City Comparison
Madisonville vs Hopkinsville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Madisonville scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Madisonville
Hopkinsville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Madisonville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Hopkinsville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Madisonville's average rent is
14% lower than Hopkinsville's.
| Metric | Madisonville | Hopkinsville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $989 | -14% |
| Groceries | $350 | $400 | -13% |
| Utilities | $160 | $218 | -27% |
| Transport | $100 | $120 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $250 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,660 | $1,977 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 23% 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 Madisonville is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Hopkinsville.
| Metric | Madisonville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $62,602 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,537 idx | 73,649 idx |
| Household Income | $47,500 | $49,139 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Madisonville runs warmer on average — a 59.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Madisonville comes out ahead with 242 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Madisonville sees 11.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Madisonville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 87.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 28.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 53.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 11.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 242 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Madisonville scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Madisonville leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Madisonville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hopkinsville is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Madisonville.
From a growth perspective, Madisonville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Madisonville has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Madisonville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,250 | 30,395 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 41.2 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 5.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Madisonville
Advantages
Median home purchase prices and rental costs are substantially below the US national average.
Mahr Park Arboretum provides over 260 acres of premier outdoor recreation, trails, and green space.
Strategic location along Interstate 69 offers convenient regional connectivity to major economic centers.
Baptist Health Madisonville serves as a robust regional medical hub with extensive specialty care.
A strong sense of community and family-oriented neighborhoods with low traffic congestion.
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation infrastructure and low walkability scores outside downtown.
Local median household income trails behind the national average, limiting high-wage career options.
Summer months experience high humidity levels and consistent heat reaching the upper 80s.
Transitioning local economy requires continued diversification away from legacy industrial sectors.
Limited nightlife, entertainment venues, and dining options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
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.
Madisonville
#314Kentucky, USA
60.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
242/yr
Avg Temp
59.10°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
Business
60
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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