Columbus

OHColumbus, OH MSA

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$288,086 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
~950,000 (city); ~2.2 million (metro area)
Population
$68,000 (metro, 2024 est.)
Median Income
Columbus City Schools: 4/10 (GreatSchools); Suburbs (Dublin, Upper Arlington, Olentangy): 8–10/10
School District Rating

Market Overview

Property Values

$288,086 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
$193 (June 2025)
Price per Sq Ft
+2.2% (June 2024–June 2025)
YoY Change

Market Performance

Days on Market28 days (May 2025, up from 22 days in May 2024)
Market TypeTransitioning to balanced; increased inventory, steady buyer demand
Months of Supply~1.5 months (inventory up 36% YoY, 4,828 homes May 2025)

Sales Activity

Sales Volume~3,000 homes under contract in May 2025
Metro AreaColumbus, OH MSA
Population~950,000 (city); ~2.2 million (metro area)

Economic Indicators

Employment & Growth

Unemployment Rate~3.7% (2025 est., metro area)
Job Growth Rate~2.1% (2024–2025 est.)
Median Household Income$68,000 (metro, 2024 est.)

Major Employers

  • Ohio State University
  • Nationwide Insurance
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • OhioHealth
  • Honda
  • Amazon

Demographics

~950,000 (city); ~2.2 million (metro area)
Population
32.5 years
Median Age
+1.3% annually (2024–2025); projected to reach 3.5 million metro by 2050
Population Growth
~38% bachelor’s degree or higher
Education Level

Family Composition

Mix of young professionals, families, and retirees; strong millennial and Gen Z presence

Key Industries

Education & ResearchInsurance & Financial ServicesHealthcareLogistics & DistributionTechnology

Education

School District

Columbus City Schools: 4/10 (GreatSchools); Suburbs (Dublin, Upper Arlington, Olentangy): 8–10/10
District Rating

Top Schools

  • Dublin Jerome High School
  • Olentangy Liberty High School
  • Upper Arlington High School

Higher Education

  • The Ohio State University
  • Columbus State Community College
  • Capital University

Infrastructure & Development

Major Projects

  • Intel semiconductor plant (New Albany, $20B investment)
  • Downtown Columbus Scioto Peninsula redevelopment
  • Expansion of John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Transportation

  • COTA LinkUS rapid transit initiative
  • Highway expansions (I-70/I-71 corridor)

Planned Developments

  • Mixed-use projects in Arena District and Easton
  • New residential and retail in Franklinton

Lifestyle & Amenities

Recreation

  • Scioto Mile parks
  • Olentangy Trail
  • Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Dining & Entertainment

  • Short North Arts District
  • Easton Town Center
  • German Village restaurants

Cultural Attractions

  • Columbus Museum of Art
  • COSI Science Center
  • Nationwide Arena (sports/concerts)

Investment Analysis

Investment Opportunities

  • Strong rental demand and occupancy
  • Steady rent growth (+3–4% annually)
  • Emerging suburban and infill neighborhoods

Growth Outlook

Positive; population and job growth support long-term appreciation

Market Risks

  • Rising inventory could slow price appreciation
  • Interest rate volatility
  • Potential overbuilding in select multifamily segments

Rental Market

Multifamily occupancy stable; annual rent growth ~3–4%; Columbus ranks top 10 for rent growth in major US markets

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Millennials (first-time buyers)
  • Young families
  • Relocating professionals
  • Investors seeking stable returns

Marketing Channels

  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook)
  • Zillow/Realtor.com
  • Local real estate events

Pricing Strategies

Price at or slightly below recent comps to attract multiple offers; adjust quickly if no activity in 2 weeks

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Prices are too high for my budget

Response Strategy:

Showcase lower-priced options (condos/townhomes), discuss down payment assistance, and highlight long-term appreciation potential.

Objection: Interest rates are still elevated

Response Strategy:

Explain rate buydown options, potential for refinancing, and compare to historical averages.

Objection: Concern about neighborhood safety/schools

Response Strategy:

Provide school and crime data, suggest tours of target neighborhoods, and highlight nearby amenities.

Professional Recommendations

1

Educate buyers on new inventory and negotiation opportunities

2

Advise sellers to price competitively and invest in staging

3

Highlight Columbus’ economic growth and stability to investors

4

Leverage digital marketing and video tours to reach remote buyers

5

Stay updated on infrastructure projects and neighborhood trends

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Indianapolis, IN

Market Positioning

Columbus is a resilient Midwest market with strong fundamentals and moderate appreciation.

Competitive Advantages

  • Steady population/job growth
  • Top-tier universities and employers
  • Affordable cost of living vs. coastal metros

Price Comparison

Median home price ($288K) is lower than national average and peer metros, offering value for buyers and investors.

Investment Metrics

5.5–6.5% (multifamily, 2025)
Cap Rates
~6% gross annual yield (single-family rentals)
Rental Yields
~15–17 (favorable for investors)
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible in most submarkets with 20–25% down payment
Cash Flow
2–4% annual appreciation projected through 2026
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Benefit from increased inventory and more choices; focus on condos/townhomes for affordability; seek down payment assistance programs.

Move-Up Buyers

Can leverage equity gains from prior years; more options in mid-to-upper price ranges; less urgency to buy quickly.

Downsizers

Condos and low-maintenance homes in walkable neighborhoods are attractive; increased supply offers more selection.

Investors

Strong rental demand and stable cap rates; focus on emerging neighborhoods and value-add opportunities.

Relocators

Appealing job market and lifestyle amenities; competitive pricing vs. other metros; need guidance on school districts and neighborhoods.

This city analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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