Where is Columbus, Mississippi, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 21, 2026, 14:20 ET

Where is Columbus, Mississippi Located in the United States? Columbus is a city located in the Lowndes County of Mississippi, United States. Columbus lies between 33.4957 Degrees North latitudes and -88.4273 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Columbus in Lowndes County, Mississippi

Where is Columbus, Mississippi

About Map: The map shows the location of Columbus in the state of Mississippi, United States. Columbus is a city in Lowndes County, Mississippi.

Columbus Map, Mississippi, USA

About Columbus Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Columbus in Mississippi, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Columbus.

About Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi

Columbus is a city located in Lowndes County in the U.S. state of Mississippi, United States. Situated in eastern Mississippi along the Tombigbee River near the Alabama border, the city serves as the county seat of Lowndes County and is an important regional center for commerce, education, and industry. Columbus was established in 1821 and was named after Christopher Columbus. The city is known for its rich history, historic homes, and its role as one of the sites associated with the origins of Memorial Day traditions.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Columbus is 24,084 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,100 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Columbus covers a total area of approximately 25.0 square miles (about 64.75 square kilometers), including about 24.6 square miles (63.71 square kilometers) of land and about 0.4 square miles (1.04 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Columbus is located in eastern Mississippi within Lowndes County, near the Alabama state line and approximately 150 miles northeast of Jackson. The city lies along the Tombigbee River and is surrounded by rolling terrain, forested areas, and agricultural land typical of the region.

Attractions and Recreation

Columbus offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions that reflect its heritage. The Columbus Historic District features numerous antebellum homes, and the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center highlights the city’s literary connections. The Riverwalk along the Tombigbee River and several parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, community events, and festivals throughout the year. The city is also home to Mississippi University for Women, contributing to higher education and cultural development in the region.

Transportation

Columbus is served by U.S. Route 82 and U.S. Route 45, providing regional connectivity across eastern Mississippi and into Alabama. The nearest airport serving the region is Golden Triangle Regional Airport, located about 15 miles west of the city, offering commercial flight services.

Explore more cities and counties across Mississippi or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from the Official City of Columbus Website.

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Columbus, Mississippi City Facts

CityColumbus
StateMississippi
CountyLowndes County
CountryUnited States
RegionEastern Mississippi
Founded1821
Incorporated1822
Total AreaApproximately 22.3 sq mi (57.8 km²)
Land AreaApproximately 21.7 sq mi (56.2 km²)
Water AreaApproximately 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²)
ElevationApproximately 184 ft (56 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 24,000+
Population (2020 Census)24,084
Population DensityApproximately 1,110 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST)
ZIP Codes39701, 39702, 39703, 39704, 39705
Area Code662
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 45, U.S. Route 82, Mississippi Highway 12
Public TransitColumbus-Lowndes Public Transit System
Major AttractionsTennessee Williams Home & Welcome Center, Columbus Riverwalk, Friendship Cemetery
Official Websitehttps://www.columbusms.org/

Distance from Columbus in Lowndes County, Mississippi to Other Cities in Mississippi

  • Starkville, MS – 25 miles (40 km)
  • West Point, MS – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Tupelo, MS – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Amory, MS – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Aberdeen, MS – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Oxford, MS – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Grenada, MS – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Winona, MS – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Kosciusko, MS – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Philadelphia, MS – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Meridian, MS – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Jackson, MS – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Yazoo City, MS – 130 miles (209 km)
  • Greenwood, MS – 130 miles (209 km)
  • Clarksdale, MS – 180 miles (290 km)
  • Greenville, MS – 180 miles (290 km)
  • Vicksburg, MS – 180 miles (290 km)
  • Natchez, MS – 210 miles (338 km)
  • Hattiesburg, MS – 170 miles (274 km)
  • Biloxi, MS – 230 miles (370 km)

