City Comparison
Jeffersontown vs Independence
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Independence scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Jeffersontown
Independence
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Jeffersontown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Independence.
| Metric | Jeffersontown | Independence | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $1,450 | -3% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $170 | $175 | -3% |
| Transport | $115 | $130 | -12% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $240 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,335 | $2,415 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Jeffersontown offers similar average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Jeffersontown delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Jeffersontown is estimated at
$52,000 vs $52,000 in Independence.
| Metric | Jeffersontown | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $68,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 72,340 idx | 70,833 idx |
| Household Income | $76,500 | $82,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.5°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Independence sees 3.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Jeffersontown | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.30°F | 54.80°F |
| Summer High | 83.80°F | 83.60°F |
| Winter Low | 25.80°F | 23.40°F |
| Rainfall | 58.60 in | 48.10 in |
| Snowfall | 20.30 in | 23.90 in |
| Sunny Days | 236 | 238 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Jeffersontown has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Independence.
Jeffersontown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Jeffersontown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Jeffersontown | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 44.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Independence is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Independence is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Jeffersontown | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,500 | 29,079 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 1.40% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 3.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Jeffersontown
Advantages
Home to the Bluegrass Commerce Park, providing abundant local employment and economic stability.
Crime rates consistently trend significantly lower than the broader Louisville metropolitan average.
Hosts the popular annual Gaslight Festival, fostering a strong sense of community and local culture.
Housing affordability remains favorable compared to the national average and coastal markets.
Exceptional proximity to major Louisville healthcare systems and regional medical centers.
Drawbacks
High car dependency makes efficient public transportation limited for daily commuting.
Peak-hour traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like Hurstbourne Parkway and Taylorsville Road.
Average summer humidity can be high, aligning with the broader humid subtropical climate.
Rising housing demand has steadily increased real estate and rental prices since 2024.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options within city limits compared to downtown Louisville.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Jeffersontown
#101Kentucky, USA
67.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
236/yr
Avg Temp
56.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
77
Business
72
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
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