KentuckyPop. 32,197Small cities
Is Nicholasville a Good Place to Live? Nicholasville, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Nicholasville ranks #503 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #93 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #27 of 182) and high graduation rates (94%, #30 of 191), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Nicholasville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Nicholasville'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 Nicholasville?
Nicholasville's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,147/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $326,642, 40% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Nicholasville | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $326,642#453 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 | $1,484/mo#323 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $226,800#318 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,147/mo#384 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.1%#458 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.
Nicholasville 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. Nicholasville is in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Nicholasville safe?
Nicholasville recorded 197 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below Kentucky's 212. That ranks #352 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Nicholasville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,491 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Nicholasville | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 197#352 of 1,085 | 212 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,491#474 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 Nicholasville?
The median household in Nicholasville earns $68,503, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Nicholasville | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $68,503#847 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 13.1%#744 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 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 Nicholasville?
The median resident of Nicholasville is 37.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #909 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Nicholasville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 26.9%#909 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 58.2% | 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 Nicholasville's schools and health?
Nicholasville's 10 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $13,940 spent per pupil. 39.6% of adults are obese and 12.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Nicholasville | 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 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,940#715 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 39.6%#1095 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.6%#885 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.6%#971 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.1%#264 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. 7,772 students are enrolled in Nicholasville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Nicholasville?
The average commute in Nicholasville is 24 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 0.7% of workers take transit and 8.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Nicholasville scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.2°F and winters 36.4°F, with 49.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Nicholasville | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24 min#682 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.4%#469 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81.1% | 76.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.6% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 8.8% | 9.5% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.5#750 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 | 42.3 | 25.4 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 46.8 | 28.3 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 56.1 | 35.8 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 67.2 | 45.2 | 4.4 |
| May | 75.8 | 55 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 83.8 | 62.8 | 5 |
| Jul | 86.9 | 66.5 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 86.2 | 65.2 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 80.2 | 58.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 68.6 | 47 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 55.8 | 36.4 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 45.9 | 29.6 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lexington Bluegrass Airport.
| Measure | Nicholasville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 36.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 49.8 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 Lexington Bluegrass Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Nicholasville?
Jessamine County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jessamine County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Nicholasville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#309 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 Jessamine County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jessamine County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0058% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0047% | 69% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 63% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0041% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 35% 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 Nicholasville compare with similar-size cities?
Nicholasville is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #93 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 32,197.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #503 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 | 24 min |
| Aiken, SCPop. 32,521 | #641 | 56.0 | $76,746 | $1,180/mo | 451 | 24.2 min |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #1078 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 | 19.7 min |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #341 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 | 14 min |
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #1040 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 | 14.5 min |
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #698 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 | 16.6 min |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #223 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 | 33.3 min |
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #1004 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 | 22.3 min |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #156 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 | 27.9 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 Nicholasville compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Nicholasville ranks #7 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 58 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 6% above the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 40% 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 Nicholasville's score calculated?
Nicholasville scores 58 out of 100, #503 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Nicholasville. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Nicholasville's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
83.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Nicholasville. Similar-size median 52.2.
41.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Nicholasville's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
64.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Nicholasville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
78.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Nicholasville. Similar-size median 46.7.
45.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Nicholasville. Similar-size median 44.2.
57.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Nicholasville. Similar-size median 47.3.
41.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Nicholasville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
44.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
69.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Nicholasville'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 Nicholasville 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 Nicholasville
Is Nicholasville, KY a good place to live?
Nicholasville ranks #503 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #93 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #27 of 182) and high graduation rates (94%, #30 of 191), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Nicholasville?
Nicholasville's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,147/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $326,642, 40% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Nicholasville?
Nicholasville recorded 197 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 40% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below Kentucky's 212. That ranks #352 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #66 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Nicholasville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,491 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Nicholasville?
The median household in Nicholasville earns $68,503, 18% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Nicholasville?
Median rent in Nicholasville is $1,147/mo (Census), #384 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,484/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Nicholasville?
The typical home value in Nicholasville is $326,642, up 2.6% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $226,800.
How are the public schools in Nicholasville?
Nicholasville's 10 public schools graduate 94% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $13,940 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Nicholasville?
The average commute is 24 minutes, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 4.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Nicholasville?
Nicholasville averages 56.3°F over the year, 75.2°F in summer and 36.4°F in winter, with 49.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Nicholasville walkable?
Nicholasville scores 9.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #750 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 Nicholasville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jessamine County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Nicholasville?
Jessamine County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Nicholasville?
Nicholasville has 32,197 residents. The median resident of Nicholasville is 37.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #909 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Nicholasville compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Nicholasville ranks #7 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 58 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 6% above the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 40% above the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Nicholasville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Nicholasville's population of 32,197 are Aiken, SC (#641 overall), Houma, LA (#1078 overall), Laramie, WY (#341 overall), Fairbanks, AK (#1040 overall), and Bangor, ME (#698 overall). Nicholasville is #503.