Independence

Independence, Kentucky Overview

Independence ranks #1 of 20 cities in Kentucky, earning a B grade with a composite score of 53.8/100. The city stands out in Safety (99/100) and Affordability (80/100), placing it among the state’s strongest performers across the metrics we track.

Income & Employment in Independence

Independence’s median household income of $98,653 is 63% above the Kentucky median of $60,407, and its 4.3% unemployment rate undercuts the state’s 4.5%. That economic strength is drawing residents — the population grew 1.8% recently.

Safety in Independence

Independence’s violent crime rate of 74.3 per 100,000 is well below both the Kentucky rate of 218 and national norms, making safety one of the city’s defining features. The property crime rate is 341.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Independence

Independence has a cost of living index of 94.1 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $240,500. Median monthly rent is $1,204. Renters spend 14.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Education & Schools in Independence

Independence’s high school graduation rate of 94% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio is 18:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,155. The city has 6 public schools serving 6,030 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Independence

Independence enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 55°F. Summers average 72.7°F. Winters average 38.7°F. Annual precipitation is 39.3 inches.

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