City Comparison
Ashland vs Hopkinsville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Ashland scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Ashland
Hopkinsville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ashland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
10% lower than in Hopkinsville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Ashland's average rent is
14% lower than Hopkinsville's.
| Metric | Ashland | Hopkinsville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $989 | -14% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $218 | -17% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,770 | $1,977 | -10% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 17% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hopkinsville delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Ashland is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Hopkinsville.
| Metric | Ashland | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $62,602 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,415 idx | 73,649 idx |
| Household Income | $52,715 | $49,139 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Ashland runs warmer on average — a 56.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Ashland comes out ahead with 238 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Ashland sees 23.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Ashland | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 238 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Ashland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Ashland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Ashland | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hopkinsville is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Ashland.
From a growth perspective, Ashland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Ashland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Ashland | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,295 | 30,395 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 40.7 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 5.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Ashland
Advantages
Average rent of $850 per month is nearly 50% lower than the national average per Zillow data
Median home values and overall cost of living index sit well below the U.S. average
Serves as a designated regional healthcare and commercial hub for northeastern Kentucky
Rich cultural amenities including the historic Paramount Arts Center and expansive Central Park
Short average commute times and minimal traffic congestion compared to major metro areas
Drawbacks
Median household income of $52,715 trails behind state and national benchmarks per U.S. Census Bureau data
Job growth has remained flat with historical population contraction trends
High reliance on automobile transportation due to limited public transit infrastructure
Limited high-tech or diverse corporate industry sectors within city limits
Poverty rates remain elevated relative to the broader national average
Hopkinsville
Advantages
The cost of living in Hopkinsville is notably lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home prices in Hopkinsville were up 4.6% year-over-year as of May 2026, indicating a growing housing market.
The city offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a strong community vibe.
Hopkinsville provides convenient access to Fort Campbell and Clarksville, offering additional amenities and employment opportunities.
The average rent in Hopkinsville is significantly lower than the national average, making it affordable for renters.
Drawbacks
Hopkinsville's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average, with a safety grade of C-.
The city has a higher crime rate than 85% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Some residents report a limited nightlife and few decent dining options, with many establishments closing early.
There are concerns about a 'Good Ol Boy' system in local businesses and difficulty retaining new businesses.
The city's population is projected to be declining annually, with a -1.13% growth rate from 2025-2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Ashland
#394Kentucky, USA
58.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
56.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
72
Business
62
Hopkinsville
#548Kentucky, USA
48.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$989
Avg Salary
$62,602
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.90%
Livability
70
Business
60
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