Columbus, Minnesota
Columbus Real Estate
Homes for sale, local facts and advice for buying or selling in Columbus, Anoka County, from Huerkamp Home Group.
Key takeaways
What should you know about Columbus at a glance?
Columbus is a north metro city in Anoka County, home to 4,307 people. Here's what the public numbers say.
- Population: 4,307 (Census 2024 estimate; +3.7% since 2020)
- Median home value: $460,200, 33% higher than the Anoka County median (owner estimates, Census ACS)
- Median household income: $123,194, 21% higher than Anoka County
- Homeownership: 88.7% of households own their home (Minnesota: 72.2%)
- Getting around: about 41 minutes to downtown Minneapolis and 53 minutes to MSP Airport in light traffic
- Schools: Forest Lake Public School District covers about 100% of the city
Sources: US Census Bureau 2024 population estimates and 2020–2024 American Community Survey; drive times from OpenStreetMap routing.
For sale now
Where can I find Columbus homes for sale?
The newest Columbus listings, live from the NorthstarMLS. Open any home for photos, maps and saved-search alerts.
Open Thu, Nov 5 · 9–11 PM$475,0007644 W Broadway Avenue, Columbus, MN 55025MLS #7165079
Listing courtesy of Edina Realty, Inc.
$389,00018020 Rutgers Street NE, Columbus, MN 55025MLS #7166904Listing courtesy of Kris Lindahl Real Estate
Open Sat, Nov 7 · 4–7 PM$615,00016851 Potomac Street NE, Columbus, MN 55025MLS #7154755Listing courtesy of LPT Realty, LLC
$177,4008354 169th Avenue NE, Forest Lake, MN 55025MLS #7162568Listing courtesy of RE/MAX Synergy
$2,125,000XXX 137th Avenue NE, Columbus, MN 55025MLS #7159771Listing courtesy of Cetra Partners
$420,0007625 162nd Avenue NE, Columbus, MN 55025MLS #7156864Listing courtesy of LPT Realty
See all 14 Columbus homes for sale
- Under $200,000 2
- Under $250,000 4
- Under $300,000 4
- Under $350,000 5
- Under $400,000 6
- Under $450,000 8
- Under $500,000 9
- Under $600,000 10
- Under $700,000 11
- Under $800,000 11
- Under $1 million 12
- Under $1.5 million 12
- Under $2 million 13
- $1 million and up 2
- Single-family homes 7
- Land and lots 7
- 3+ bedrooms 6
- 4+ bedrooms 2
- 5+ bedrooms 1
- New construction 1
- 1+ acre 7
Keller Williams Preferred Realty is not a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), nor does it offer MLS access. This website is a service of Keller Williams Preferred Realty, a broker Participant of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity℠ Program of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Keller Williams Preferred Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity℠ logo or the Broker Reciprocity℠ thumbnail logo (little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers.
Keller Williams Preferred Realty participates in Regional MLS’s Broker Reciprocity℠ program, allowing us to display other brokers’ listings on our site. However, Keller Williams Preferred Realty displays only listings located in the Minnesota communities covered on this website. Some properties which appear for sale on this web site may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. Listing data last updated November 3, 2026 at 8:18 PM (Central). Use of listing data is subject to the license agreement. Open House information is subject to change without warning.
Listings from NorthstarMLS, updated every hour from 8 AM to 10 PM.
Recently sold
What did homes in Columbus sell for?
Homes sold in Columbus in the last 6 months, from NorthstarMLS.
See every Columbus sale on the map
This home sale information is not an appraisal, competitive or comparative market analysis, CMA or home valuation.
Keller Williams Preferred Realty is not a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), nor does it offer MLS access. This website is a service of Keller Williams Preferred Realty, a broker Participant of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed.
The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity℠ Program of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Keller Williams Preferred Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity℠ logo or the Broker Reciprocity℠ thumbnail logo (little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers.
Keller Williams Preferred Realty participates in Regional MLS’s Broker Reciprocity℠ program, allowing us to display other brokers’ listings on our site. However, Keller Williams Preferred Realty displays only listings located in the Minnesota communities covered on this website. Some properties which appear for sale on this web site may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. Use of listing data is subject to the license agreement. Open House information is subject to change without warning.
Stay ahead of the market
How can you get new Columbus listings first?
Tell us your price range and we'll email new Columbus listings that match. No spam, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
- Pick your price, beds and home type
- New listings emailed as they come on the market
- Questions answered by a local agent
Housing market · September 2026
Columbus home prices and sales
Over the 12 months through September 2026, the median sale price in Columbus was $480,000, up 1.1% from the year before, with 36 homes sold.
