Columbus, OH, and Fresno, CA are two interesting U.S. cities with distinctive attributes. Columbus, the capital of Ohio, features humid climates, strong educational and transport infrastructure, and a thriving tech industry. Meanwhile, Fresno, sitting in central California, sees sunny, mild weather with a focus on agriculture-based employment and educational opportunities. The environment, culture, and economic conditions in these two cities offer different experiences for both residents and tourists.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Fresno, CA : 1,991.1 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 67%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Fresno has grown by 116,858 people (27.3%) during that time.
Crime rates vary widely across U.S. cities, and Columbus and Fresno are no exception. While both cities experience incidents of crime, Columbus, OH has a slightly higher crime rate according to the national average. On the other hand, Fresno, CA has been showing a steady decrease in crime rate over the years. However, it's essential to research individual neighborhoods as safety can vary within each city.
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 1,478 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Fresno is 353 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Fresno.
Cost of Living
Living in Columbus, OH, tends to be more affordable than in Fresno, CA. This is reflected not only in housing costs but also in the general cost of living. Columbus’s cost of living is below the national average. However, Fresno also offers comparatively lower living costs than California’s coastal cities, although higher than Columbus.
Income Tax
Columbus, OH, has a city income tax rate of 2.5%, while Ohio's state income tax ranges from 0-4.797%. On the other hand, Fresno has no city income tax, but California has a progressive state income tax ranging from 1-13.3%, which is among the highest in the U.S.
Property Tax
Columbus, OH has a relatively high average property tax rate of 2.49% compared to the national average. Fresno, CA, on the other hand, has a much lower average property tax rate of 0.74%, broadly in line with California's average.
Sales Tax
Sales tax varies between the two places. Columbus has a combined city and state sales tax rate of 7.5%. Meanwhile, Fresno, CA has a higher combined city and state sales tax rate of 7.975%.
Income
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$61,250
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$28,499
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
96.3
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $50,104 in Fresno to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus is located in the Great Lakes region, with a geography characterized by flat plains. Fresno is located in central California's Fresno County, marked by a generally flat terrain and proximity to Yosemite National Park and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Columbus is home to The Ohio State University, a renowned institution that attracts a sizeable student population. Columbus also boasts high-rated elementary and secondary schools. Fresno, on the other hand, has the prestigious California State University, Fresno and has been focusing on improving citywide educational opportunities.
The Columbus, OH economy is characterized by a mix of education, government, insurance, banking, defense, aviation, food, and fashion. On the contrary, Fresno's economy is significantly impacted by agriculture, food processing, and the healthcare industry, showcasing a diverse economy driven by its farming roots.
Biggest Employers
Columbus's top employers include Ohio State University, JP Morgan Chase, and Nationwide. Meanwhile, Fresno's top employers are Community Medical Centers, Kaiser Permanente, and the City of Fresno.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 1,911 building permits issued in Fresno in 2012 (1205 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fresno (Fresno County), 49.8% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
2020
64.7%
53.0%
33.4%
45.2%
1.9%
1.8%
2016
59.8%
49.2%
33.9%
43.2%
6.2%
7.5%
2012
60.8%
49.8%
37.9%
48.0%
1.3%
2.2%
2008
59.8%
50.2%
39.0%
48.1%
1.2%
1.8%
2004
54.5%
42.0%
45.2%
57.8%
0.3%
0.3%
2000
48.9%
43.2%
47.9%
53.3%
3.2%
3.5%
1996
48.1%
45.3%
44.5%
47.4%
7.3%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
31.0%
5.6%
6.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.5%
3.7%
2.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.6%
6.8%
8.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.3%
1.9%
0.6%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.1%
1.2%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.6%
3.3%
2.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
1.3%
0.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
2.0%
2.6%
Weather
When it comes to weather, Columbus experiences a humid continental climate, experiencing cold winters and warm, humid summers. In contrast, Fresno experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The climatic conditions of the two cities offer residents and visitors a completely different experience.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
63°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
60.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
67%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
88%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
11.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
32.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
82.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
96%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
44%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
6.5 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Fresno, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
Columbus
Fresno
2018
69
128
0.11
0.35
10.0
9.7
33.8
31.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
39.7
6.0
14.8
0.0
0.6
2017
68
132
0.16
0.35
9.6
9.2
28.7
33.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
38.3
5.5
14.3
0.1
0.6
2016
76
128
0.17
0.35
10.6
8.4
28.5
31.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.7
5.6
13.5
0.1
0.5
2015
74
134
0.16
0.32
11.3
8.7
27.0
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.2
6.1
13.9
0.1
0.5
2014
82
139
0.20
0.33
11.0
10.1
28.5
32.4
0.004
N/A
N/A
39.3
7.4
16.4
0.5
0.5
2013
78
136
N/A
0.37
8.9
11.1
29.6
31.0
0.005
N/A
N/A
43.3
7.8
19.1
0.6
0.6
2012
87
140
N/A
0.36
N/A
9.7
32.9
31.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
36.1
8.9
14.2
N/A
0.6
2011
89
139
N/A
0.34
N/A
8.7
28.1
33.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.2
8.9
21.1
N/A
0.8
2010
90
121
N/A
0.27
N/A
6.9
30.5
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
