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Shively, KY

Photo: Wikipedia

Shively, KY

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Demographics

Majority BlackSimpson's Diversity Index: 54
Population15,556
Foreign Born1.5%
Population Density3,403people per mi²
Median Age46.3 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
StableSince 2010, this city has held a relatively stable population and racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
A-
Great

A high quality of life with strong walkability, manageable living costs, healthy neighborhood signals, and solid amenity access.

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

63/100

37% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Shively, Kentucky

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $14k$25k
Comfortable $27k$40k
Luxury $84k+$130k+
Elite (Top 5%) $120k+$186k+
Affordability Ratio

117%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean88%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
9
Positive
40
Poor
4
Negative
1

Groceries

4 within 10 miles

2.1mi

Gas

20 within 10 miles

0.4mi

Hospital

20 within 20 miles

1.7mi

Airport

Indianapolis International Airport

108.2mi

Post Office

USPS — Louisville, KY

1.1mi

Critical Amenities

Golf13Nearest 2.3 mi
Camping13Nearest 6.1 mi
Marina0Nearest 12.7 mi
Winery2Nearest 6.1 mi
Ice Rink0 
Gun Range1Nearest 7 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
D-
Soft

A below-average socioeconomic profile. Incomes, home values, and educational attainment trail the U.S., with higher poverty and unemployment.

Median HHI
$47k+1.2%
38% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$264k
60% below US avg
College Educated
12.7%
64% below US avg
WFH
11.8%
17% below US avg
Homeownership
58.0%
11% below US avg
Median Home
$139k
51% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
D+
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 68% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
29.8
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−22.9%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−31.3%
Homicide
0.38 / 1k Residents1350% above state avg
Robbery
1.38 / 1k Residents397% above state avg
Aggravated Assault
1.13 / 1k Residents16% below state avg

Property Crime

5yr−14.4%
Burglary
3.08 / 1k Residents94% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
17.29 / 1k Residents103% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
6.29 / 1k Residents246% above state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: D+10Leans Liberal

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Shively, Kentucky
Dem Rep
30%40%50%60%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C+
Fair9.6% of income
Property Rights
D+
WeakIJ Grade D+
Firearm Rights
A
GreatFPC Grade A
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (60% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
D-
RestrictedLimited
Gambling Laws
C+
LimitedTribal · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season206 days285 frost-free
Annual Rainfall54.5"
Elevation459 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
D+
Vulnerable

Multiple tactical vulnerabilities. Population density, target proximity, or disaster risk are likely compounding. A retreat property and exit planning is required.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
F
Poor4.9 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
D-
Poor3,403/sq mi
Fallout Danger
B
Fair1 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorInland Flooding, Tornado, Earthquake, Cold Wave, Heat Wave
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 377 mi · coast 487 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$341.9M/yrfor the county

Key Distances

Nearest Major CityLouisville618k people are 4.9 mi away
Nearest Major AirportNo hub airport within 50 mi
Distance to State Capital51 miFrankfort, KY
Nearest Prison24 mi1 within 25 mi

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T09:49:42.000Z

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