Cedar Rapids, IA vs Independence, KY
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Cedar Rapids
81
#53 nationally
Independence
77
#288 nationally
Independence leads in crime level (0.7 vs 7.2). Cedar Rapids leads in walk score (34 vs 11). Cedar Rapids leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 27.4 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Independence, KY |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81 (#53) | 77 (#288) |
| Population | 135,958 | 29,503 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $214,766 | $331,613 |
| Median Household Income | $66,895 | $92,355 |
| Average Commute | 17.8 min | 27.4 min |
| Walk Score | 34 | 11 |
| Crime Level | 7.2 | 0.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+9.9 | R+21.7 |
B-
81 Score
Cedar Rapids, IA
Mid-size Iowa city with community character
Median Home
$214,766
Population
135,958
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
34
Midwest
View Cedar Rapids, IA →
C+
77 Score
Independence, KY
Small Kentucky city with local appeal
Median Home
$331,613
Population
29,503
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
11
Southeast
View Independence, KY →
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