Columbus, IN vs East Lansing, MI
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
East Lansing
72.8
#823 nationally
Columbus leads in crime level (0.4 vs 6.0). East Lansing leads in walk score (54 vs 29). Columbus leads in median household income ($75,114 vs $44,094).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, IN | East Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#37) | 72.8 (#823) |
| Population | 51,522 | 48,528 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $281,533 | $328,740 |
| Median Household Income | $75,114 | $44,094 |
| Average Commute | 18.1 min | 16.1 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 54 |
| Crime Level | 0.4 | 6.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 100 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+27.3 | D+29.7 |
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-
72.8 Score
East Lansing, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$328,740
Population
48,528
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
54
Midwest
View East Lansing, MI →
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