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ZIP Code · NE

ZIP 68601

Part of Columbus, NE
Pop. 30,944·Platte County·23rd most expensive ZIP in Nebraska
Median rent (all units)
$1,447/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
-5.0%
vs US Median
-$518
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 68601 · $1,447
More affordable than 77% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$740
1 BR
$810
2 BR
$1,060
3 BR
$1,400
4 BR+
$1,410
Research median
$1,060/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,364/yr
At $1,447/mo median
Location
StateNE
CountyPlatte County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 0.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, -5.0% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 68601 (Columbus, NE) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
30,944
Median income
$68,480
Median age
37.9
Renters
30.7%
Age distribution
26.2%
19.8%
23%
12.5%
18.6%
Under 1826.2%
18–3419.8%
35–5423%
55–6412.5%
65+18.6%
Gender
50.4%
49.6%
Male50.4%
Female49.6%
Race & ethnicity
72.4%
27%
White72.4%
Black0.8%
Hispanic27%
Education (25+)
33%
33.9%
22.4%
No HS diploma10.7%
HS diploma33%
Some college33.9%
Bachelor's+22.4%
Housing tenure
69.3%
30.7%
Owner69.3%
Renter30.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 68601 in Columbus, NE has changed in 5 years

Income
$62,364 → $68,480
up 9.8%
Population
29,699 → 30,944
up 4.2%
Renter share
28.4% → 30.7%
+2.3 pts
Bachelor's+
23.3% → 22.4%
-0.9 pts

Median household income climbed from $62,364 to $68,480 between 2021 and 2024, a 9.8% shift. Census counts show ZIP 68601 in Columbus, NE adding about 1,245 residents over the five-year window, up 4.2% on net. The renter share has risen from 28.4% to 30.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder.

Community

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 68601

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 68601 covers Columbus, NE. The median rent here is $1,447/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $810/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,060/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($68,480/yr), ZIP 68601 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 68601?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 68601 (Columbus, NE) is $1,447. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 68601 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 68601's median rent of $1,447/mo is $518 (26%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 68601 compare to other ZIPs in Nebraska?

ZIP 68601 falls in the middle range for Nebraska, ranking #23 out of 53 ZIPs at $1,447/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 68601?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $58,000/year (~$28/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,447/mo in ZIP 68601. The local median household income is $68,480/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 68601?

Rent in ZIP 68601 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 68601 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 68601 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,447/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($68,480/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 68601 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 68601 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.7% of ZIP 68601 households are renters, while 69.3% are owner-occupied. ZIP 68601 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 68601 compare to the rest of Columbus?

ZIP 68601 sits right at the Columbus citywide median of $1,447/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 68601 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 68601 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,447/mo, rent takes ~25% of ZIP 68601's median household income ($68,480/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 68601 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2.46–5.84%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 68601 (Columbus, NE)

Recent submissions

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