This article compares two distinct US cities: Fort Worth, Texas, and Columbus, Georgia. Both offer unique advantages and carry particular considerations, whether you're considering relocation or just a visit. The comparison focuses on crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, biggest employers, real-estate, neighborhoods, transportation/public transit/commuting, city/state sales tax, city/state income tax, city/state property tax, culture/food, sports teams, geographical conditions, and health care. Understanding these elements can greatly assist in planning a move or a trip.
Both Fort Worth and Columbus have crime rates higher than the national average, but Columbus’s rate is notably higher. In Fort Worth, efforts are being made to reduce crime, including community policing and surveillance programs. Columbus has also implemented strategies to counteract high crime rates, including crime prevention initiatives and community programs.
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 3,166 registered sex offenders living in Fort Worth and 732 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Fort Worth is 270 to 1; the ratio in Columbus is 254 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Fort Worth is near to than in Columbus.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is lower in both cities than the national average, but Fort Worth is slightly more expensive than Columbus. Housing costs significantly drive this difference; however, the salary in Fort Worth is higher on average, covering this discrepancy.
Income Tax
Texas, including Fort Worth, does not have state income tax, which can be a significant advantage for residents. Georgia, including Columbus, has a progressive state income tax that ranges from 1% to 5.75%.
Property Tax
Property taxes are higher in Fort Worth than in Columbus, but it's important to keep in mind Texas's lack of state income tax. Homebuyers should take both taxes into account when budgeting for homeownership.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Fort Worth is 8.25%, which includes state, county, and city taxes. Columbus has a slightly lower sales tax at 8.0%.
Income
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$68,235
$52,817
Estimated per capita income
$34,106
$29,689
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
95.4
86.8
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $54,954 in Fort Worth to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Fort Worth is located in the rolling plains of Texas and is part of the Cross Timbers region. The city is close to several lakes and has the Trinity River running through it. Columbus is located near the Chattahoochee River and has a flatter terrain with rich, fertile soil.
Both cities offer a range of public, charter, and private schools. Fort Worth has more schools and higher education opportunities, including Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University, and the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Columbus has fewer opportunities but prides itself on its strong public school system and Columbus State University.
Both cities have robust economies with strong job markets. However, Fort Worth’s economy is more diverse, with opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Columbus’s economy centers on the military, manufacturing, and education.
Biggest Employers
Fort Worth’s biggest employers include American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and Texas Health Resources. Columbus is home to the Fort Benning military base, which provides a significant portion of the area's jobs, along with TSYS, a global payment solutions provider, and Aflac, a Fortune 500 insurance company.
There were 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011) compared to 296 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (79 more than in 2011).
In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Columbus (Muscogee County), 60.3% voted for Democrats and 39.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Fort Worth
Columbus
Fort Worth
Columbus
Fort Worth
Columbus
2020
49.3%
61.4%
49.1%
37.4%
1.6%
1.2%
2016
43.2%
57.4%
51.8%
38.9%
5.0%
3.7%
2012
41.4%
60.3%
57.1%
39.0%
1.4%
0.7%
2008
43.8%
59.7%
55.5%
40.0%
0.7%
0.4%
2004
37.0%
51.4%
62.5%
48.2%
0.5%
0.4%
2000
36.9%
54.3%
60.9%
45.2%
2.3%
0.5%
1996
41.6%
53.8%
50.9%
41.9%
7.5%
4.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Fort Worth
Columbus
Fort Worth
Columbus
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
17.3%
22.8%
33.3%
16.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
4.6%
1.9%
1.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.2%
1.2%
0.9%
1.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
0.9%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.6%
0.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.6%
0.8%
1.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.5%
0.1%
0.8%
Weather
The weather in both cities has significant differences due to their geographical locations. Fort Worth boasts a hot, humid climate with mild winters, while Columbus has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Both cities can experience severe weather, with Fort Worth being part of Tornado Alley and Columbus occasionally experiencing the after-effects of Atlantic hurricanes.