N/A
0.7
2009
61
107
N/A
0.31
N/A
7.3
28.7
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2008
65
130
N/A
0.33
N/A
9.3
31.2
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
22.2
1.8
1.0
2007
80
146
N/A
0.34
N/A
10.0
30.8
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.0
2.8
0.7
2006
75
104
N/A
0.36
N/A
11.3
30.0
29.7
0.006
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
N/A
2005
87
101
N/A
0.33
N/A
10.7
29.6
28.1
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2004
77
103
N/A
0.34
N/A
11.5
27.8
30.8
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
2003
91
115
N/A
0.44
N/A
15.0
26.4
31.2
N/A
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.2
2002
93
139
N/A
0.43
N/A
15.2
31.3
44.8
N/A
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2001
84
143
N/A
0.42
N/A
15.1
29.2
47.3
N/A
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
N/A
2000
57
136
N/A
0.51
N/A
15.4
N/A
41.0
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
9.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
8,613%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
12%
Transportation
Columbus has a robust public transit system with numerous bus routes and bike-friendly infrastructure. Commuting times are relatively low. Fresno also has public transit services, but with fewer routes and longer commute times compared to Columbus.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
415
408
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
36
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Bicycle
0.6%
0.8%
Bus
1.6%
1.3%
Carpooled
7.4%
10.7%
Car alone
86.7%
84.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Average
26.1 min
23.7 min
Other means
21.7 min
21.5 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
88.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in both cities reflects their respective cost of living trends. Columbus has a lower median home price compared to the national average, making it affordable for a majority of residents. Fresno, while more expensive than Columbus, remains more affordable than many other cities in California.
Neighborhoods
Columbus neighborhoods, such as German Village and Short North, offer a vibrant mix of history, culture, and nightlife. Fresno's neighborhoods like Tower District and Old Fig Garden feature unique cultural experiences and architectural charm. Both cities offer a diverse range of living experiences suitable for different lifestyles.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Houses
422,120
188,756
Average household size (people)
2.3
3.1
Median year apartment built
1982
1977
Median year house/condo built
1977
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
181,841 (96.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
91,233 (50.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
90,608 (49.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$958.34
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,209
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$285,919
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$321,300
Median numbers of rooms
5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$375,492
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$184,112
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$196,355
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$287,684
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$100,122
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$260,277
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$358,028
Median house age
42
42
Renting percentage
53%
50.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,808.6
House value disparities
30.2%
29.4%
Household income disparities
42.4%
46.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$97,354
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$73,445
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,037 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
2,880 (4.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
59,354 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
68 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
4,120 (6.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Fresno
One, detached
45.8%
59.0%
One, attached
9.1%
3.2%
Two
4.0%
3.0%
3 or 4
8.6%
7.8%
5 to 9
11.8%
9.6%
10 to 19
8.6%
3.6%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.4%
50 or more
6.8%
7.5%
Mobile homes
0.8%
2.6%
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
14,428
State government workers
31,881
9,836
Unpaid family workers
724
890
Industries and Occupations
In Columbus, top industries include education and healthcare, with Ohio State University and OhioHealth as significant employers. Technology and financial sectors also play a strong role in Columbus's economy. Conversely, in Fresno, key industries are agriculture, food processing, manufacturing and healthcare, reflecting the city's farming background and growing urban development.
Both cities have commendable healthcare facilities. Columbus is renowned for its strong healthcare and research facilities, like the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Fresno has well-regarded hospitals such as Community Regional Medical Center and Saint Agnes Medical Center.
Both Columbus and Fresno have developed infrastructure favorable to businesses and residents. However, Columbus is often recognized for its robust transport network and logistic advantage due to its strategic location. Fresno offers a more centralized location in California, which offers advantages in distributing goods and services across the state.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Fresno
Hospitals
47
32
TV stations
14
4
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
98
Bank institutions located here
25
25
Main business address for public companies
23
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Fresno
1999
2,450
717
2000
2,376
484
2001
1,897
462
2002
1,483
569
2003
2,087
1,510
2004
3,216
2,462
2005
4,275
3,394
2006
4,662
3,441
2007
2,679
2,138
2008
1,015
760
2009
555
354
Culture and Food
Both Columbus and Fresno boast a rich cultural scene. Columbus features Midwest hospitality, vibrant festivals, and a diverse food scene reflecting its multicultural population. Fresno, located in the agricultural heartland, is well known for its farm-to-table dining options and cultural diversity influenced by its farming community and Hispanic population.
Sports Teams
Columbus hosts National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets and Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew. Fresno doesn't have any major league sports teams, but it is home to minor league teams including the Triple-A baseball team, Fresno Grizzlies.
Columbus, OH
Fresno, CA
Columbus, OH and 
Fresno, CA : 1,991.1 miles
