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💵 Here’s What It Takes To Be “Middle Class” In Columbus Right Now

Plus: 📚 A Giant, Affordable Book Sale Returns This Month

Author

Chelsea Wiley
March 17, 2026

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. Discover the events that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Hello, Tuesday! Chelsea, here.

A new study is putting real numbers behind a question many Columbus residents are feeling: what does it actually take to be “middle class” right now? The answer is shifting, with income thresholds rising noticeably in just the past year. Columbus still lands somewhere in the middle nationally, but it’s significantly higher than other major cities in Ohio.

📚 The Big Book Sale Is Back At The Columbus Metropolitan Library
The Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Big Book Sale is back at the end of the month, with thousands of discounted books, movies, and more. Stop by the Main Library to stock up, with everything from $1 kids’ books to a $5 bag sale.

🥇 The Olympics Are Coming To Columbus
For the first time ever, Olympic events are coming to Ohio. Columbus will host nine soccer matches during the 2028 Games, bringing global competition to the city.

Headlines 📰 

🏀 Columbus is gearing up for March Madness as both Ohio State teams head to the tournament, with games at the Schottenstein Center and in Greenville, South Carolina. Whether you're traveling or staying local, officials are urging fans to plan ahead for tickets, parking, and game-day logistics. (NBC4)

🚨 Columbus City Council is reevaluating its policy on police use of Flock license plate reader cameras amid growing privacy concerns. The technology, which tracks and stores vehicle data, has drawn scrutiny over how that information is shared and used. (WOSU)

☘️ Looking for an authentic spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Byrne’s Pub in Grandview blends Irish food, live music, and a lively atmosphere that keeps locals coming back year after year. (Axios Columbus)

🌥️ Weather: 29 and partly sunny, with a chance of flurries

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Coming Up This Month 📆

☘️ The Best Things To Do This March In Columbus

March is well underway, and it’s jam packed. You can cheer on the Crew and the Blue Jackets, catch a play, enjoy an evening at the symphony, and of course, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Get out there and make the most of March, my friends.

Today's Photo 🤳

Instagram Post

😍 I know it’s cold out there, but just remember that before we know it, the Columbus Commons will look like this!

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- Chelsea