# Buying in Columbus, Ohio: prices, property taxes and ADDI help

> Columbus, Ohio: $279,900 median home, a 1.27% effective property tax rate, the Franklin County conveyance fee and up to $14,999 from ADDI.

URL: https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/location/columbus-oh/  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29 · By the MortgageMath US Editorial team

## Quick answer

The median owner-occupied home in Columbus is worth $279,900, below the US median of $360,600. With 10% down at the 7.24% national average rate it costs about **$2,253 a month**, and property tax at the city’s effective rate of 1.27% makes up 13% of that. The City’s American Dream Downpayment Initiative lends first-time buyers up to 6% of the price, capped at **$14,999**, forgiven after 5 years.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value, Columbus | $279,900 | [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=160XX00US3918000) | 2024 ACS 1-year |
| Median household income, Columbus | $67,084/yr | [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=160XX00US3918000) | 2024 ACS 1-year |
| Effective property tax rate, Columbus | 1.27% | [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=160XX00US3918000) | 2024 ACS 1-year |
| Median gross rent, Columbus | $1,383/mo | [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25064?g=160XX00US3918000) | 2024 ACS 1-year |
| City of Columbus ADDI, up to | $14,999 | [City of Columbus: ADDI Guidelines](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/housing-amp-assistance-programs/addi/2025-addi-guidelines.pdf) | Jun 1, 2024 |
| Franklin County conveyance fee | 0.3% | [Franklin County Auditor: Transfer & Conveyance Standards](https://auditor.franklincountyohio.gov/files/assets/auditor/v/2/documents/real-estate/conveyance-standards/conveyancestandards.pdf) | Mar 2, 2026 |

## Columbus prices next to Ohio and the US

Of the 20 large cities this site covers, Columbus has the lowest median home value — and the fifth-highest effective property tax rate. That combination defines the market: the purchase price is the easy part, and the tax bill deserves as much attention as the interest rate. Most Columbus households rent: 45.9% of occupied homes are owner-occupied, against 68% across Ohio.

*City of Columbus compared with Ohio and the US (Census ACS 2024 1-year)*

| | Columbus | Ohio | United States |
|---|---:|---:|---:|
| Median home value | $279,900 | $239,800 | $360,600 |
| Median household income | $67,084 | $72,212 | $81,604 |
| Home value ÷ income | 4.2× | 3.3× | 4.4× |
| Median property tax paid | $3,559 | $2,937 | $3,211 |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.27% | 1.22% | 0.89% |
| Median gross rent | $1,383 | $1,090 | $1,487 |
| Median year built | 1982 | 1971 | 1981 |

The city extends beyond Franklin County into small parts of Delaware and Fairfield counties; these figures cover the whole City of Columbus but not suburbs such as Dublin, Westerville or Grove City.

## The property-tax tradeoff in Franklin County

At 1.27% of value, the Columbus effective rate is higher than Ohio’s 1.22% and above the national 0.89%. On the median home that is $296 a month — $89 a month more than the same home would cost at the national rate. Each $10,000 of price adds about $127 a year in tax at the city’s rate, on top of the extra principal and interest.

Ohio property tax depends heavily on school district and voted levies, so two Columbus homes at the same price can carry different bills. The Franklin County Auditor sets values in periodic reappraisals and applies Ohio’s owner-occupancy reduction once you file for it; look up the parcel on the Auditor’s site and read the current tax bill before you offer. The [Ohio guide](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/location/ohio/) covers statewide tax relief.

## Payment on the median Columbus home

> **Worked example: $279,900 home (Columbus’s median value), 10% down, 30-year fixed at 7.24%**
>
> | Part of the payment | Monthly |
> |---|---:|
> | Principal and interest on $251,910 | $1,717 |
> | Property tax at 1.27% a year | $296 |
> | Homeowners insurance at the national $4.90 per $1,000 | $114 |
> | PMI (midpoint of Freddie Mac’s range) | $126 |
> | **Total** | **$2,253** |
> 
> Insurance uses Freddie Mac’s national per-$1,000 figure; Ohio doesn’t publish a city average.

Change the price, rate or tax in the [mortgage payment calculator](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/tools/mortgage-payment-calculator/?price=280000&down=10&tax=1.27&state=OH).

## ADDI: the City of Columbus down-payment loan

The City’s American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) helps first-time buyers purchase inside Columbus city limits. The loan is deferred and forgiven after 5 years as long as the home stays your principal residence; sell or move out sooner and it is repaid from the sale.

*City of Columbus ADDI at a glance*

| ADDI rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to 6% of the price, no more than $14,999 |
| Income | At or below 120% of area median income |
| First-time buyer | No home owned in the past 3 years |
| Your own money | At least $500 from your savings — not a gift or loan |
| Education | Homebuyer education with a HUD-certified agency approved by the City |
| Location | Inside the City of Columbus corporation limits |

Funds are limited and handed out first come, first served, so contact the City’s Housing Division before you sign a purchase contract.

> **Worked example: ADDI on the median $279,900 home with 3% down**
>
> The down payment is $8,397 and closing costs at the CFPB’s typical range run $5,598–$13,995, so you need $13,995–$22,392 at closing. ADDI would provide $14,999 (limited by the dollar cap), leaving about $500–$7,393 for you to bring. With 3% down the monthly payment is about $2,397, including PMI on the larger loan.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency loans and grants can also be used in Columbus; the [first-time buyer programs guide](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/first-time-buyers/programs/) explains how state and city help stack.

