KentuckyPop. 29,392Small cities
Is Independence a Good Place to Live? Independence, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Independence ranks #204 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (49 per 100,000, #9 of 174) and high graduation rates (94%, #30 of 191), and trails on long commutes (27.2 min, #176 of 208).
Independence by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Independence'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 Independence?
Independence's cost of living index is 95.4, 5% below the US level of 100 and #452 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,250/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,011, 41% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Independence | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 95.4#452 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $328,011#456 of 1,187 | $232,577 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,040/mo#734 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $263,700#432 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,250/mo#483 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 14.7%#55 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky 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.
Independence 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. Independence is in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Independence safe?
Independence recorded 49 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 85% below the US rate of 328 and 77% below Kentucky's 212. That ranks #26 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Independence Police Department. Property crime runs 350 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Independence | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 49#26 of 1,085 | 212 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 350#5 of 1,085 | 1,262 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky 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 Independence?
The median household in Independence earns $102,361, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 59% above Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Independence | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $102,361#309 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.8%#397 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Independence?
The median resident of Independence is 33.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 36.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #569 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Independence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 33.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 36.4%#569 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 83.8% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Independence's schools and health?
Independence's 5 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $12,155 spent per pupil. 33.4% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Independence | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94%#120 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.8#816 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,155#921 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.4%#644 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.6%#351 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 4.8%#51 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,236 students are enrolled in Independence's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Independence?
The average commute in Independence is 27.2 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 13.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Independence scores 7.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.4°F and winters 33.9°F, with 45.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Independence | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 27.2 min#950 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 78.7% | 76.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.4% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 13.6% | 9.5% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.3#1203 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky 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 | 39.6 | 23.1 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 43.7 | 25.8 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 53.5 | 33.8 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 65.5 | 43.7 | 4.5 |
| May | 74.5 | 53.7 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 82.6 | 62.1 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 86 | 65.9 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 85.2 | 64.6 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 78.9 | 57.3 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 66.7 | 45.7 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 35.1 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 43.3 | 27.9 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky I.
| Measure | Independence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 54.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 74.4°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 33.9°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 45.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky I.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Independence?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Independence's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kenton County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Independence | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#402 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kenton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kenton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.019% | 85% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0037% | 66% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.003% | 52% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 48% 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 Independence compare with similar-size cities?
Independence is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #36 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 29,392.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #204 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 | 27.2 min |
| Bixby, OKPop. 30,155 | #138 | 66.9 | $104,404 | $1,393/mo | 80 | 24.2 min |
| Anderson, SCPop. 30,051 | #1148 | 46.7 | $46,933 | $975/mo | 581 | 22 min |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #710 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year | 29 min |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #317 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 | 27.8 min |
| Daphne, ALPop. 29,453 | #273 | 62.7 | $87,250 | $1,388/mo | 57 | 25.2 min |
| Parkersburg, WVPop. 29,240 | #1107 | 47.8 | $49,025 | $785/mo | 269 | 19.2 min |
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #48 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 | 19.8 min |
| Jacksonville, ARPop. 29,221 | #1258 | 41.9 | $49,666 | $930/mo | 971 | 20.3 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 Independence compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Independence ranks #1 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 64.4 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 59% above the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above the typical Kentucky home.
| City | Rank in KY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #1 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #2 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #3 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #4 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #5 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 |
| Erlanger, KYPop. 19,875 | #6 | 58.4 | $75,840 | $970/mo | 69 |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #7 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #8 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #9 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #10 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #11 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #12 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #13 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #14 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #15 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #16 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #17 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 |
| Madisonville, KYPop. 19,515 | #18 | 46.6 | $53,860 | $838/mo | 149 |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #19 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #20 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 |
All 20 Kentucky cities we track, by overall score. Kentucky statewide: median income $64,526, violent crime 212.1 per 100,000.
How is Independence's score calculated?
Independence scores 64.4 out of 100, #204 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kentucky'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 Independence. Similar-size median 52.9.
66.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Independence's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Independence. Similar-size median 52.2.
61.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Independence's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
56.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Independence's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
74.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Independence. Similar-size median 46.7.
68.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Independence. Similar-size median 44.2.
47.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Independence. Similar-size median 47.3.
42.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Independence's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
33.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
72.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Independence's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Independence 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 Independence
Is Independence, KY a good place to live?
Independence ranks #204 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 208 small cities and #1 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (49 per 100,000, #9 of 174) and high graduation rates (94%, #30 of 191), and trails on long commutes (27.2 min, #176 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Independence?
Independence's cost of living index is 95.4, 5% below the US level of 100 and #452 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,250/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $328,011, 41% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Independence?
Independence recorded 49 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 85% below the US rate of 328 and 77% below Kentucky's 212. That ranks #26 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Independence Police Department. Property crime runs 350 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Independence?
The median household in Independence earns $102,361, 23% above the US figure of $83,163 and 59% above Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Independence?
Median rent in Independence is $1,250/mo (Census), #483 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,040/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 14.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Independence?
The typical home value in Independence is $328,011, up 3% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $263,700.
How are the public schools in Independence?
Independence's 5 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $12,155 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Independence?
The average commute is 27.2 minutes, #950 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Independence?
Independence averages 54.7°F over the year, 74.4°F in summer and 33.9°F in winter, with 45.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Independence walkable?
Independence scores 7.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1203 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 Independence at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kenton County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 72% of US counties.
Who lives in Independence?
Independence has 29,392 residents. The median resident of Independence is 33.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 36.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #569 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 83.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Independence compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Independence ranks #1 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 64.4 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 59% above the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 41% above the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Independence?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Independence's population of 29,392 are Bixby, OK (#138 overall), Anderson, SC (#1148 overall), Central, LA (#710 overall), Easton, PA (#317 overall), and Daphne, AL (#273 overall). Independence is #204.