| ZIP Code | 68601 |
|---|---|
| City | Columbus |
| State | Nebraska (NE) |
| County | Platte County |
| Area Code | 402/531 |
| Elevation | 1,450 ft |
| Latitude | 41.452353 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -97.394665 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 31141 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.8 yrs ↑ 3% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.51 |
| Below Poverty | 9.2% ▼ 8% below avg |
| College Grads | 39.8% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 2.8% ▼ 43% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 272 (1.5%) |
| HS Graduate | 5,878 (32%) |
| Some College | 2,487 (13.6%) |
| Associates | 2,414 (13.2%) |
| Bachelors | 2,553 (13.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 4,746 (25.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $70,697 ≈ Avg ↑ 15% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $204,700 ▼ 27% below avg ↑ 36% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.9x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $872/mo ↑ 14% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 12,963 |
| Vacant Units | 938 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.51 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 12,963 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 938 |
| Owner Occupied | 70.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 29.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.51 |
ZIP code 68601 is located in Columbus, Nebraska, within Platte County. With a population of 30,619, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.8 years. Economically, 68601 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $70,697 is near the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 68601 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $204,700 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $872 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 70.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 36% since 2019.
The population of 68601 is primarily White (70.94%). Residents are moderately educated — 39.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a relatively small share of residents at 9.2%. Household income has grown by 15% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 68601 stands at 2.8%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 82%.
Overall, ZIP code 68601 in Columbus, NE is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 30,619 residents, a median household income of $70,697, and a median home value of $204,700, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Nebraska.