Comparing Columbus, OH, and Fayette, KY, brings to light a myriad of cultural, economical, and geographical differences between these two regions. Both cities have their unique advantages and challenges, offering varying lifestyles to both residents and tourists. This comprehensive comparison covers all the crucial aspects, spanning from the safety situation, weather conditions, economic dynamics, education systems, real estate market, all the way to sports, food, and other cultural artifacts.
When it comes to crime and safety, Columbus, OH, experiences a higher crime rate than the national average, which may concern those considering relocating or vacationing there. On the other hand, Fayette, KY, has a crime rate relatively even with the national average. In addition, the communities in both cities have established neighborhood watch programs and work with local law enforcement agencies to maintain public security.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Columbus, OH, is more affordable compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing prices are notably lower than the national average, making Columbus an attractive option for prospective residents. On the other hand, the cost of living in Fayette, KY, is quite similar to Columbus in terms of affordability.
Income Tax
Ohio's state income tax rate ranges from 0% to 4.797%. As for Fayette, KY, the income tax rate can be up to 5%, depending on the income bracket.
Property Tax
Columbus, OH, has higher property tax rates (averaging around 2.49%) compared to Fayette, KY (averaging around 0.87%).
Sales Tax
In terms of sales tax, the rate is slightly higher in Columbus, OH, at 7.5%, compared to Fayette, KY, where the combined city and state sales tax rate is 6%.
Income
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$60,942
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$37,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
94.6
If you make $50,000 in Fayette, you will have to make $50,793 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus, located in central Ohio, is mostly flat with some minor undulating terrain. Fayette, part of the Kentucky Bluegrass region, is characterized by fertile, rolling plains perfect for racing tracks and farming.
Geographical information
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Land area
210.3 sq. miles
284.5 sq. miles
Population density
4,311.3 people per sq. mile
1,007 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Columbus, OH Fayette, KY
Education
Both cities offer robust educational opportunities. Columbus houses The Ohio State University, one of the leading research institutions in the country. Fayette, KY, is renowned for the University of Kentucky, which has excellent programs in healthcare, engineering, and more.
Columbus has a diverse economy, with sectors such as education, government, insurance, banking, fashion, defense, aviation, food, and more providing job opportunities. In contrast, Fayette's economy relies heavily on healthcare, education, and the horse racing industry.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, some of the biggest employers include The Ohio State University, the State of Ohio, and JP Morgan Chase. In Fayette, major employers encompass the University of Kentucky, Lexington-Fayette County Government, and St. Joseph Hospital.
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fayette (Fayette County), 49.3% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Fayette
2020
64.7%
59.4%
33.4%
38.6%
1.9%
1.9%
2016
59.8%
51.3%
33.9%
41.8%
6.2%
6.9%
2012
60.8%
49.3%
37.9%
48.3%
1.3%
2.3%
2008
59.8%
51.7%
39.0%
46.9%
1.2%
1.3%
2004
54.5%
46.3%
45.2%
53.1%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
48.9%
45.0%
47.9%
51.8%
3.2%
3.2%
1996
48.1%
47.1%
44.5%
46.3%
7.3%
6.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Fayette
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
8.8%
5.6%
3.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.4%
3.7%
1.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
13.7%
6.8%
19.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.2%
1.9%
0.8%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.4%
1.2%
0.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.0%
3.3%
0.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
1.3%
2.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
1.5%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.3%
0.8%
Weather
Columbus, OH, features a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters typical of the Midwest. In contrast, Fayette, KY, has a more temperate climate, enjoying milder winters but similar hot summers. These climatic conditions may affect outdoor activities and specific weather-sensitive industries in both cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
55.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
35.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
59.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
25.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
66.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
40.7%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Fayette, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Columbus
Fayette
Columbus
Fayette
2018
69
63
0.11
N/A
10.0
3.1
33.8
31.6
N/A
N/A
6.0
9.7
0.0
0.1
2017
68
64
0.16
N/A
9.6
4.9
28.7
32.1
N/A
N/A
5.5
7.2
0.1
0.1
2016
76
68
0.17
N/A
10.6
6.6
28.5
33.3
N/A
N/A
5.6
6.9
0.1
