The Columbus metro contains the capital of Ohio and consists of ten counties in the central part of the State. It is the second largest metropolitan area contained entirely in Ohio.

Due to its demographics, which include a mix of races and a wide range of incomes, as well as urban, suburban, and nearby rural areas, Columbus is considered a "typical" American city, leading retail and restaurant chains to use it as a test market for new products.

Although the Columbus metropolitan area has historically been predominantly Caucasian, it has recently experienced increases in African, Asian, and Latin American immigration, including groups from Mexico, India, Somalia, and China. Although the Asian population is diverse, the city's Hispanic community is mainly made up of Mexicans, though there is a notable Puerto Rican population as well. Many other countries of origin are represented in lesser numbers, largely due to the international draw of The Ohio State University.

Total Population: 2,021,632

(An increase of 6.29 % in the past 5 years.)

Census Data

• Foreign Born - 123,193
• Language Spoken at Home - 143,661

[ Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Foreign Born and Language Spoken at Home]

Quick Facts

• Columbus has the 2nd Largest Metro Area Somali population in the USA.


• Home to The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the USA with over 57,000 students and 10 different international studies centers.


• In 2010-11 Ohio State welcomed 6,082 international students to its Columbus campus from many countries including China and Saudi Arabia. This accounts for the seventh highest total in the country.


• African language people groups dominate other regional areas in terms of population.


• Only twelve percent of the population in the greater Columbus area is affiliated with an evangelical church.


• 123,193 of the city's residents are foreign-born, accounting for 82% of new residents at a rate of 105 per week.


• The Columbus MSA is one of the fastest growing metro areas outside of the Sun Belt.


• Columbus has more than 450 internationally owned companies with one or more establishments in the area.


• Columbus has eight sister cities. Columbus established its first Sister City relationship in 1955 with Genoa, Italy. To commemorate this relationship, Columbus received a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus as a gift from the people of Genoa.