City Comparison
Independence vs Hopkinsville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Independence scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Independence
Hopkinsville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hopkinsville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
18% lower than in Independence.
Housing costs are a major driver: Independence's average rent is
47% higher than Hopkinsville's.
| Metric | Independence | Hopkinsville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $989 | +47% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $218 | -20% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,415 | $1,977 | +22% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Independence offers 9% higher 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 Independence is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Hopkinsville.
| Metric | Independence | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $62,602 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,833 idx | 73,649 idx |
| Household Income | $82,500 | $49,139 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Independence runs warmer on average — a 54.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Independence comes out ahead with 238 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Independence sees 23.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Independence | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 23.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 48.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 238 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hopkinsville has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Independence.
Independence scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Independence leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Independence | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hopkinsville is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Independence is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Independence has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Independence | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,079 | 30,395 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | — |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 5.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Independence
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average per FBI crime data.
Median home prices offer better square footage value compared to downtown Cincinnati and nearby major hubs.
Access to well-maintained local parks and recreation spaces, including Memorial Park.
Consistent and strong community safety profile ideal for raising families and retirees.
Proximity to the Greater Cincinnati job market while maintaining a quiet suburban atmosphere.
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public transportation options within city limits.
Limited local nightlife and high-end dining options directly inside the city.
Commuting during peak rush hours along major corridors like US-17 can experience delays.
Inventory for rental apartments can be competitive due to high demand for single-family homes.
Local commercial development is still expanding, requiring travel outside the city for major retail shopping.
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.
Independence
#45Kentucky, USA
70.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
54.80°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
80
Business
68
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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