- Median sale price$480,000+1.1% vs. prior 12 months
- Homes sold36past 12 months
- Days on market33past 12 months
- Months of supply2.9end of September 2026
NorthstarMLS data via the Minneapolis Area REALTORS® Local Market Update, current as of October 7, 2026. Full Columbus market report
Living in
What's it like living in Columbus, MN?
The answer
Columbus is a north metro city, and it's about 41 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and 42 minutes from downtown Saint Paul in light traffic. 91.4% of its homes are single-family houses, the typical home was built around 1984, and 88.7% of households own their home.
Demographics · Columbus, MN
Who lives in Columbus?
According to the Census Bureau, Columbus's median household income is $123,194, 21% higher than the Anoka County median (Anoka County: $101,869). The median age is 44.9, 88.7% of households own their home and 28.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates; population from 2024 estimates. Home values are owner estimates; values shown with “+” are the Census reporting cap.
Population trend
How fast is Columbus growing?
Columbus's population grew 3.7% between 2020 and 2024, from 4,155 to 4,307 residents, according to Census Bureau estimates.
US Census Bureau Vintage 2024 population estimates.
Show as a table
| Year | Residents |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 4,174 |
| 2021 | 4,230 |
| 2022 | 4,235 |
| 2023 | 4,273 |
| 2024 | 4,307 |
School planning
Which schools serve a Columbus address?
- Forest Lake Public School Districtabout 100% of the city
Ask the district for the school assignment of the exact address for the year you'll enroll, since boundaries can change. Being near a school doesn't guarantee a spot, and charter and private schools set their own rules.
Minnesota Report Card (Department of Education)
District coverage: US Census Bureau 2024 school district boundaries.
Crime data
How can you check reported crime near a home?
Ask the police department that serves the address for its current reports, and compare places only across the same time period and offense definitions. Missing data doesn't mean zero crime, and a citywide number doesn't describe a particular street.
By ZIP code
What does Columbus look like by ZIP code?
ZIP 55025 covers most of Columbus.
| ZIP | Share of city | Median home value | Median household income | Homeowners | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55025 | 91% | $405,000 | $98,382 | 75.2% | Homes for sale |
ZIP code areas (ZCTAs) covering at least 5% of the city; values for the whole ZIP area, Census ACS 2020–2024.
Outdoor living
What lakes and water are in Columbus?
Columbus has about 2.8 square miles of water inside city limits. 10 lakes of 10 acres or more touch Columbus; each has its own page with the lakefront homes for sale on it.
- Coon Lake1,481 acres
- Howard Lake456 acres
- Crossways Lake355 acres
- Rondeau Lake248 acres
- Mud Lake179 acres
- Little Coon Lake86 acres
- Higgins Lake84 acres
- Columbus Lake24 acres
- East Twin Lake15 acres
- West Twin Lake11 acres
Commute & transportation
How easy is getting around Columbus?
Columbus residents' average one-way commute is 28.8 minutes (Census ACS). 78.7% drive alone, 0% take public transit and 14.1% work from home.
Drive times from Columbus
- 41 minDowntown Minneapolis
- 42 minDowntown Saint Paul
- 53 minMSP Airport
- 54 minMall of America
- 39 minUniversity of Minnesota
Drive times: OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap data from the city's Census center point, light traffic. Rush hour takes longer.
Economy & jobs
Where do Columbus residents work?
The largest share of employed Columbus residents work in education, health care and social assistance (22.3%), followed by manufacturing (14.6%). The unemployment rate averaged 2.2% over 2020–2024 (Minnesota: 4.1%).
Census ACS 2020–2024, industry of employed residents 16 and older (C24050) and employment status (B23025).
- Education, health care and social assistance22.3%
- Manufacturing14.6%
- Retail trade12.6%
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, lodging and food11.4%
- Construction7.2%
- Professional, scientific and management services6.4%
City comparison
How does Columbus compare to Forest Lake, Centerville and Circle Pines?
