The comparison between Columbus, OH, and Denver, CO, draws distinctions between two diverse US cities with unique attractions. Columbus, Ohio's capital, is renowned for its vibrant culture, education system, robust economy, and family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, Denver is famous for its picturesque scenery, thriving economy, extensive recreational activities, and high quality of life. It's crucial to delve into the details, examining every aspect varying from crime/safety rates to the cost of living and unique cultural elements that influence both relocation decisions and tourist activities.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Denver, CO : 1,162.6 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 27%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Denver has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) during that time.
Columbus's crime rate is somewhat higher than Denver's, though both cities are relatively safe. Columbus has made substantial improvements in public safety, with the city actively implementing various community programs to reduce crime rates. Denver's crime rate is near the national average, and most crime is centered in specific neighborhoods. Safety is a priority in both cities, and both have strategies in place to promote public 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 1,932 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Denver is 359 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Denver.
Cost of Living
Comparatively, the cost of living in Denver is higher than that of Columbus. This includes housing, groceries, health care, utilities, and transportation. However, it complies with the increase in median household income, making Denver an economically justifiable relocation option. Nevertheless, Columbus offers a lower cost of living that can be an attractive option, especially for families and young professionals.
Income Tax
Again, tax rates vary between the two cities. Denver has a flat rate state income tax, while Ohio (including Columbus) has a progressive state and local income tax.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are also different. Columbus has higher property tax rates than Denver.
Sales Tax
Sales tax rates vary between the two cities. Denver has a lower sales tax rate overall. Still, Colorado has multiple levels of sales tax, including state, county, city, and special district levies, which can add up. Columbus, in contrast, has higher sales taxes. However, it does not have as many "special" taxes as Denver.
Income
Type
Columbus
Denver
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$81,630
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$52,690
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
111.3
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $57,908 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Denver is located on high rolling plains, with a clear view of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, while Columbus sits near the Scioto River's geographical blend.
Regarding education, both cities boast renowned higher education institutions. Columbus is home to The Ohio State University, while Denver boasts the University of Denver. Columbus has the edge in education diversity, with more charter and magnet schools providing alternative learning options. Denver has a highly regarded public school system and numerous private school options.
Both Columbus and Denver have strong and diversified economies. Columbus has a robust economy with strong sectors in education, government, insurance, banking, fashion, aviation, and health care. Denver, on the other hand, has a more diversified economy with thriving sectors in telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and energy industries. Both cities have a lower unemployment rate compared to the national average.
Biggest Employers
The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center are the biggest employers in Columbus. Meanwhile, Denver’s largest employers include Denver International Airport, University College, Lockheed Martin, HomeAdvisor, and DISH Network.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
2020
64.7%
80.1%
33.4%
18.3%
1.9%
1.6%
2016
59.8%
74.2%
33.9%
19.0%
6.2%
6.8%
2012
60.8%
73.9%
37.9%
24.3%
1.3%
1.7%
2008
59.8%
75.8%
39.0%
23.2%
1.2%
1.0%
2004
54.5%
69.7%
45.2%
29.3%
0.3%
0.9%
2000
48.9%
62.0%
47.9%
30.9%
3.2%
7.0%
1996
48.1%
61.8%
44.5%
30.0%
7.3%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
26.6%
5.6%
8.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.4%
3.7%
2.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.9%
6.8%
6.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.5%
1.9%
0.9%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
2.1%
3.3%
4.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.1%
1.3%
3.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
2.0%
3.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.0%
2.3%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
1.1%
0.4%
0.7%
Weather
Climate differs significantly between Columbus and Denver. Columbus experiences a humid continental climate with hot, muggy summers and cold, dry winters. On the other hand, Denver enjoys a semi-arid, continental climate, marked by four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, low relative humidity and a wide range of temperatures. Denver's high altitude gives the city a unique climate, with cool evenings even in summer.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Denver
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
49.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
17 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
Denver
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
Columbus
Denver
2018
69
100
0.11
0.50
10.0
25.4
33.8
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
6.0
8.6
0.0
0.7
2017
68
95
0.16
0.49
9.6
25.9
28.7
27.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.0
5.5
8.4
0.1
0.8
2016
76
90
0.17
0.53
10.6
27.7
28.5
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.6
5.6
8.7
0.1
1.0
2015
74
101
0.16
0.53
11.3
27.8
27.0
25.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.0
6.1
10.4
0.1
1.0
2014
82
94
0.20
0.53
11.0
25.4
28.5
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
25.1
7.4
10.1
0.5
1.3
2013
78
85
N/A
0.45
8.9
21.9
29.6
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.4
7.8
N/A
0.6
1.5
2012
87
91
N/A
0.33
N/A
18.9
32.9
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.9
8.9
N/A
N/A
1.4
2011
89
91
N/A
0.34
N/A
18.1
28.1
25.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.7
8.9
N/A
N/A
1.6
2010
90
82
N/A
0.43
N/A
16.3
30.5
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
9.1
N/A
N/A
1.0
2009
61
79
N/A
0.41
N/A
14.1
28.7
23.1
0.005
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2008
65
85
N/A
0.43
N/A
17.3
31.2
26.0
0.008
N/A
N/A
25.2
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.6
