Columbus, a military city in southwestern Georgia, has experienced a stable market for nearly 20 years, thanks to its economic structure centered around the nearby Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) base. The recent fluctuations due to the pandemic over the past five years have been relatively calm in this area.

According to Zillow data, the average home value in the Columbus area was around $120,000 at the beginning of 2021. By 2026, it is expected to rise to about $152,000, resulting in a cumulative increase of approximately 27% over five years.

In comparison to the national average increase of 35-45%, Columbus has shown a modest growth rate that is significantly below the national average.

Year by year, while the growth from 2021 to 2022 was not as steep as in other areas, there was steady growth supported by low interest rates. After the interest rate hikes in the second half of 2022, the rate of increase slowed somewhat, but there was no significant correction, and a gradual upward trend continued from 2023 to 2025. In the past year alone, a 4.0% increase has been observed, showing a different trend compared to other major cities that have entered a correction phase.

The key factors supporting the growth in this area are stable military-related employment, population, and demand from homebuyers attracted by the low entry price. Due to the relatively low absolute price, it seems that more homebuyers displaced from other cities are turning their attention to Columbus.

Looking ahead, cautious optimism seems possible. With a stable demand base from the military base, the likelihood of a sharp decline is low, and the relatively undervalued appeal compared to other areas may continue to lead to gradual increases.

For Korean households, Columbus is a market worth considering due to its low entry prices and stable rental demand. An approach focusing on rental income and long-term holding rather than quick capital gains seems to align well with the characteristics of this area.