0.1
2015
74
71
0.16
N/A
11.3
6.7
27.0
31.4
N/A
N/A
6.1
7.3
0.1
0.1
2014
82
68
0.20
N/A
11.0
6.8
28.5
34.1
N/A
N/A
7.4
7.6
0.5
0.3
2013
78
69
N/A
N/A
8.9
7.3
29.6
31.7
N/A
N/A
7.8
10.0
0.6
0.2
2012
87
81
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
32.9
34.9
N/A
N/A
8.9
10.6
N/A
0.8
2011
89
78
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
28.1
34.6
N/A
N/A
8.9
11.3
N/A
2.1
2010
90
76
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
30.5
34.9
N/A
N/A
9.1
10.0
N/A
2.2
2009
61
75
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
28.7
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
N/A
2.7
2008
65
72
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
31.2
36.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
1.8
2.4
2007
80
92
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
30.8
37.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.9
2.8
4.0
2006
75
65
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.8
30.0
32.8
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.8
2005
87
77
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.1
29.6
34.0
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.4
2004
77
60
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
27.8
28.6
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
3.2
2003
91
67
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.2
26.4
30.3
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
3.5
2002
93
76
N/A
0.04
N/A
12.1
31.3
31.3
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
3.6
2001
84
69
N/A
0.07
N/A
13.2
29.2
30.9
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
4.4
2000
57
79
N/A
0.14
N/A
13.4
N/A
32.7
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
5.0
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
126.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
171.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
14%
Transportation
Columbus offers various public transit modes, including buses and a free downtown circulator called the CBUS. Fayette, while lacking the breadth of options present in Columbus, maintains a reliable and consistent transport system through Lextran.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
415
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Bicycle
0.6%
0.6%
Bus
1.6%
1.2%
Carpooled
7.4%
11.2%
Car alone
86.7%
79.9%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Average
26.1 min
20.2 min
Real Estate
Columbus has a more active and varied real estate market that caters to a wide range of budgets. Fayette, meanwhile, has a more limited but steadily growing market that offers a more small-town feel.
Neighborhoods
Columbus boasts a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character, including the Short North, German Village, and Clintonville. Fayette, on the other hand, has Lexington as its primary urban center surrounded by quieter, suburban neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Fayette
Houses
422,120
116,167
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
108,288 (93.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
59,915 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
48,373 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$911.33
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$229,178
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$242,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
408.3
Household income disparities
42.4%
46.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
12,909 (23.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
179 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
41,461 (76.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
6,586 (12.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
5,023 (9.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
6,793
State government workers
31,881
13,814
Unpaid family workers
724
385
Industries and Occupations
Columbus, OH, has a diversified economy with significant sectors like finance, healthcare, education, fashion, and logistics. In contrast, Fayette, KY, has an economy primarily centered around the education, healthcare, and horse racing sectors.
Both cities offer exceptional healthcare services. Columbus is home to well-regarded facilities like the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, while Fayette, KY, boasts the UK Healthcare, Albert B. Chandler Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Fayette
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have reasonably well-developed infrastructures. Columbus offers more in terms of big-city infrastructure, with larger airports and more established public transport systems. Fayette, while smaller, still provides reliable services and is continually improving its infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Fayette
TV stations
14
6
Culture and Food
Columbus, OH, and Fayette, KY, both have rich cultural and culinary scenes. Columbus is known for its diverse cuisine, arts scene, and fashion industry. Fayette, part of the Bluegrass Region, is known for its bourbon distilleries, horse farms, and Southern cuisine.
Sports Teams
Columbus hosts professional teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and the Columbus Crew (MLS). In contrast, Fayette, KY, is a college sports town, with the University of Kentucky Wildcats commanding significant local following.
Columbus, OH
Fayette, KY
Columbus, OH and 
Fayette, KY : 157.6 miles
