Columbia, SC 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.
Columbia
73.8
#670 nationally
Independence
77
#288 nationally
Independence leads in crime level (0.7 vs 21.1). Columbia leads in walk score (35 vs 11). Independence leads in median household income ($92,355 vs $54,095).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Independence, KY |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.8 (#670) | 77 (#288) |
| Population | 142,416 | 29,503 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $230,662 | $331,613 |
| Median Household Income | $54,095 | $92,355 |
| Average Commute | 17.4 min | 27.4 min |
| Walk Score | 35 | 11 |
| Crime Level | 21.1 | 0.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+33.5 | R+21.7 |
C
73.8 Score
Columbia, SC
Mid-size South Carolina city with community character
Median Home
$230,662
Population
142,416
Crime
High
Walk Score
35
Southeast
View Columbia, SC →
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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