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Quality of Life in Campbellsville, KY
A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.
What does Quality of Life tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
What does this tell us?
Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.
Cost of Living
43% below national average
The Real Cost of Living in Campbellsville, KY for 2026
| Tier | Individual | Family (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | $10k | $20k |
| Comfortable | $32k | $47k |
| Luxury | $89k+ | $138k+ |
| Elite (Top 5%) | $109k+ | $168k+ |
106%
The Area Signal
A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.
Hobbies
Explore the areaGroceries
3 within 10 miles
Gas
3 within 10 miles
Hospital
5 within 20 miles
Airport
BNA — Nashville International
Post Office
USPS — Campbellsville, KY
Critical Amenities
Quality-of-Life Analysis
Campbellsville, Kentucky, offers a notably affordable quality of life with a cost of living index of 57—43% below the U.S. average—making it one of the most budget-friendly communities in the state. The area attracts a mix of families, retirees, and workers in healthcare and manufacturing, drawn by its low housing costs and a slower, more community-oriented pace of life. With a median home value of $162,900 and median rent of just $657, Campbellsville provides a financial cushion that is increasingly rare in larger Kentucky cities like Lexington or Louisville.
How housing costs and affordability compare to nearby cities
Campbellsville’s housing market is a standout feature for anyone seeking to stretch their dollar. The median home value of $162,900 is roughly half the national median and significantly undercuts nearby regional hubs: homes in Lexington average around $280,000, while Elizabethtown homes sit near $220,000. Renters benefit even more, with a median rent of $657—about 40% lower than the national median rent of $1,100. This affordability is underpinned by a cost of living index of 57, meaning everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation are all well below national averages. For comparison, the overall cost of living in Louisville is about 15% higher, and in Lexington it’s roughly 20% higher. The average commute in Campbellsville is just 16.8 minutes, well under the national average of 26 minutes, which further reduces transportation costs and frees up time for family or leisure.
What daily life is like for families and retirees
Daily life in Campbellsville revolves around a compact, walkable downtown and a strong sense of community. The Taylor County School District serves the area with a mix of public and private options, including Campbellsville High School and the private Campbellsville Christian Academy. For higher education, Campbellsville University anchors the local economy and culture, offering public events, sports, and adult education programs. Amenities include the Campbellsville-Taylor County Public Library, the Miller Park sports complex, and the annual Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival. Healthcare is supported by Taylor Regional Hospital, a 99-bed facility that is a major local employer. The area’s retail and dining options are modest but sufficient, with national chains like Walmart and local staples like the Kountry Kitchen restaurant. The short commute means most errands and school drop-offs take under 20 minutes, reinforcing a relaxed, low-stress rhythm that appeals strongly to families with young children and retirees seeking a quiet, affordable base.
Campbellsville is best suited for those who prioritize affordability, community connection, and a slower pace over urban amenities and career diversity. Families will appreciate the low housing costs and short commutes, while retirees can stretch retirement savings further here than in most of Kentucky. Professionals in healthcare, education, or manufacturing—the area’s top employment sectors—will find a stable job market anchored by Taylor Regional Hospital, Campbellsville University, and companies like Fruit of the Loom. However, those seeking vibrant nightlife, extensive shopping, or a wide range of high-paying white-collar jobs may find the options limited. For anyone whose priority is financial breathing room and a tight-knit community, Campbellsville delivers a quality of life that larger, pricier cities cannot match.
Crime in Campbellsville, KY
Lower crime rates than 78% of comparable U.S. locations.
Violent CrimeViolent Crime Analysis
Property CrimeProperty Crime Analysis
Crime Analysis
Campbellsville, Kentucky, presents a mixed safety profile for prospective residents. The city's violent crime rate of 142.6 incidents per 100,000 people is notably lower than the national average, while its property crime rate of 1,141 per 100,000 exceeds both state and national benchmarks. Understanding these figures in context is essential for anyone evaluating a move to this central Kentucky community.
Crime in context
Campbellsville's violent crime rate is roughly 60% below the national average, making it a comparatively safe environment for serious offenses like assault, robbery, and homicide. However, the property crime rate—which includes burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft—runs about 25% higher than the Kentucky state average and significantly above the national median. This disparity means residents face a higher likelihood of non-violent theft-related incidents than they would in many peer communities across the state. The city's location in Taylor County, away from major metropolitan judicial districts, means it is not subject to the progressive prosecutorial policies seen in larger urban areas, which can contribute to higher recidivism and reduced public safety. Local law enforcement and the county attorney's office maintain a traditional approach to prosecution, which helps keep violent crime low but has not fully addressed property crime trends.
What residents experience
Daily life in Campbellsville involves a tangible awareness of property crime. Residents commonly report theft from vehicles, package porch piracy, and occasional break-ins at storage units or outbuildings. Violent confrontations are rare, and most serious crimes occur between individuals who know each other rather than as random acts against the public. The city's downtown core and areas near Campbellsville University see higher foot traffic and correspondingly lower crime rates, while outlying residential streets and rural-adjacent neighborhoods experience more property incidents. The local police department maintains a visible presence and participates in community policing initiatives, which helps build trust but cannot fully compensate for the region's property crime volume. For families and retirees, the low violent crime rate is a clear positive, but securing homes, vehicles, and personal property requires more vigilance than in safer suburban or rural Kentucky communities.
Neighborhood-level data for Campbellsville is limited, but general patterns emerge. The area around the university campus and along the main commercial corridors (US 68 and KY 70) tends to have lower crime rates due to lighting, traffic, and police patrols. Older residential neighborhoods east of downtown and newer subdivisions on the city's west side report moderate property crime, while more isolated rural pockets within the city limits see higher rates of theft and vandalism. Prospective renters and homebuyers should consult local police department crime maps and speak with neighbors before committing to a specific street or block. Overall, Campbellsville offers a safe environment for those who take standard precautions, particularly given its distance from the progressive criminal justice reforms that have undermined safety in larger Kentucky metros like Louisville and Lexington.
* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T09:48:39.000Z
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