Columbus
RANK #337 / 996 NAT · #16 / 28 IN · POP 82,371
1YR FORECAST: +1.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +28%
Bartholomew County, Indiana, stands out for its distinctive architecture, particularly in its county seat, Columbus. The city is recognized for its collection of modern architecture and public art, with seven buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks. Located in south-central Indiana, about 40 miles south of Indianapolis, the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and cultural attractions. Commuting to Indianapolis is a straightforward interstate drive. The area features scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and waterways, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Parks such as Mill Race Park, known for its design, and Anderson Falls, with its waterfall, offer natural escapes.
Life in Bartholomew County is often described as family-friendly, with a strong sense of community and highly rated public schools. The economy is heavily influenced by manufacturing, particularly durable goods, which has historically driven growth. Recent economic developments include investments in manufacturing facilities, attracting international companies and workers. This has led to population growth, largely due to international migration filling skilled roles. The county's economic landscape is evolving, with efforts to strengthen professional development and address business needs.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Swallowtail Solar Farm
Arevon Energy Inc. (and Tenaska)
|
$272M | Planned |
|
King's Hawaiian and Irresistible Foods Group Facilities
Irresistible Foods Group, Inc. (King's Hawaiian and Grillo's Pickles)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Multi-family Residential and Commercial Development (Tannehill Road/CR 650N)
Tulsidas Narsinghani
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, Bartholomew County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $76,912 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in IN.
By national standards, Bartholomew County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $197,500, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.39 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,063/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Bartholomew County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.4%). Home values shifted +3.4% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.31% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Bartholomew County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.