City Comparison
Radcliff vs Hopkinsville
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Radcliff scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Radcliff
Hopkinsville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hopkinsville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Radcliff.
Housing costs are a major driver: Radcliff's average rent is
16% higher than Hopkinsville's.
| Metric | Radcliff | Hopkinsville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $989 | +16% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $165 | $218 | -24% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,025 | $1,977 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 11% 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 Radcliff is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Hopkinsville.
| Metric | Radcliff | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $62,602 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,636 idx | 73,649 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $49,139 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Radcliff runs warmer on average — a 57.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Radcliff comes out ahead with 232 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Radcliff sees 17.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Radcliff | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 60.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 232 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Radcliff scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Radcliff leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Radcliff | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hopkinsville is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Radcliff.
From a growth perspective, Radcliff is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Radcliff has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Radcliff | Hopkinsville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,000 | 30,395 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 34.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 5.90% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Radcliff
Advantages
Affordable cost of living with housing expenses significantly below the national average per Zillow and local housing data.
Close proximity to Fort Knox provides a stable economic baseline and employment opportunities in defense and civil service.
Family-friendly suburban environment with low crime rates and active community engagement.
Abundant natural recreation areas nearby, including Saunders Springs Nature Preserve and Otter Creek.
Favorable commute times and easy access to the broader Louisville metropolitan amenities.
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public mass transit infrastructure within the city limits.
Local retail and entertainment options are somewhat limited, requiring trips to Elizabethtown or Louisville for major shopping.
Transitory population due to military deployment rotations can occasionally impact community continuity.
Humid subtropical climate brings high summer temperatures and humidity levels.
Average local salaries lag slightly behind major metropolitan hubs.
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.
Radcliff
#311Kentucky, USA
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
232/yr
Avg Temp
57.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
72
Business
65
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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