49.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 83.2Lawn Care 76.1

County Report Card

About Kenton County, Kentucky

Matching the National Median

Kenton County holds a composite score of 49.8, placing it right at the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard American living experience with high incomes offset by urban challenges.

Chasing the State Average

The county sits nearly 10 points below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While it is an economic engine for the region, its lower scores in affordability and environmental risk weigh down the overall ranking.

Wealth and Wellness Lead

High salaries are the norm here, with an income score of 83.2 and a median household income of $79,421. The county also supports a healthy lifestyle, earning a strong health score of 74.0.

High Costs and Natural Risks

Living here is expensive, as evidenced by a cost score of 20.9 and rents exceeding $1,000. Additionally, the risk score of 22.6 suggests the area is more vulnerable to natural disasters than many of its peers.

Ideal for Career-Oriented Residents

This county is a prime fit for professionals who value high-paying jobs and quality healthcare above all else. It offers the perks of a developed urban area for those who can manage higher taxes and housing prices.

Score breakdown

Tax37.8Cost20.9Safety57.5Health74Schools52.3Income83.2Risk22.6Water86Weather62.5
🏛37.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠20.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼83.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡57.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
74
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓52.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
22.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱76.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Kenton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

Safety in Kenton County

via CrimeByCounty

Kenton County Safety Exceeds National Marks

With a safety score of 98.5, Kenton County is much safer than the typical U.S. county. Its total crime rate of 978.3 per 100K residents is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5. Fifteen local agencies work together to maintain this standard of public safety.

Aligning With Kentucky's Safety Standards

Kenton's safety score of 98.5 sits right near the Kentucky average of 98.8. The total crime rate of 978.3 is slightly higher than the state average of 786.2, but remains well within a safe range. It serves as a relatively stable environment compared to other populous Kentucky counties.

Regional Comparisons to Kenton County

Kenton County’s rate of 978.3 crimes per 100K is significantly lower than Jessamine County’s 1532.3. It maintains a competitive safety profile compared to other urbanized areas in the state. Local law enforcement keeps crime levels manageable even with a high population.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 862.4 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate is 115.9, which is higher than the state average of 78.1 but still far below the national 369.8. Most residents will primarily encounter issues related to theft or vandalism rather than physical threats.

Effective Strategies for Home Protection

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing your perimeter is a smart move. Modern doorbell cameras and window sensors can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Staying connected with neighbors through local safety apps also helps keep Kenton County secure.

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.

Schools in Kenton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Education Options in Northern Kentucky

Kenton County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 46 public schools serving 22,452 students. The system is distributed across five districts and includes 22 elementary schools, five middle schools, and 12 high schools. This extensive network makes it one of the largest and most varied school landscapes in the state.

Steady Performance and Broad Enrollment

Kenton County schools report a 92.1% graduation rate, which remains well above the national average of 87%. The county spends approximately $6,840 per pupil, closely aligned with the state average. While the school score of 54.3 is just below the Kentucky average, it reflects the challenges and successes of managing a very large student body.

A Hub for Major Regional Districts

The Kenton County district is the largest, managing 22 schools and 14,066 students, followed by Covington Independent with 11 schools. There are currently zero charter schools in the county, keeping the focus on its five traditional public districts. These districts collectively serve over 22,000 students across the Northern Kentucky region.

Suburban Schools with Large Campus Feels

The majority of the 46 schools are located in suburban areas, catering to the county's developed residential zones. Simon Kenton High School is the largest in the county with 1,859 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 548. This suburban locale mix offers modern facilities and diverse extracurricular opportunities for students.

Discover Homes in Top-Tier Suburban Districts

Kenton County's diverse range of 46 schools offers something for every family, from large high schools to specialized academies. The area’s strong graduation rates and suburban convenience make it a premier choice for education-minded homebuyers. Researching specific districts like Kenton County or Erlanger-Elsmere can help you find the perfect neighborhood for your needs.

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.

Soil Quality in Kenton County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Kentucky Soil Character

Specific taxonomic data for Kenton County is currently limited, but the area generally aligns with the state pH average of 5.80. Compared to the national median of 6.5, these soils are more acidic and often require amendments for optimal vegetable growth. Understanding this baseline is essential for any Northern Kentucky land project.

Soil Texture and Workability

While sand and silt percentages are currently unmapped, the soil texture in Kenton County dictates how well your garden drains. A high clay content, common in the region, provides excellent nutrient retention but can make digging difficult when dry. Knowing your soil's physical limits helps you choose the right tools for the job.

Tracking Organic Matter Trends

Kenton County benefits from a state organic matter average of 3.55%, which is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. With a state average water capacity of 0.186 in/in, the local ground has a strong ability to support plant life through the season. These numbers point to a productive foundation for local lawns and gardens.

Understanding Local Water Drainage

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently available for this specific county record. Proper water management is key in Northern Kentucky to prevent basement dampness and soil erosion on hillsides. Homeowners should focus on grading and runoff solutions to keep their land stable and productive.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 6b

Kenton County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, which means growers should select plants that can withstand slightly colder winters. This zone is perfect for growing sturdy brassicas, root vegetables, and many varieties of fruit trees. The cooler climate offers a distinct advantage for those looking to cultivate a diverse backyard orchard.

Lawn Care in Kenton County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Lawn Care in Northern Kentucky

Kenton County scores a 76.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it high above the national average of 50.0. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 6b, this area provides a slightly cooler environment that favors traditional northern grass types.

Moderate Heat and Balanced Rainfall

Annual precipitation is 45.3 inches, which is slightly below the state average but ideal for maintaining healthy turf. The county faces 22 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 30, meaning less heat stress for your grass.

Foundational Care for 6b Soils

Data for soil pH and texture is currently limited for this area, making local testing essential. Homeowners should focus on organic amendments to improve soil structure and ensure adequate nutrient uptake for new growth.

Zero Current Drought Stress

Kenton County saw 4 weeks of drought over the last 12 months, but currently 0.0% of the area is impacted by dry conditions. Efficient watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and keeps roots hydrated during the few dry spells that occur.

Select the Best Cool-Season Grass

Fine fescue and perennial ryegrass are excellent choices for the 6b climate in Kenton County. Aim to seed in late summer or early autumn to take advantage of cooling temperatures before the first freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kenton County's county score?
Kenton County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 49.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Kenton County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Kenton County ranks #101 among all counties in Kentucky on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Kenton County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Kenton County is $2,284, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Kenton County a tax score of 37.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kenton County?
The median household income in Kenton County, Kentucky is $79,421 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kenton County earns an income score of 83.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kenton County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Kenton County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #101 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Kenton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Kenton County with other counties side by side.