Columbus had a considerable trade in agricultural products, and its businesses included machine shops, grain elevators, flour mills, a cigar factory, bottle works (soft drinks), a canning factory, and an extensive brick-making plant.

Long and Victor Bell formed the Long-Bell Lumber Company in Columbus.

From one lumberyard, Long-Bell expanded operations and holdings to become one of the largest vertically integrated lumber companies in the United States.

[10] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.42 square miles (6.27 km2), all land.

[11] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[12] The 2020 United States census counted 2,929 people, 1,251 households, and 746 families in Columbus.

35.2% of households consisted of individuals and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[24][25] As of the census[26] of 2010, there were 3,312 people, 1,424 households, and 850 families living in the city.

34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,396 people, 1,412 households, and 885 families living in the city.

34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The community is served by Columbus USD 493 public school district.