Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Independence, KY
Considering a move to Independence, KY? With a welcoming population of 28,676, Independence offers affordable living—median home prices around $242,000 and rents near $1,100. Enjoy lower crime rates (violent crime just 74 per 100K), short 26-minute commutes, and great access to schools and healthcare. The city is family-friendly, with highly rated schools, lots of sunny days, and a cost of living well below the national average. Explore housing, lifestyle, and education highlights to see why Independence could be your perfect next home.
Demographics - Independence, KY
Demographics - Independence, KY
Independence, KY is home to around 28,700 residents, with a median age of 34.5, reflecting a youthful and family-oriented community. The city is predominantly White (94%), with small but growing diversity and about 4.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The balanced gender ratio and moderate population density make for a close-knit suburban environment.
Population:
28,676
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.1%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Independence, KY?
Living in Independence is affordable, with a cost of living index of 91.4, meaning residents enjoy expenses below the national average. Median home values are around $242,000 and typical rent is $1,100, making housing especially budget-friendly compared to many U.S. cities. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also manageable, contributing to the city’s appeal for families and individuals alike.
Median House Value:
$242,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,295
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,550
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.4
Grocery:
97.5
Housing:
78.3
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
93.8
Health Care:
96.5
Miscellaneous:
98.2
Crime
Is Independence, KY a safe place to live?
Independence boasts a low violent crime rate of just 74 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents peace of mind and a strong sense of safety. Property crime is also relatively low, with a chance of 1 in 89, which is favorable for families and homeowners. The city’s overall crime index reflects a secure community environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
74
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,194
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,351
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Independence, KY year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 24°F and warm summers peaking at 86°F. The city enjoys about 58% sunny days and receives 43 inches of rainfall annually, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities throughout the year. Spring and fall bring comfortable, moderate temperatures that make the area appealing to those who appreciate seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
41°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Independence households typically earn a median income of $86,900, supporting a stable local economy and low poverty rate of 7.7%. Commute times average just over 26 minutes, and only a small fraction of residents use public transportation, reflecting the city’s suburban character. Educational attainment is high, with nearly 95% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$86,900
Family Income:
$98,300
Per Capita Income:
$33,700
Income Male:
$54,900
Income Female:
$44,600
Poverty Rate:
7.7%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
26.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
27.4%
Education
How are the schools in Independence, KY?
Families in Independence benefit from well-regarded public schools like Simon Kenton High and Summit View Academy, offering strong student support and extracurricular opportunities. The city also features private school options and is conveniently located near Northern Kentucky University and Gateway Community & Technical College for higher education. This robust education network makes the city ideal for lifelong learning and student success.

Public Schools
Name:
Simon Kenton High School
Street:
11132 Madison Pike
Phone:
859-960-0100
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.5
Name:
Summit View Academy
Street:
5006 Madison Pike
Phone:
859-359-9600
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Private Schools
Name:
St. Cecilia Catholic School
Street:
5313 Madison Pike
Phone:
859-363-4314
Students:
350

Colleges
Name:
Northern Kentucky University
City:
Highland Heights
State:
KY
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
16,200
Name:
Gateway Community & Technical College
City:
Florence
State:
KY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
5,700
Healthcare
Independence residents have convenient access to major healthcare providers, including St. Elizabeth Healthcare locations nearby. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, quality medical care is readily available. The area’s healthcare index of 77.5 reflects solid services and good coverage for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Elizabeth Healthcare - Edgewood
Address:
1 Medical Village Dr, Edgewood, KY 41017
Phone:
(859) 301-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Elizabeth Healthcare - Florence
Address:
4900 Houston Rd, Florence, KY 41042
Phone:
(859) 212-5200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Independence, KY?
The housing market in Independence is strong, with a median home price of $242,000 and high owner-occupancy at over 81%. Rental options are accessible, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,100 and a low vacancy rate, making it easy to find quality housing. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year, indicating steady demand and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$242,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver services for Independence residents are managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Driver Licensing, located in Frankfort. The state DMV offers resources for license applications, renewals, and vehicle registration, and can be reached by phone or via their official website for convenient access to essential driving services.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone:
502-564-1257
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.