IndianaPop. 59,122Smaller cities
Is Kokomo a Good Place to Live? Kokomo, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kokomo ranks #1055 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #434 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($137,400, #18 of 524) and low rents ($939/mo, #23 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (6.6%, #453 of 476) and low household income ($55,360, #481 of 524).
Kokomo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kokomo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Kokomo?
Kokomo's cost of living index is 89.6, 10% below the US level of 100 and #201 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $939/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $185,658, 29% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Kokomo | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 89.6#201 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $185,658#91 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,090/mo#50 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $137,400#60 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $939/mo#142 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.5x#41 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.4%#500 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Kokomo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Kokomo is in the Kokomo, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Kokomo safe?
Kokomo recorded 477 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 45% above the US rate of 328 and 87% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #808 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #358 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kokomo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,262 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kokomo | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 477#808 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,262#337 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Kokomo?
The median household in Kokomo earns $55,360, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 6.6% (US 4.3%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kokomo | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $55,360#1152 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.6%#1012 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.1%#988 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kokomo?
The median resident of Kokomo is 39.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kokomo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 18.1%#1206 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 63% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kokomo's schools and health?
Kokomo's 14 public schools graduate 91.7% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $12,096 spent per pupil. 37.8% of adults are obese and 15.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kokomo | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91.7%#278 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.2#498 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,096#953 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.8%#995 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.2%#1173 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.4%#575 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,137 students are enrolled in Kokomo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kokomo?
The average commute in Kokomo is 19.1 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 0.4% of workers take transit and 5.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kokomo scores 7.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.6°F and winters 27.6°F, with 44.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kokomo | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.1 min#272 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80.1% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5.5% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.6#1149 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32.5 | 16.7 | 3 |
| Feb | 36.9 | 19.3 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 48.7 | 28.1 | 3.2 |
| Apr | 61.9 | 38.5 | 4.3 |
| May | 72.6 | 50.1 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 81 | 59.6 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 83.7 | 62.5 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 82.3 | 60.5 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 77.2 | 53.1 | 3.7 |
| Oct | 64.7 | 41.8 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 49.9 | 31.5 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 37.6 | 22.8 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kokomo 3 Wsw.
| Measure | Kokomo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 71.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kokomo 3 Wsw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kokomo?
Howard County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Howard County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Kokomo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#186 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Howard County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Howard County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.016% | 77% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0062% | 71% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0047% | 69% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0023% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Kokomo compare with similar-size cities?
Kokomo is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #434 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,122.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #1055 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 | 19.1 min |
| Herriman, UTPop. 59,346 | #164 | 65.6 | $122,650 | $2,019/mo | 64 | 27.1 min |
| Youngstown, OHPop. 59,331 | #1277 | 39.7 | $34,408 | $728/mo | 690 | 20.3 min |
| Margate, FLPop. 59,198 | #1036 | 49.3 | $62,450 | $1,750/mo | part year | 30.7 min |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #470 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 | 14.6 min |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #69 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 | 28.2 min |
| Monterey Park, CAPop. 59,132 | #829 | 52.8 | $81,855 | $1,888/mo | 265 | 28.4 min |
| St. Peters, MOPop. 59,092 | #221 | 63.9 | $91,637 | $1,321/mo | 172 | 22.7 min |
| Grand Forks, NDPop. 59,042 | #222 | 63.9 | $63,627 | $980/mo | 270 | 14.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Kokomo compare with the rest of Indiana?
Kokomo ranks #17 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 23% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 87% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Kokomo's score calculated?
Kokomo scores 48.8 out of 100, #1055 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kokomo. Similar-size median 55.5.
28.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kokomo's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
67.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kokomo. Similar-size median 58.9.
38.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kokomo's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
59.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kokomo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
86.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kokomo. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kokomo. Similar-size median 42.4.
32.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kokomo. Similar-size median 50.0.
42.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kokomo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
71.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kokomo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kokomo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Kokomo
Is Kokomo, IN a good place to live?
Kokomo ranks #1055 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #434 of 524 smaller cities and #17 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($137,400, #18 of 524) and low rents ($939/mo, #23 of 524), and trails on high unemployment (6.6%, #453 of 476) and low household income ($55,360, #481 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Kokomo?
Kokomo's cost of living index is 89.6, 10% below the US level of 100 and #201 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $939/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $185,658, 29% below the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Kokomo?
Kokomo recorded 477 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 45% above the US rate of 328 and 87% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #808 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #358 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kokomo Police Department. Property crime runs 1,262 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kokomo?
The median household in Kokomo earns $55,360, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 6.6% (US 4.3%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kokomo?
Median rent in Kokomo is $939/mo (Census), #142 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,090/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kokomo?
The typical home value in Kokomo is $185,658, up 4.6% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $137,400.
How are the public schools in Kokomo?
Kokomo's 14 public schools graduate 91.7% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 15.2 students per teacher and $12,096 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kokomo?
The average commute is 19.1 minutes, #272 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kokomo?
Kokomo averages 50.6°F over the year, 71.6°F in summer and 27.6°F in winter, with 44.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kokomo walkable?
Kokomo scores 7.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Kokomo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Howard County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kokomo?
Howard County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Kokomo?
Kokomo has 59,122 residents. The median resident of Kokomo is 39.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kokomo compare with the rest of Indiana?
Kokomo ranks #17 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 23% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 87% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Kokomo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kokomo's population of 59,122 are Herriman, UT (#164 overall), Youngstown, OH (#1277 overall), Margate, FL (#1036 overall), Dubuque, IA (#470 overall), and Des Plaines, IL (#69 overall). Kokomo is #1055.