Performance
Score Breakdown
Hopkinsville
Ponca City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hopkinsville is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% lower compared to Ponca City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hopkinsville's average rent is
24% higher than Ponca City's.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Ponca City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $989 | $800 | +24% |
| Groceries | $400 | $649 | -38% |
| Utilities | $218 | $208 | +5% |
| Transport | $120 | $186 | -35% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $139 | +80% |
| Monthly Total | $1,977 | $1,982 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hopkinsville offers 91% 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 $52,000 in Ponca City.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,602 | $32,704 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,649 idx | 39,402 idx |
| Household Income | $49,139 | $55,941 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Ponca City has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Hopkinsville.
Hopkinsville scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hopkinsville is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Ponca City.
From a growth perspective, Hopkinsville is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Ponca City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hopkinsville | Ponca City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,395 | 24,221 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 5.90% | 4.20% |
| 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.
Ponca City
Advantages
The cost of living in Ponca City is 17.4% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing expenses are significantly lower, approximately 30.8% less expensive than the national average.
The average commute time is relatively short at 15.7 minutes.
Ponca City has a strong presence of manufacturing, agriculture, and energy industries, providing diverse employment opportunities.
The city offers a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes, suitable for various outdoor activities.
Drawbacks
Ponca City has a higher crime rate than the national average, with an overall safety grade of D+.
The city has experienced a slight population decline, with a projected annual rate of -0.02% in 2026.
Employment in Ponca City saw a decline of -0.508% from 2023 to 2024.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is highly car-dependent.
The poverty rate in Ponca City is 17.95%, which is higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Hopkinsville
#68Kentucky, 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
Ponca City
#101Oklahoma, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$800
Avg Salary
$32,704
Cost Index
83
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
60
Business
65
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