City Profile
Kokomo, Indiana
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Kokomo, Indiana, located in Howard County, is a historic Midwestern city known as the 'City of Firsts' due to its rich industrial heritage in automotive manufacturing and innovation. Founded along Wildcat Creek, the city grew from an early trading post into a major manufacturing hub, notably housing early automobile pioneers and extensive facilities for General Motors and Stellantis. Today, Kokomo balances its industrial legacy with ongoing community revitalization efforts, offering residents a classic small-city atmosphere paired with modern amenities, parks, and local cultural events.
Indiana, known as the "Hoosier State," offers a practical and community-oriented lifestyle with a cost of living generally below the national average. Its economy is diverse, with major industries including advanced manufacturing (automotive, steel, pharmaceuticals, medical devices), agriculture (corn, soybeans, hogs), life sciences, and logistics. The state experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold, snowy winters, with spring and fall offering more moderate temperatures. Residents often value a relaxed pace of life, strong community ties, and access to outdoor activities and major metropolitan areas.
How this 64/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 84.0 | 63.8 | 25% | 15.9 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $57,500 Income needed to live here: $45,000 Unemployment rate: 4% | 67.4 | 20% | 13.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.8% | 46.8 | 15% | 7.0 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 63.5 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Kokomo remains noticeably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for families and individuals looking to stretch their purchasing power. Housing costs, including both renting and purchasing, are particularly affordable compared to major metropolitan areas across the United States. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation also track well below national baselines, contributing to an overall high level of financial accessibility for residents.
Income
Salary Insights
Kokomo’s economy is deeply rooted in manufacturing, automotive production, and advanced engineering, anchored by major employers like Stellantis and Haynes International. In recent years, substantial investments in electric vehicle battery manufacturing have revitalized the local industrial sector and driven job growth. While manufacturing remains the dominant economic driver, healthcare, retail, and education also provide diverse employment opportunities throughout the greater county area.
The average salary in Kokomo is $58,000 per year. You would need approximately $45,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Kokomo is primarily a car-dependent community where most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commuting and errands. The city is easily navigated via major arteries like US-31, connecting residents quickly to Indianapolis and surrounding regional hubs. Public transit options are limited, though local services provide basic coverage for city transit needs.
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Senior Care in Kokomo
17 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in Kokomo.
Assisted Living
North Woods Village
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Compassus-Southern Indiana
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Angels Care Home Health
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Home Instead - Kokomo
Kokomo, IN
Aperion Care Kokomo
Kokomo, IN
Elara Caring
Kokomo, IN
Elara Caring
Kokomo, IN
Scott's Home Healthcare LLC
Kokomo, IN
Kokomo Healthcare Center
Kokomo, IN
Guardian Angel Hospice Inc
Kokomo, IN
Bloom at Kokomo
Kokomo, IN
Wellbrooke Of Kokomo
Kokomo, IN
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