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Columbus, Ga. - MSA

The information in our study covers the Columbus, Ga.-Ala., Metropolitan Statistical Area.

In each community, the Soul of the Community Study identified factors that emotionally bond residents to where they live. Some of these community characteristics were rated highly by residents, and are therefore community strengths while others were rated lower, making them opportunities for improvement. This information can provide communities a roadmap for increasing residents’ emotional attachment to where they live, which the study found has a significant relationship to economic vitality.

Most Important ProblemResidents of Columbus cited crime and violence as the area's most pressing problem in 2009.

In the Columbus area, social offerings (fun places to gather), openness (how welcoming a place is) and basic services (community infrastructure) are the most important factors emotionally connecting residents to where they live.

Education and aesthetics (an area’s physical beauty and green spaces) are perceived as community strengths. Residents rated local colleges and universities highly, as well as parks, playgrounds and trails.

Social offerings (particularly the perception of residents caring about each other), openness and basic services (particularly affordable housing) are seen as areas needing improvement.

Demographic factResidents most attached to Columbus tend to be 55 or older, lower-educated, widowed or married, retired, and long-time members of the community.

Not surprisingly, ratings of the local economy were down in 2009, however the economy is still not a key factor emotionally connecting residents to their community. Leadership was rated significantly higher in 2009.

Residents who feel a strong emotional connection to the area are most likely older, retired, long-term and lower educated residents. Those who are least likely to have a strong emotional connection are single, full-time employed, higher-educated and new residents.