Kenton County

Kentucky · KY

#114 in Kentucky
65.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Kenton County, Kentucky

Above National Median, Urban Appeal

Kenton County scores 67.5 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by a significant margin. As a more urbanized Northern Kentucky county, it represents the region's best effort to balance growth with livability.

Underperforming State Average

The county's 67.5 score falls below Kentucky's state average of 75.0, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 120 counties. Urban areas here face greater affordability challenges than rural counterparts.

Highest Income Potential Locally

Kenton County leads these eight counties with a median household income of $79,421 and an income score of 35.2, reflecting greater wage opportunities in the Northern Kentucky corridor. The tax score of 74.0 provides moderate tax efficiency for higher-earning households.

Housing Costs Eat Into Gains

Despite higher incomes, the county's cost score of 70.7 reflects suburban pricing pressures, with median home values of $227,500 and rent at $1,018/month consuming household budgets. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and water quality prevents fuller livability assessment.

For Higher-Income Urban Professionals

Kenton County suits professional families and dual-income households comfortable with suburban costs in exchange for job market depth and urban amenities. It's the regional choice for those prioritizing earnings potential over affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74Cost70.7SafetyComing SoonHealth75.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.2Risk22.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼35.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
22.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Kenton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kenton County

via TaxByCounty

Kenton's tax rate exceeds national norms

At 1.004%, Kenton County's effective rate is among the highest profiled and surpasses the national median of 0.85% by roughly 18%. The median property tax of $2,284 falls just below the national median of $2,690, placing Kenton in line with higher-taxed U.S. counties.

Highest rate in Kentucky sample

Kenton's 1.004% rate is the highest among the eight counties examined and far outpaces Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median tax of $2,284 more than doubles the state median of $1,093, reflecting both significant home values and the county's notably elevated effective rate.

Cincinnati suburb commands premium rates

Kenton's 1.004% rate stands well above neighboring Jessamine County (0.771%) and is more than 50% higher than Larue County (0.630%). As a prosperous Cincinnati suburb, Kenton's higher tax burden aligns with its relatively strong property values and robust county services.

What $227,500 home costs yearly

A typical Kenton homeowner with a median-valued property pays approximately $2,284 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that climbs to $2,401; without one, it falls to $2,004.

High taxes make appeals even more valuable

In a high-rate county like Kenton, a successful tax appeal can yield substantial annual savings for overassessed homeowners. Given median taxes here exceed $2,200, even a modest assessment reduction can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.

Cost of Living in Kenton County

via CostByCounty

Kenton beats both state and nation

Kenton County renters spend just 15.4% of income on rent, comfortably below the national 30% benchmark and better than Kentucky's state average of 17.0%. With a median household income of $79,421—exceeding the national median by $4,666—residents enjoy strong affordability despite higher absolute housing costs.

Kentucky's most affordable metro county

Kenton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% ranks among Kentucky's best, even though its median rent of $1,018 is the state's highest. The county's economic strength—reflected in median income 6% above the national average—more than compensates for elevated housing costs.

Premium for Cincinnati proximity pays off

Kenton County renters pay the highest median rent in this analysis ($1,018/month) and the highest median home value ($227,500), but they also earn the highest incomes ($79,421). The Cincinnati metro premium translates into better job markets, schools, and services worth the housing cost difference.

Higher costs, higher capacity

Renters allocate 15.4% of their $79,421 income to $1,018 monthly rent, while homeowners spend $1,262 (19.0% of income) on median-valued homes worth $227,500. Both groups have substantial breathing room in their budgets for other living expenses and savings.

Premium location, premium value

Kenton County's higher housing costs reflect its position as the economic and cultural hub of northern Kentucky with Cincinnati metro access. If you're relocating from out of state and earning competitive wages, Kenton's superior affordability compared to peer metros makes it a smart landing spot.

Income & Jobs in Kenton County

via IncomeByCounty

Kenton leads Kentucky with premium incomes

Kenton County's median household income of $79,421 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by nearly $4,700, placing it above average for the entire U.S. This positions Kenton households in the upper-middle income tier and reflects the county's role as home to the Cincinnati metro's Kentucky suburbs.

Kentucky's highest-income county by far

Kenton's $79,421 median income ranks first in Kentucky, 42% above the state average of $55,909. The per capita income of $42,623 also leads the state by 44%, demonstrating Kenton's economic dominance across all income levels.

Clear income leader in the region

Kenton's $79,421 household income significantly outpaces Jessamine ($74,886), Larue ($67,770), and all other neighboring counties. This advantage stems from Kenton's integration with the greater Cincinnati economy and access to higher-wage employment corridors.

Strong housing affordability across income spectrum

Kenton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is the lowest among all eight counties, showing housing costs remain well-controlled. With a median home value of $227,500, homeownership is accessible even at the county median income.

Kenton's income premium enables serious wealth building

Above-average household income means Kenton residents can aggressively pursue investment strategies beyond retirement accounts. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, diversifying into taxable investments, and exploring real estate opportunities to compound wealth advantages.

Health in Kenton County

via HealthByCounty

Kenton County lives long, stays healthy

Kenton's 76.3-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average by 2.5 years, and only 16.7% report poor or fair health. The county stands among America's healthiest regions, driven by strong healthcare access and economic stability.

Kentucky's health leader in the north

At 76.3 years, Kenton County's life expectancy tops the state average of 72.2 years by 4.1 years. Only 16.7% report poor or fair health, well below Kentucky's 25% statewide rate.

Outpaces regional health standards

Kenton's 76.3-year life expectancy leads surrounding counties, including Jessamine (75.7 years) and Lawrence (70.5 years). Its 87 primary care providers per 100K and 231 mental health providers per 100K represent the strongest provider network in the region.

Lowest uninsured rate and best access

Kenton boasts the state's lowest uninsured rate at 5.4%, nearly 2 points below Kentucky's 7.0% average. Combined with robust primary and mental health provider networks, residents enjoy comprehensive healthcare availability.

Keep your coverage strong

If you're uninsured or underinsured, kynect.ky.gov can help you find affordable plans. Regular preventive care keeps families healthy—schedule annual checkups with your primary care provider.

Disaster Risk in Kenton County

via RiskByCounty

Kenton faces above-average U.S. risk

Kenton County's composite risk score of 77.42 exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating overall. This suburban Cincinnati county sits in a zone of moderate natural hazard exposure.

Among Kentucky's higher-risk counties

Kenton's score of 77.42 significantly exceeds Kentucky's 44.21 state average, ranking it near the top of statewide risk. Urban density and river proximity in the region elevate disaster vulnerability.

Tornado risk highest in region

Kenton County's tornado risk of 91.67 is the highest among neighboring Boone and Campbell counties. Its earthquake risk of 71.41 also exceeds most nearby jurisdictions, reflecting proximity to tectonic zones.

Tornadoes and earthquakes are top threats

Tornado risk at 91.67 is Kenton's dominant hazard—among the state's highest—followed by earthquake risk at 71.41. Flood risk of 76.18 adds to the county's exposure, especially near the Licking and Ohio rivers.

Multi-hazard coverage protects your family

Tornado risk demands robust homeowners insurance with documented wind coverage; consider a dedicated rider for high-wind events. Bundle flood insurance and ensure earthquake coverage is available through your agent.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.