Performance
Score Breakdown
Hopkinsville
Johnstown
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Johnstown is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% higher compared to Hopkinsville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hopkinsville's average rent is
51% higher than Johnstown's.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Johnstown | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $989 | $655 | +51% |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 | -6% |
| Utilities | $218 | $239 | -9% |
| Transport | $120 | $387 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $149 | +68% |
| Monthly Total | $1,977 | $1,855 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 93 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 143% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hopkinsville delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hopkinsville is estimated at
$45,000 vs $35,000 in Johnstown.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,602 | $25,800 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,649 idx | 27,742 idx |
| Household Income | $49,139 | $37,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Johnstown scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Johnstown leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hopkinsville is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x the population of Johnstown.
From a growth perspective, Hopkinsville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Johnstown has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Johnstown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,395 | 17,539 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 44.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.90% | 5.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hopkinsville
Advantages
The cost of living in Hopkinsville is notably lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home prices in Hopkinsville were up 4.6% year-over-year as of May 2026, indicating a growing housing market.
The city offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a strong community vibe.
Hopkinsville provides convenient access to Fort Campbell and Clarksville, offering additional amenities and employment opportunities.
The average rent in Hopkinsville is significantly lower than the national average, making it affordable for renters.
Drawbacks
Hopkinsville's overall crime rate is 41% above the national average, with a safety grade of C-.
The city has a higher crime rate than 85% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Some residents report a limited nightlife and few decent dining options, with many establishments closing early.
There are concerns about a 'Good Ol Boy' system in local businesses and difficulty retaining new businesses.
The city's population is projected to be declining annually, with a -1.13% growth rate from 2025-2026.
Johnstown
Advantages
The cost of living in Johnstown is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
Median home property values in Johnstown are considerably more affordable than the national average, making homeownership accessible.
The average commute time of 20 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Johnstown has a strong healthcare sector with major employers like Conemaugh Health System, providing local job opportunities and medical services.
The city offers a rich historical and cultural experience, including museums and local sports teams.
Drawbacks
Johnstown's population is projected to decline, indicating potential challenges in growth and development.
The median household income in Johnstown is substantially lower than the national average.
A significant percentage of Johnstown families live in poverty, highlighting economic challenges.
The safety index for Johnstown is relatively low, suggesting concerns about crime.
Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher than the national average, offsetting some of the housing affordability.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Hopkinsville
#81Kentucky, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$989
Avg Salary
$62,602
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.90%
Livability
70
Business
60
Johnstown
#121Pennsylvania, USA
58.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$655
Avg Salary
$25,800
Cost Index
93
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.80%
Livability
60
Business
55
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