## Franklin County conveyance fee

Ohio charges a conveyance fee when a deed is recorded: the state portion of 0.1% applies in every county, and Franklin County adds its own share for a total of 0.3%. On a median-value home that is about $840 — $280 state and $560 county — plus a small per-parcel transfer fee. Under Ohio’s rules the fee is generally the seller’s cost. The [closing cost calculator](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/tools/closing-cost-calculator/?state=OH&price=280000) estimates the buyer’s side.

## How far a Columbus income goes

The median Columbus household earns $67,084. At Freddie Mac’s 30% housing guideline that is $1,677 a month, enough for about **$208,000** with 10% down at today’s average rate — 74% of the median value, or $71,900 less than the median value. Buying the median home on those terms takes about $90,129 a year. Run your own numbers in the [affordability calculator](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/tools/affordability-calculator/?state=OH&income=67084).

Owning the median home costs $870 a month more than the median rent of $1,383. The [rent vs buy calculator](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/tools/rent-vs-buy-calculator/?state=OH&price=280000&rent=1383) shows how long you would need to stay for buying to come out ahead. For comparison, see [Chicago](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/location/chicago-il/), another big Midwestern market, and [Charlotte](https://mail.mortgage-math-us.com/location/charlotte-nc/) in the Southeast.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the median home price in Columbus, Ohio?

The Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in the City of Columbus at $279,900, against $239,800 for Ohio and $360,600 for the US.

### What is the property tax rate in Columbus?

Census figures put the median Columbus homeowner’s bill at $3,559 a year, an effective rate of about 1.27% of home value. The actual rate depends on the school district and voted levies where the home sits.

### Does Columbus have down payment assistance?

Yes. The City’s American Dream Downpayment Initiative lends first-time buyers earning up to 120% of area median income up to 6% of the price, capped at $14,999. It is forgiven after 5 years if you keep living in the home.

### What is the conveyance fee in Franklin County?

Franklin County’s conveyance fee totals 0.3% of the price, including Ohio’s 0.1% state portion — about $840 on a median-value Columbus home, plus a small per-parcel transfer fee.

### How much income do you need to buy a house in Columbus?

About $90,129 a year keeps the payment on the median $279,900 home under 30% of gross income with 10% down at today’s average rate. The median Columbus household earns $67,084.

### Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Columbus?

Month to month, owning the median home with 10% down costs about $2,253, against a median rent of $1,383. Whether buying wins depends on how long you stay and how prices and rents change.

## Sources

- [Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey](https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms) — 30-year fixed rate, national weekly average (Week of Oct 29, 2026)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=160XX00US3918000) — Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=160XX00US3918000) — Median household income (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=160XX00US3918000) — Effective property tax rate (median taxes ÷ median home value); Median real estate taxes paid by homeowners (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25064?g=160XX00US3918000) — Median gross rent (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25003?g=160XX00US3918000) — Share of occupied homes lived in by their owners (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=040XX00US39) — Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=040XX00US39) — Median household income (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=040XX00US39) — Effective property tax rate (median taxes ÷ median home value); Median real estate taxes paid by homeowners (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=010XX00US) — Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=010XX00US) — Median household income (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=010XX00US) — Effective property tax rate (median taxes ÷ median home value); Median real estate taxes paid by homeowners (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [Freddie Mac Research](https://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/homeowners-insurance-costs) — Average homeowners insurance premium per $1,000 of home value (2023 data)
- [Freddie Mac My Home](https://myhome.freddiemac.com/buying/breaking-down-pmi) — Typical PMI cost, low end; Typical PMI cost, high end (Oct 28, 2026)
- [CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/figure-out-how-much-you-want-to-spend/) — Typical closing costs, low end (share of purchase price); Typical closing costs, high end (share of purchase price) (Oct 28, 2026)
- [Ohio Revised Code 322.02](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-322.02) — State real estate transfer tax (Apr 9, 2025)
- [Franklin County Auditor: Transfer & Conveyance Standards](https://auditor.franklincountyohio.gov/files/assets/auditor/v/2/documents/real-estate/conveyance-standards/conveyancestandards.pdf) — Franklin County conveyance fee, total ($3 per $1,000: $1 state, $2 county) (Mar 2, 2026)
- [City of Columbus: ADDI Guidelines](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/housing-amp-assistance-programs/addi/2025-addi-guidelines.pdf) — City of Columbus American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI), up to; City of Columbus ADDI assistance, share of purchase price, up to; City of Columbus ADDI minimum buyer contribution from own savings (Jun 1, 2024)
- [Freddie Mac My Home](https://myhome.freddiemac.com/blog/homebuying/how-much-can-you-afford) — Freddie Mac guidance: housing costs below this share of gross income (Jan 22, 2026)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25003?g=040XX00US39) — Share of occupied homes lived in by their owners (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25064?g=040XX00US39) — Median gross rent (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25064?g=010XX00US) — Median gross rent (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25035?g=160XX00US3918000) — Median year homes were built (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25035?g=040XX00US39) — Median year homes were built (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25035?g=010XX00US) — Median year homes were built (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [42 U.S.C. 12704(14)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/12704) — First-time homebuyer: has not owned a home in the past (HUD/HOME statute) (Oct 28, 2026)
- [City of Columbus: American Dream Downpayment Initiative](https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Housing-Assistance-Programs/Housing-Renters-Programs/American-Dream-Downpayment-Initiative)
- [Franklin County Auditor: Transfer & Conveyance Standards](https://auditor.franklincountyohio.gov/files/assets/auditor/v/2/documents/real-estate/conveyance-standards/conveyancestandards.pdf)

_General information, not financial advice._