Independence 72 Excellent
Independence Livability #130 ranked city in Kentucky#6,165 ranked city in the USARanks better than 78% of areas
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What's it like Living in Independence?

Independence is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Kentucky. The city has a population of 28,909 residents. The majority of Independence residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Independence your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 28 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Independence, Kentucky could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Independence and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Kentucky and national averages.

With a livability score of 70 out of 100, Independence is ranked #7,403 in the United States and #152 in Kentucky. If we consider each of the categories on their own, we see that Independence ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A-), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Independence, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Independence, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 27 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Independence, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.4% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Independence market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Independence is actually affordable. The median home price for Independence homes is $322,497, which is 43.2% higher than the Kentucky average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Independence, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 20.6% lower than the Kentucky average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Independence

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Compare Independence, KY Livability

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      Independence transportation information

      Statistic Independence Kentucky National
      Average one way commute28min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.0%82.2%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.6%9.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.4%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.3%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home3.8%3.3%4.6%
      Source: The Independence, KY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.