2007
80
96
N/A
0.37
N/A
20.6
30.8
21.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
30.2
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.2
2006
75
89
N/A
0.51
N/A
19.0
30.0
22.1
0.008
N/A
23.7
28.0
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.4
2005
87
86
N/A
0.57
N/A
21.3
29.6
20.9
0.068
N/A
27.5
30.9
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.5
2004
77
82
N/A
0.60
N/A
21.2
27.8
19.2
0.012
N/A
24.6
28.6
N/A
N/A
4.4
1.8
2003
91
106
N/A
0.60
N/A
21.2
26.4
20.8
0.015
N/A
23.9
32.6
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.9
2002
93
86
N/A
0.65
N/A
19.2
31.3
20.4
0.014
N/A
25.7
35.7
N/A
N/A
4.1
2.5
2001
84
95
N/A
0.86
N/A
23.6
29.2
18.6
0.012
N/A
25.9
32.6
N/A
N/A
3.5
2.6
2000
57
93
N/A
0.81
N/A
13.4
N/A
19.2
0.013
N/A
23.5
12.2
N/A
N/A
3.7
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Denver
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
811.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
10%
Transportation
Both cities have robust public transportation systems. Denver's system is more expansive, with light rail, commuter rail, and bus services. Commuting is likely easier in Denver as well, particularly for those who prefer public transportation. Columbus offers a free downtown circulator bus, the CBUS, and has been investing in new public transit options.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Denver
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
415
602
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Denver
Bicycle
0.6%
1.5%
Bus
1.6%
2.6%
Carpooled
7.4%
8.8%
Car alone
86.7%
81.1%
Railroad
0%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Denver
Average
26.1 min
29.4 min
Other means
21.7 min
24.2 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Denver
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
90.6%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
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 Denver. Columbus' residential market consistently ranks among the nation's hot housing markets, with home prices rising due to demand but maintain a lower median price. Denver's housing market has seen meteoric price rises, reflecting the city's increased desirability but arguably pricing out some potential home buyers.
Neighborhoods
Columbus offers a variety of attractive neighborhoods such as German Village, with its beautiful brick houses, and the bustling Arena District. Denver, on the other hand, offers neighborhoods such as Cherry Creek, known for its shopping and fine dining, and Capitol Hill, popular amongst young professionals and families.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Denver
Houses
422,120
351,829
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.2
Median year apartment built
1982
1981
Median year house/condo built
1977
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
11.3 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
326,634 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
164,429 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
162,205 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$1,674
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,626
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$970,375
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$541,500
Median numbers of rooms
5
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$690,450
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$668,727
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$410,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$487,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$174,140
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$568,100
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$644,007
Median house age
42
47
Renting percentage
53%
50%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
2,294.3
House value disparities
30.2%
26.4%
Household income disparities
42.4%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$120,615
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$77,011
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
2,112 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
9,615 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
123,690 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
273 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
12,819 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Denver
One, detached
45.8%
42.9%
One, attached
9.1%
8.3%
Two
4.0%
2.1%
3 or 4
8.6%
3.1%
5 to 9
11.8%
3.6%
10 to 19
8.6%
7.0%
20 to 49
4.5%
10.4%
50 or more
6.8%
22.0%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.4%
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
24,661
State government workers
31,881
15,204
Unpaid family workers
724
763
Industries and Occupations
Columbus's primary industries include education, health care, transportation, and manufacturing, where Denver focuses more on telecommunications, aerospace, and technology. Occupations in Columbus tend to center on healthcare, education, and administrative roles. In contrast, Denver's occupations are more diverse, with emphasis on professional, technical, and management roles.
Both Columbus and Denver have robust healthcare facilities. The Wexner Medical Center in Columbus is nationally recognized, as are Denver Health and the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Denver.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Denver
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Denver has a more developed infrastructure compared to Columbus, making it easier for residents and tourists to navigate. Denver's layout is grid-based, whereas Columbus has a more organic layout. Both cities have invested heavily in infrastructure improvements. Still, Denver's location as a major transit hub adds an advantage.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Denver
Hospitals
47
16
TV stations
14
17
Arenas or stadiums
3
4
Bank branches located here
200
205
Bank institutions located here
25
43
Main business address for public companies
23
58
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Denver
1999
2,450
2,727
2000
2,376
2,698
2001
1,897
1,996
2002
1,483
1,591
2003
2,087
2,472
2004
3,216
3,789
2005
4,275
5,168
2006
4,662
5,506
2007
2,679
3,599
2008
1,015
1,902
2009
555
768
Culture and Food
Both cities offer vibrant food and culture scenes. Columbus is known for its farmers' markets, mobile food vendors, and coffee, with a diverse culinary scene influenced by eclectic cultures. Denver, often regarded as the craft beer capital of the US, is a haven for foodies with its renowned restaurants and food festivals.
Sports Teams
Both cities can boast of sports teams. Columbus is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Blue Jackets (NHL), and the Columbus Crew (MLS). Denver hosts four major sports teams: the Nuggets (NBA), the Broncos (NFL), the Rockies (MLB), and the Avalanche (NHL).
Columbus, OH
Denver, CO
Columbus, OH and 
Denver, CO : 1,162.6 miles
