Hopkinsville
RANK #631 / 996 NAT · #9 / 19 KY · POP 72,766
1YR FORECAST: +1.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +20%
Christian County, Kentucky, is distinguished by Hopkinsville, its county seat, which holds historical significance as a service center for agriculture and a site during the Civil War. Located in southwestern Kentucky, about 25 miles north of the Tennessee border, the county offers a blend of rural landscapes and community amenities. Outdoor recreation opportunities include Pennyrile Forest State Park for camping, hiking, and hunting, and Christian Way Farm & Mini Golf, a farm-themed attraction with animals and mini-golf. The community maintains a focus on a good quality of life and a sense of community pride. Life in Christian County is shaped by its agricultural roots and proximity to Fort Campbell, a major employer. The economy is driven by agriculture, with the county ranking among Kentucky's top producers of crops like tobacco, corn, wheat, and soybeans. Recent economic developments include state funding for infrastructure improvements at Commerce Park II, attracting industries like Cinis Fertilizer, Ascend Elements, and Kitchen Food Company. The Christian County Public School District serves the area, and Hopkinsville Community College provides higher education and technical training.
Contracting economy
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 1.7x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 36/100, Christian County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $48,920 combined with job growth of +0.4% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Christian County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $142,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $984/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Christian County's population is growing — up +0.5% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.4%). Home values shifted +1.7% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
Not particularly — 1.82% of Christian County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.