City Comparison
Nicholasville vs Hopkinsville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Nicholasville scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Nicholasville
Hopkinsville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hopkinsville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Nicholasville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Nicholasville's average rent is
26% higher than Hopkinsville's.
| Metric | Nicholasville | Hopkinsville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $989 | +26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $218 | -20% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,135 | $1,977 | +8% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 7% 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 Nicholasville is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Hopkinsville.
| Metric | Nicholasville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $62,602 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,043 idx | 73,649 idx |
| Household Income | $61,500 | $49,139 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Nicholasville runs warmer on average — a 56.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Nicholasville comes out ahead with 231 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Nicholasville sees 19.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Nicholasville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 56.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 231 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hopkinsville has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Nicholasville.
Nicholasville scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Nicholasville leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Nicholasville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Nicholasville is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Hopkinsville.
From a growth perspective, Nicholasville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Nicholasville has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Nicholasville | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,500 | 30,395 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | — |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 5.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Nicholasville
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain more affordable than nearby Lexington and the national average (Census Bureau / Zillow 2024)
Convenient location just south of Lexington provides easy access to major metropolitan employment and cultural amenities
Low crime rates and family-friendly neighborhoods create a secure environment for residents (FBI Uniform Crime Reporting 2024)
Strong sense of community with local parks, annual festivals, and a revitalized historic downtown district
Steady job market with growing sectors in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public transportation options within the city
Traffic congestion during peak hours along the main US-27 commercial corridor
Housing inventory can be tight during peak buying seasons due to high regional demand
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger nearby urban centers
Pollen and seasonal allergy levels can be high due to the lush Bluegrass flora and agricultural surroundings
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.
Nicholasville
#120Kentucky, USA
66.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
231/yr
Avg Temp
56.40°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
76
Business
70
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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