What to know when moving to Kokomo, IN
Kokomo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 27.9% of residents rent and 17.3% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $61,041, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.6%, financial considerations are important.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $869 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kokomo, Indiana, has a population of 38,254, with a median household income of $61,041. About 27.9% of residents are renters, which indicates a significant homeowner presence. The education level is relatively modest, with 17.3% of the population holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a poverty rate of 13.6%, which may affect living conditions for some. Outdoor enthusiasts will find parks like Highland Park and Jackson Morrow Park within easy reach.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a city with higher educational attainment and extensive public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $869, which is manageable compared to national averages.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $131,700, making homeownership within reach for many.
- 17.3% of residents have a bachelor's degree, indicating a community with a mix of educational backgrounds.
- Poverty rate stands at 13.6%, suggesting some economic challenges in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime statistics for Indiana provide a mixed picture. While the state's property crime rate is 1,121.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 27.5% lower than the national rate, the violent crime rate stands at 269.3 per 100,000, also below the national average.
- Violent crime: 269.3 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3 (17.2% lower).
- Property crime: 1,121.6 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9 (27.5% lower).
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 48.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Indiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kokomo has access to several educational institutions, providing options for those seeking higher education.
- Postsecondary institutions: 5
- With College Scorecard data: 5
- Notable institutions include Indiana University-Kokomo and Ivy Tech Community College-Kokomo.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, Kokomo offers several parks for outdoor activities, making it a great place for nature lovers.
- Highland Park - 4.6 stars (1,648 reviews)
- Jackson Morrow Park - 4.6 stars (891 reviews)
- The Foxes Trails - 4.4 stars (1,079 reviews)
- Foster Park - 4.4 stars (1,070 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
The local economy in Howard County shows a stable labor market, with a labor force of 36,275 and an unemployment rate of 4.0% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.0% (December 2025)
- Employed: 34,830
- Labor force: 36,275
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).