Columbus, IN vs Cottage Grove, MN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Columbus
81.7
#37 nationally
Cottage Grove
77.4
#246 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 1.1). Columbus leads in walk score (29 vs 16). Cottage Grove leads in median household income ($117,673 vs $75,114).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Cottage Grove, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 77.4 (#246) |
| Population | 51,522 | 42,056 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $402,376 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $117,673 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 16 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | 1.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 114 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+8.9 |
B-
81.7 Score
Columbus, IN
Indiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$281,533
Population
51,522
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
29
Midwest
View Columbus, IN →
C+
77.4 Score
Cottage Grove, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$402,376
Population
42,056
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
16
Midwest
View Cottage Grove, MN →
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