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$80,181
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,001 (2.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
5,840 (13.7%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
41,600 (97.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
44 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
6,790 (15.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Madison
One, detached
45.8%
41.5%
One, attached
9.1%
5.7%
Two
4.0%
4.5%
3 or 4
8.6%
7.1%
5 to 9
11.8%
8.0%
10 to 19
8.6%
5.2%
20 to 49
4.5%
12.3%
50 or more
6.8%
15.4%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.2%
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
7,087
State government workers
31,881
26,258
Unpaid family workers
724
73
Industries and Occupations
Columbus's economy is diverse with sectors such as banking, fashion, healthcare, and education. Madison, on the other hand, has a heavy focus on education, healthcare, and technology. Both cities offer diverse job opportunities, although the dominant industries vary.
Both cities boast excellent healthcare services. Columbus hosts the renowned Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center while Madison is home to the highly-rated University of Wisconsin Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Madison
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Columbus and Madison have made significant investments in their infrastructures, offering reliable services including water, power, and internet. However, Columbus has a larger and more developed cityscape, while Madison is known for its green spaces and outdoor facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Madison
Hospitals
47
10
TV stations
14
9
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
90
Bank institutions located here
25
23
Main business address for public companies
23
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
169
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Madison
1999
2,450
218
2000
2,376
210
2001
1,897
157
2002
1,483
167
2003
2,087
305
2004
3,216
398
2005
4,275
532
2006
4,662
453
2007
2,679
354
2008
1,015
196
2009
555
160
Culture and Food
Both cities have vibrant food scenes. While Columbus is known for its culinary diversity, including a strong food truck scene, Madison has been recognized for its quality farm-to-table restaurants. Both cities have a rich cultural landscape with various museums, festivals, and live performances throughout the year.
Sports Teams
The Ohio State Buckeyes attract a large following in Columbus while the University of Wisconsin Badgers are the heart of Madison. Both Cities have minor league baseball and hockey teams. Columbus also hosts a Major League Soccer team, Columbus Crew SC.
Columbus, OH
Madison, WI