Weather and climate
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Temperature - Average
65°F
65.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.4%
74.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34.1%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82.1%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
47%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35 in
48.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
1 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
18.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
66.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
17.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
50.6%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Average climate in Columbus, Georgia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Fort Worth
Columbus
Fort Worth
Fort Worth
Fort Worth
Columbus
Columbus
Fort Worth
Columbus
Fort Worth
Columbus
2018
67
61
N/A
N/A
5.8
N/A
27.1
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.8
N/A
N/A
2017
67
71
N/A
N/A
6.2
N/A
27.2
28.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
N/A
2016
56
76
N/A
N/A
6.3
N/A
25.5
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
N/A
N/A
2015
61
70
N/A
N/A
6.5
N/A
24.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
N/A
N/A
2014
56
78
0.22
N/A
6.8
N/A
26.6
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
N/A
N/A
2013
64
72
0.25
N/A
6.4
N/A
26.5
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
N/A
2012
87
79
0.26
N/A
7.8
N/A
30.3
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
N/A
1.1
2011
79
86
0.23
N/A
7.9
N/A
30.7
32.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
N/A
1.2
2010
70
81
0.23
N/A
8.5
N/A
27.7
31.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
N/A
1.2
2009
81
75
0.25
N/A
8.7
N/A
29.5
28.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
1.3
2008
69
81
0.25
N/A
9.6
N/A
25.8
33.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
11.7
N/A
1.7
2007
75
103
0.30
N/A
10.6
N/A
24.6
35.7
0.004
N/A
N/A
14.8
N/A
N/A
2006
90
99
0.34
N/A
10.2
N/A
29.7
34.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
14.1
N/A
N/A
2005
102
104
0.34
N/A
10.9
N/A
28.4
30.6
0.004
N/A
11.3
13.3
0.9
2.0
2004
78
94
0.39
N/A
10.6
N/A
25.4
28.9
0.005
N/A
N/A
13.3
N/A
N/A
2003
82
84
0.40
N/A
11.1
N/A
27.2
26.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2002
94
62
0.37
N/A
11.8
N/A
25.8
27.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2001
16
88
0.48
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
17
110
0.55
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
249.6%
137.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
562.8%
132.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
23%
7%
Transportation
Both cities have public transportation systems, and while Fort Worth’s transit system is more established, Columbus’s METRA transit system is continuously improving. Both cities have Interstate highways providing easy access for commuters and travelers.
Transport
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
85
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
19
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Bicycle
0.1%
0.1%
Bus
0.4%
1.1%
Carpooled
11%
14.6%
Car alone
85.8%
75.5%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.3%
4.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Average
28.5 min
20.5 min
Real Estate
The real estate market in both cities is somewhat affordable, with Fort Worth being slightly higher than Columbus. In Fort Worth, there is a wide range of housing options, from urban condos to suburban homes, while Columbus offers a mix of historic homes and new developments.
Neighborhoods
Fort Worth offers diverse neighborhoods from the historic Stockyards to the trendy West 7th Street district. Columbus features neighborhoods like the vibrant Uptown, with various cultural, dining, and entertainment options, and quieter suburban areas like Green Island Hills.
Houses and residents
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Houses
361,341
75,938
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Houses occupied
334,286 (92.5%)
69,597 (91.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
185,197 (55.4%)
39,266 (56.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
149,089 (44.6%)
30,331 (43.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,068
$599.09
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$288,576
$61,168
Estimated median house or condo value
$249,000
$171,106
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.6
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,235.2
351.4
Household income disparities
43.6%
46.6%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,986 (2.4%)
9,803 (27%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,696 (3%)
91 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
121,099 (97.6%)
26,511 (73%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
66 (0.1%)
2,477 (6.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,171 (4.2%)
3,939 (10.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.8%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
27,257
3,992
State government workers
8,587
3,806
Unpaid family workers
392
211
Industries and Occupations
Significant industries in Fort Worth include aerospace, healthcare, education, and technology. In Columbus, the military, manufacturing, and education are the most significant sectors. Professionals, tradespeople, and skilled workers will find opportunities in both cities.
Both Fort Worth and Columbus offer robust healthcare systems. Fort Worth residents have access to numerous hospitals, including the Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital. Columbus residents have access to the Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.
In terms of infrastructure, both cities have made significant investments in public and private facilities. Fort Worth boasts a more established infrastructure with well-maintained roads, bridges, and public buildings, while Columbus is catching up with its growing population and economy.
Infrastructure
Type
Fort Worth
Columbus
Hospitals
76
12
TV stations
25
10
Arenas or stadiums
7
1
Bank branches located here
175
50
Bank institutions located here
42
12
Main business address for public companies
24
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
3
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Fort Worth
Columbus
1999
3,575
906
2000
2,473
767
2001
2,109
618
2002
1,701
304
2003
2,183
334
2004
3,202
431
2005
4,261
550
2006
4,161
565
2007
2,871
362
2008
1,256
132
2009
585
59
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Fort Worth has a long association with cowboy culture and offers Tex-Mex cuisine, while Columbus provides access to Southern hospitality and delicious Southern cuisine. Both cities also host a variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
Sports Teams
Fort Worth residents support Dallas area sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), and the Texas Rangers (MLB). Columbus does not have any major professional sports franchises but has a vibrant local sports scene, with the Columbus Lions in arena football and the Columbus River Dragons in hockey.
Fort Worth, TX
Columbus, GA
Fort Worth, TX and 
Columbus, GA : 721.0 miles
