Updated September 10, 2026
How much housing does Columbus have?
The Census counts 91,288 housing units in Columbus for a population of about 204,383 — roughly 2.2 people for every housing unit.
That makes Columbus the second largest of the four Georgia cities with a page here; Atlanta counts 259,122.
Who arranges chimney work on a Columbus home?
About 50.2% of occupied Columbus homes are owner-occupied, which leaves about 49.8% rented.
Even at 50.2% owner-occupied, the remaining 49.8% of Columbus homes are rented, where the person who notices a problem and the person who authorizes the repair are not the same. Say which you are when you send a request.
Tenure also decides who keeps the paperwork. A Columbus chimney's earlier reports follow the property, not the occupant, so ask for them whichever side of that 50.2% you are on.
Which cities near Columbus have their own page here?
Macon, about 72 miles away, Atlanta, about 90 miles away, and Augusta, about 173 miles away — measured from Columbus.
Those are great-circle distances between the Census 2023 Gazetteer interior points of each place, so the drive is longer than the figure.
Macon's median build year is 1976 against Columbus's 1978, a 2-year difference in the housing the two chimneys belong to.
What you can observe safely
- Keep the fireplace closed if it can remain closed without touching wildlife.
- Record when sounds occur from a safe distance.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Wildlife entry
- Nesting or other obstruction
- Missing or damaged termination
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Animal and nest removal in ColumbusA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.