Columbus, Mississippi Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Rainfall (in)
January55345.3
April76525.1
July91714.6
October77533.5
Annual755355.6
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Humid Subtropical (Cfa)
Annual RainfallAbout 55.6 in
Annual Sunshine DaysApproximately 214 days
Hurricane/Tornado RiskOccasional tropical storm remnants; moderate tornado risk
SnowfallLess than 1 in annually

Driving Distances from Columbus, Mississippi

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
HamiltonMississippi1015 min
StarkvilleMississippi2530 min
West PointMississippi2530 min
AmoryMississippi2735 min
AberdeenMississippi3540 min
TuscaloosaAlabama581 hr
TupeloMississippi601 hr
MeridianMississippi921 hr 30 min
BirminghamAlabama1452 hr 15 min
JacksonMississippi1702 hr 45 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Columbus, Mississippi

FeatureDetails
Airport NameGolden Triangle Regional Airport
IATA CodeGTR
PortTennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Port of Columbus
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 45, U.S. Highway 82, Mississippi Highway 50, Mississippi Highway 69
Train/Amtrak ServiceNo passenger rail service; freight rail operated by Kansas City Southern and BNSF Railway
Local Bus/Transit ServiceLimited regional public transportation services
  • U.S. Highway 45 - Major north-south route connecting Columbus with Tupelo, Meridian, and Alabama.
  • U.S. Highway 82 - Primary east-west highway linking Columbus with Starkville, Tuscaloosa, and western Mississippi.
  • Mississippi Highway 50 - Regional highway providing access to western Lowndes County and nearby communities.
  • Main Street - Historic downtown corridor featuring local businesses, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
  • Military Road - Important local route serving Columbus Air Force Base, residential neighborhoods, and commercial areas.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Columbus, Mississippi

Landmark NameType
Tennessee-Tombigbee WaterwayWaterway & Recreation Area
Columbus RiverwalkScenic Walking Trail
Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome CenterHistoric House Museum
Mississippi University for WomenHistoric University Campus
Friendship CemeteryHistoric Cemetery
Lowndes County CourthouseHistoric Government Building
Lake Lowndes State ParkState Park
White ArchesHistoric Home
Columbus Arts Council - Rosenzweig Arts CenterArts Center
Lee HomeHistoric House Museum

Colleges and Universities in Columbus, Mississippi

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Mississippi University for WomenPublicUniversityLiberal arts, nursing, education, and business
East Mississippi Community College - Golden Triangle CampusPublicCommunity CollegeCareer training and university transfer
Mississippi State UniversityPublicUniversityEngineering, agriculture, and research
East Central Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeTechnical education and workforce programs
Shelton State Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeAcademic transfer and technical education

Waterbodies in Columbus, Mississippi

Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Luxapalila Creek, Buttahatchee River, Tombigbee River, Columbus Lake, Lake Lowndes, Tibbee Creek, Aliceville Lake, Aberdeen Lake, Pickensville Lake

Golf Courses in Columbus, Mississippi

Lion Hills Center and Golf Course, Green Oaks Golf Club, Old Waverly Golf Club, Mossy Oak Golf Club, Elm Lake Golf Course, Columbus Country Club, Lakeside Golf Course, Brierwood Country Club

Columbus, Mississippi - Key Historical Facts

  • Columbus was founded in 1821 and became one of the earliest permanent settlements in northeastern Mississippi.
  • The city grew as an important river port and cotton trading center along the Tombigbee River during the 19th century.
  • Columbus was one of the few Southern cities spared widespread destruction during the American Civil War, preserving many historic homes and buildings.
  • The city is associated with one of the earliest Memorial Day observances, when local women decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers in 1866.
  • Industrial development, higher education, healthcare, and military activity at nearby Columbus Air Force Base have supported the local economy in modern times.
  • Today, Columbus is known for its historic architecture, cultural heritage, riverfront attractions, and role as a regional center for education, manufacturing, and commerce.

References

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