The three communities with the shortest drive from Columbus, side by side.
| Metric | Columbus | Forest Lake | Centerville | Circle Pines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2024) | 4,307 | 20,700 | 3,956 | 4,944 |
| Change since 2020 | +3.7% | +0.4% | +1.5% | -1.7% |
| Median home value | $460K | $394K | $377K | $294K |
| Median household income | $123K | $93K | $123K | $102K |
| Median gross rent | $1,653 | $1,421 | $1,398 | $1,496 |
| Homeowners | 88.7% | 72.9% | 89.2% | 87.2% |
| Median age | 44.9 | 39.6 | 40.5 | 38.4 |
| Average commute | 28.8 min | 24.2 min | 25.9 min | 21.9 min |
| Drive to downtown Minneapolis | 41 min | 42 min | 36 min | 26 min |
Census 2024 estimates and ACS 2020–2024; drive times from OpenStreetMap routing.
Cost of ownership
What will a Columbus home cost you each month?
Enter the numbers for a specific home. The price starts at Columbus's Census median home value; the interest rate, property tax and insurance are yours to fill in from a lender quote, the county's tax statement and an insurance quote. This is an illustration, not a loan estimate.
Selling in Columbus
What's required to sell a home in Columbus?
We haven't confirmed a city pre-sale inspection for Columbus; check with the city before you list. Every Minnesota sale still includes the state disclosures: property condition, wells, septic systems, radon, lead paint for older homes and more.
Selling in Minnesota: every city's rules and the state disclosures · Estimate your net proceeds
Is Columbus right for you?
Who should buy a home in Columbus?
- Compare homes, not averages. Choose the space, layout and condition you need, and confirm it with an inspection.
- Try the drive. Test your commute at the times you'd actually travel.
- Check the schools for the address. Forest Lake Public School District covers most of the city, but not all of it.
- Budget the whole payment. Include taxes, insurance, association dues and upkeep.
Planning a move
What should I verify before moving to Columbus?
- The property's current tax statement and homestead status from Anoka County.
- Lender, insurance and utility quotes for the exact address, plus any association documents and special assessments.
- The seller's disclosures, including Minnesota's required radon and well disclosures.
- Whether the city requires a point-of-sale inspection or certificate (Minneapolis and Saint Paul, for example, require Truth-in-Sale-of-Housing reports).
- The school assignment for your enrollment year, confirmed with the district.
This weekend's open houses
Can you tour Columbus homes this weekend?
Found a Columbus home you like? We'll set up a private showing, usually within a day or two, or tell you when it has an open house.
Columbus FAQ
What do Columbus buyers most often ask?
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The Census Bureau's 2020–2024 American Community Survey puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in Columbus at $460,200, 33% higher than the Anoka County median (Anoka County: $346,500). These are owner estimates; for current asking prices, see the Columbus homes for sale in our home search.
How many people live in Columbus, MN?
About 4,307 people, according to the Census Bureau's 2024 estimate. The city grew by 3.7% between 2020 and 2024.
Which school district serves Columbus?
Forest Lake Public School District (about 100% of the city). School assignment depends on the exact address, so confirm it with the district before you buy.
How far is Columbus from downtown Minneapolis?
About 41 minutes by car in light traffic, and about 42 minutes to downtown Saint Paul. Residents' average one-way commute is 28.8 minutes (Census ACS).
Is Columbus a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. Columbus has a median household income of $123,194, 88.7% homeownership and a 28.8-minute average commute. Visit at the times you'd normally drive, check the school assignment for the address, and compare total ownership costs before you decide.
What does it cost to rent in Columbus?
The median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,653 a month, compared with $1,464 in Anoka County (Census ACS 2020–2024).
What ZIP codes are in Columbus?
55025 covers most of the city. ZIP code areas and city limits don't match exactly, so check the city on the property record.
What lakes are in Columbus?
The largest named lakes inside the city are Howard Lake (about 432 acres), Crossways Lake (about 355 acres), Coon Lake (about 215 acres) and Mud Lake (about 91 acres), based on Census water maps.
How long does it take to close on a home in Columbus?
Most financed purchases close about 30 to 45 days after an accepted offer, and cash purchases can close sooner. Your lender, the appraisal and the title company set the actual timeline.
Does Columbus require an inspection to sell a home?
We haven't confirmed a city inspection requirement for Columbus. Every Minnesota seller still owes the state disclosures (property condition, wells, septic, radon and more), and some counties require a septic inspection. Check with the city before you list.
Why Huerkamp Home Group
Why work with Huerkamp Home Group?
Ready to make a move?
Want to talk to a Columbus real estate expert?
Tell us your area, budget, timing and must-haves. We'll share current listings and recent sales, and explain how we'd represent you before you decide anything.
Explore nearby communities
Which communities are close to Columbus?
Drive times from Columbus in light traffic, with each community's Census median home value.